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Description
Horse: AVS Flight of the Nighthawk - ID 1042
Handler: Nadya Ryder

Show: FOYS 2019 Spring Qualifiers

Class Entering: Flat Racing

Nadya was nervous when she and Zach had first approached Dean and Brittany – the AVS owners – with the idea. She had no idea how they would react. But once Zachary was able to explain their proposal, and the goals behind it, the owners had jumped right on board. After all, it was a great way to show how versatile and talented their stallion was. Especially if they hoped to use him as a contender for the FOYS title at years end.

And so, Nadya had hung up her dressage tack – tucked neatly away in the barn – and swapped it out for some flat racing gear. She had spent the last few months on the track, under Zach’s guidance and tutelage, working with Nighthawk. The stunning seal stallion had taken to the change exceptionally well, and despite his more baroque build, he had found a streak of speed within himself that surprised both his rider and trainer.

Now, standing in one of Seychelles Royal Equestrian Park stalls, Nadya finished weaving the last few silver strands of Nighthawk’s mane back into his complicated braid. She ran her fingers over his powerful neck, his coat glistening after preparation for the big race.

“Hey kid,” Zach said as he sauntered up to the stall, “You ready?”

Nadya looked back over Nighthawk, as he nudged her hand looking for treats and stamped his front leg. He had practiced enough; he knew what was coming and was ready to run.

“Yeah,” she answered, “He’s all tacked up and ready to go. The pre-race exam went perfectly and the vet was really impressed. I don’t think he could be any more ready than he is right now.”

“Good.” Zach said. “But, I know he’s ready. The question was: are you?”

She took a deep breath, then looked up to match his gaze and simply replied, “Yes.”

“Let’s do this then.”

It was time for Nighthawk to get checked at the receiving barn, and then meet back up with Nadya at the walking ring. The dark bay stallion flicked his tail as Zach lead him away. They had both agreed that Zach would act as their groom, here at Seychelles Royal Equestrian Park, for Nighthawk’s benefit. The large stallion was a bit wary of strangers. And Nadya didn’t want him to act out with any last-minute surprises prior to the race. At least the stallion knew and trusted Zach.

Nadya put away the grooming supplies, and then went to get changed into her official racing silks. With her helmet in place, she checked to make sure as many of her curls were tucked away as possible, and then set out to meet up with Zach and Nighthawk.

The walking ring was almost surreal. So many owners, trainers, horses and riders all converged for this prestigious Faimé race. Nadya wanted to just pause, and drink the entire experience in. But her nerves kept her in check, and she felt her palms begin to sweat as she looked for a familiar face. And then she saw him – that gorgeous dark stallion with the huge white stockings. He danced in place as he walked alongside Zach. And boy could he dance… yeah, their dressage days were not passed just yet, as Nadya thought with a smile and walked towards Nighthawk.

She nodded at Zach and he helped hoist her up into the racing saddle.

“Any last bits of advice?” she asked.

“Nope.” Zach nodded firmly. “You’ve got this. You guys have trained as a team, and trained hard, the last few months. Just do what I know you can do. And no matter what happens, I’m proud of you kid.” He smiled a crooked smile, and then added, “and so are Dean and Brittany.”

Without further ado, Zachary led Nighthawk onto the track – as part of the pre-race parade and then loaded him into his starting gate. They had drawn spot number seven – a lucky number according to Dean and Brittany – and Nadya was counting on an early burst of speed to secure his place on the track. As soon as the last horse was loaded, Nadya settled into position, feeling every miniscule movement and muscle quiver of Nighthawk below her. They were both poised and ready. This was it.

The bells rang as the starting gates flew open, and Nighthawk flew forward with an incredible burst of speed. Somehow, he knew this was a big race and he was giving it his all…

Event Participation Ribbon:

Extra info:

Not wanting to cut Nighthawk's mane short for the race, Nadya decided to bind it back out of the way in a tightly woven multi-layer braid. After all, her beloved dressage stallion needs to look his best in future photo shoots, yeah?
Nadya and Nighthawks racing silks were coordinated for color with his (nighttime) Bio Lumino pattern. Hmmm, maybe we need to see them in some night racing in the future...

I have no RL horse experience (or know what happens at a race), so I used this: Race Day Routine as a reference for how events may have unfolded prior to the race

This took so much longer than planned. But I fought through a nasty cold the last two weeks and managed to get it done... despite having a fair amount of foggy-brain from the cold and cold medicine. Forgive the writing... there could be some... who knows, crazy typos? Things that make no sense? This time, I blame it on the cold meds... LOL.

Characters/Art © ReQuay

Ref: Thoroughbred racehorse stock

Description
Horse: AVS Flight of the Nighthawk - ID 1042
Handler: Nadya Ryder

Show: FOYS 2019 Spring Qualifiers

Class Entering: Flat Racing

Nadya was nervous when she and Zach had first approached Dean and Brittany – the AVS owners – with the idea. She had no idea how they would react. But once Zachary was able to explain their proposal, and the goals behind it, the owners had jumped right on board. After all, it was a great way to show how versatile and talented their stallion was. Especially if they hoped to use him as a contender for the FOYS title at years end.

And so, Nadya had hung up her dressage tack – tucked neatly away in the barn – and swapped it out for some flat racing gear. She had spent the last few months on the track, under Zach’s guidance and tutelage, working with Nighthawk. The stunning seal stallion had taken to the change exceptionally well, and despite his more baroque build, he had found a streak of speed within himself that surprised both his rider and trainer.

Now, standing in one of Seychelles Royal Equestrian Park stalls, Nadya finished weaving the last few silver strands of Nighthawk’s mane back into his complicated braid. She ran her fingers over his powerful neck, his coat glistening after preparation for the big race.

“Hey kid,” Zach said as he sauntered up to the stall, “You ready?”

Nadya looked back over Nighthawk, as he nudged her hand looking for treats and stamped his front leg. He had practiced enough; he knew what was coming and was ready to run.

“Yeah,” she answered, “He’s all tacked up and ready to go. The pre-race exam went perfectly and the vet was really impressed. I don’t think he could be any more ready than he is right now.”

“Good.” Zach said. “But, I know he’s ready. The question was: are you?”

She took a deep breath, then looked up to match his gaze and simply replied, “Yes.”

“Let’s do this then.”

It was time for Nighthawk to get checked at the receiving barn, and then meet back up with Nadya at the walking ring. The dark bay stallion flicked his tail as Zach lead him away. They had both agreed that Zach would act as their groom, here at Seychelles Royal Equestrian Park, for Nighthawk’s benefit. The large stallion was a bit wary of strangers. And Nadya didn’t want him to act out with any last-minute surprises prior to the race. At least the stallion knew and trusted Zach.

Nadya put away the grooming supplies, and then went to get changed into her official racing silks. With her helmet in place, she checked to make sure as many of her curls were tucked away as possible, and then set out to meet up with Zach and Nighthawk.

The walking ring was almost surreal. So many owners, trainers, horses and riders all converged for this prestigious Faimé race. Nadya wanted to just pause, and drink the entire experience in. But her nerves kept her in check, and she felt her palms begin to sweat as she looked for a familiar face. And then she saw him – that gorgeous dark stallion with the huge white stockings. He danced in place as he walked alongside Zach. And boy could he dance… yeah, their dressage days were not passed just yet, as Nadya thought with a smile and walked towards Nighthawk.

She nodded at Zach and he helped hoist her up into the racing saddle.

“Any last bits of advice?” she asked.

“Nope.” Zach nodded firmly. “You’ve got this. You guys have trained as a team, and trained hard, the last few months. Just do what I know you can do. And no matter what happens, I’m proud of you kid.” He smiled a crooked smile, and then added, “and so are Dean and Brittany.”

Without further ado, Zachary led Nighthawk onto the track – as part of the pre-race parade and then loaded him into his starting gate. They had drawn spot number seven – a lucky number according to Dean and Brittany – and Nadya was counting on an early burst of speed to secure his place on the track. As soon as the last horse was loaded, Nadya settled into position, feeling every miniscule movement and muscle quiver of Nighthawk below her. They were both poised and ready. This was it.

The bells rang as the starting gates flew open, and Nighthawk flew forward with an incredible burst of speed. Somehow, he knew this was a big race and he was giving it his all…

Event Participation Ribbon:

Extra info:

Not wanting to cut Nighthawk's mane short for the race, Nadya decided to bind it back out of the way in a tightly woven multi-layer braid. After all, her beloved dressage stallion needs to look his best in future photo shoots, yeah?
Nadya and Nighthawks racing silks were coordinated for color with his (nighttime) Bio Lumino pattern. Hmmm, maybe we need to see them in some night racing in the future...

I have no RL horse experience (or know what happens at a race), so I used this: Race Day Routine as a reference for how events may have unfolded prior to the race

This took so much longer than planned. But I fought through a nasty cold the last two weeks and managed to get it done... despite having a fair amount of foggy-brain from the cold and cold medicine. Forgive the writing... there could be some... who knows, crazy typos? Things that make no sense? This time, I blame it on the cold meds... LOL.

Characters/Art © ReQuay

Ref: Thoroughbred racehorse stock