Taffy's Point of View from Dangerous Decision

by Bethany R.

Dangerous Decision: the reckless race between Andi and Cory

            “You talk too much,” Cory, sitting astride my competition, complained. “Let's go already.”

            “Please, Jack,” my rider appealed to the young man on the ground, “It's mighty hot.”

            Yes, that it is. I'm already sweating under this saddle and the race has not even begun. I glance over at Flash, “Are you ready to be left in my dust?” I neighed.

            “Not a chance. My rider and I are gonna beat you by a mile!”

            “We'll see about that!” I challenged as the young man that my rider called 'Jack' droped his arm to side side and shouted, “Go!”

            My rider dug her heels into my sides and I lunged forward with a thrust of my mighty haunches. Without looking over, I could feel Flash right next to me. Suddenly an old farmer rattled by my side driving an old buckboard. I put on a surge of power now that Flash had swerve to avoid the buckboard.

           But then, just as quick as Flash had fallen behind, I could hear him gaining on me. I kept my pace until my Flash had caught up to me. For a moment we raced neck and neck, eye to eye. Flash's presence taunted me. I snorted my displeasure at him and begged my rider to let me lengthen my stride. It seemed as though Flash was the only one who realized my fury at having his be this close to me. He used this to his advantage, “Hey, Taffy. 

Catch me if you can!”

            And with that he was suddenly ahead of me. I surged forward with renewed strength. As I passed Flash and his rider I gave a taunting flick of my tail in his face.

            I raced on toward the man holding a bandanna. I slowed only long enough for my rider to grasp the bandanna and then I was off again at top speed.  

           Now Flash was right on my side again. I just knew that I needed to muster up more strength. I could hear his rider urging him faster. But I was so tired. However, as my rider pleaded with me to go faster, I knew that I could not fail her. I pulled ahead in no time. I could feel the change of her position as she turned around to look at Flash and his rider. 

          All of a sudden Flash's rider shouted a warning and it came just in time. My rider pulled me to a complete halt a few inches from a man who now lay on the ground. I stared down into his face and sniffed. I hope I didn't hurt him!