A flash of flanks and fetlocks
Horses running free within the paddock
The grass beaten and churned
Into sodden ground
By thumping, pounding hooves
As they wheel away
Their heads held high and proud
Distended nostrils
And teeth exposed
Manes flowing in the breeze
Chasing along the fencing rails
At first a trembling trot
Building to a gentle canter
Before breaking into gallops
Legs and backs bent to the task
Of increasing speed
Right across the field
Driven by the memories
Of former glory days of racing
And the dash along the final furlong
Now free of reins and saddles
And high-seated, whipping jockeys
But allowed to frolic unrestrained
Driven by sheer exuberance
Into an ecstasy of careering
Running round their circuit
Only pulling up at last
To catch their breath
When good and ready
And shambling over to the gate
To scrounge a proffered apple
Copyright Andy Fawthrop 2012
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