A loud rumble passed the spectators as the close knit field thundered into the first bend. Neck to neck the two leaders were fighting for dominance, neither willing to yield the place at the fence, neither willing to commit to the extra power to pull past.
Just coming up to the bend Sam, racing the Darklight Stable's colours of black and gold as number 7, tried to nudge Harlan closer to the fence. He knew the arabian harlequine had no problems with tight turns, he'd seen the owner take him out for some barrell racing just to loosen him up and keep him happy - a task that the stallion had thrown himself into with heart and soul.
At the race track Harlan still seemed to have trouble with not considering the 'whole' track his playing field and, even as he bent into the curve the thought of the start almost made Sam wince.
Well...we always knew that'd be a tricky one. At least we got away clear
Peering ahead, he could see the others. guess it's all going to be down to stamina then...well boy, that's one thing I know you've got plenty of. He urged the horse beneath him to give him a little more speed - coming up to the second last racer....

Owner's note:
The grey ovals around Harlan's neck are smooth polished stones on a string, set on leather at the top of the neck and at his throat to prevent potential chafing. They've been chipped off a old stone monument in Darklight Valley and is the only thing (though we still don't know why they have this property) that prevents Harlan's seriously violent personality change during night and the only way we dare to take him outside of the Valley itself.


Entered into the Harlequine breed show hosted by Ice Hooves Acres in the BL Racing.

Also, because being nice about being able to use a picture from another race competition - entered into Cedarwood Stakes hosted by Cedarwood Stables.

Horse’s name: Harlan Illusion
Horse’s Bio/original page: [link]
[link]
Gender: Stalllion
Age: 6 years
Breed: Arabian Harlequin
Bloodline: Ghede [link]
Class Entering: racing
Link to training picture: [link]
Link to Entry: [link]
Jockey: Seranthiem (or, since neither you not I can pronounce that, Sam for short)
Owner/Trainer: Mae of Darklight Stables


Darklight Stables: [link]
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Reference:
Horse and jockey:
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Challenge 34, Stars