When we walked through the old barns at the back of the run-down track, my eyes set-upon a chestnut mare. On her stall, hung a sign warning handlers of her habit of biting. (I often felt the same.) Labeled “mean,” the horse was destined for the slaughter pen.
Dad headed up to the lounge to place his bets and enjoy a tumbler or two. I hung back, claiming that I just wanted to continue my tour of the barns, as promised in the bargain to come along today.
He disappeared from sight. I snuck back to the red mare’s dusty stall.
I checked the aisle of the barn - no one appeared to be around. I took the mare from the stall with only a halter and rope, hopped onto her bare back and we walked calmly out the back gate. No one followed, or even seemed to notice.
The rear of the track lined a huge meadow. After we sauntered through the opening, I nudged the mare into a full gallop. She took off like a rocket. I had never been on a horse so fast - bonded now by running the race of our lives. We were free!
About the Creator
KJ Aartila
A writer of words in northern WI with a small family and a large menagerie.
My Substack
Enjoyed the story? Support the Creator.
Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also pledge your support or give them a one-off tip, letting them know you appreciate their work.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Keep reading
More stories from KJ Aartila and writers in Fiction and other communities.
Comments (10)
Love this. I can feel the freedom in the air ! 🥰
Awwwwww, this is great
A fantastic take on the Challenge! Having accomplished my Dad many times to the track, I’d visit the barns with my Mum. And it sounds exactly what she would do! Just not sure how I’d go on the basic. I’d say return to Dad. And help continue her subterfuge. Pauline 🌸
What a wonderful story. IMHO this is the best one I have read so far in the challenge. I really hope that this gets the recognition it deserves.
Oh I love it! You went with busting out an animal too 😁
I love the sentiment, but having learned to bite, can she unlearn it. I think of the movie "The Horse Whisperer" & the one horse he couldn't whisper.
This is awesome!!! Loved it!!!
I’m a sucker for any story with a kid and a horse. The black stallion, black beauty I loved them as a kid. You really told this story well the shunned horse, the gambler father, the good hearted kid bravo!
What an amazing story!! Here's my entry: https://vocal.media/fiction/wolf-in-sheep-s-clothing
This is great. Love that last line. Well done.