Feel the heat

Previously:
_{[Backstory Start] - [Present Plot]}


The first phases felt more like a strain than something enjoyable to the pair. Neither Santos nor Fuente seemed to be too keen on the dressage or style section of their discipline. It was a part of it all, a means to display what they could do in a way that was actually judge-able in terms of movement. But what was coming now was what made their blood boil, in a good way.

Horatio caught them before their turn. Stopping Alvorada beside the pair he placed one hand on Santos' shoulder.

"Whatever you do, please, keep your calm. Don't scare them.."
Santos snorted followed by a laugh. "Scare them. If they are scared by that they have never seen a proper display of skill in such a competition."

Horatio shook his head with a slight smile. "Behave.." And with those words he let him go.

Santos waited for his turn and entered the big arena. The floor was covered in grass but luckily the rain had stopped the day before, making it less of a danger to slip and fall. The music was already playing, heating up and preparing the audience for what was to come. It was something more modern with touches of traditional rhythms and melodies. Something that reminded him of his teenage years.
With a slight smile on his lips he checked his garb to make sure that everything was in place and fitting for the upcoming challenge. While he was busy with his outfit Santos felt his equine companion rumble under him, ready to give his best and just have the time of his life in the course. Fuente lived for this, the working part, the adrenaline rush. His injury had rendered him unable to follow that call for a long time but now he was back in shape and ready to face any kind of challenge.
Santos took the reins in his hand, his right arm angled and close to his body to keep the other hand free, as it was required in the class he entered. What was considered as master-class to most was daily routine for him. His riding style was more practical and work-based compared to others that came from a more sport-oriented background. At times he wondered if it was visible to the judges or not. Santos was not interested in devaluing the abilities of others though. It was a matter of pure interest.

His trail of thoughts was cut short though thanks to the starting signal. With the sound of a bell they were off. The pair thundered over the grass-covered ground, ready to face the obstacles in front of them. The bridge was taken with a swift move, Fuente's hooves only meeting the wooden surface once before he was off again. Despite their speed their moves appeared fluent and flexible, not harsh and tight. Even the turns around the barrels were done swiftly but not hastily. Obstacle after obstacle, be it the taking up of the garrocha, the collection of the ring, the slalom or the others, they mastered them with a display of power, unity, precision, and fluidity. One could clearly see that this pair had over 20 years of experience working together.

With every passed obstacle the fire inside of them rose. Taken by the rush of adrenaline Santos gave Fuente as many chances as possible to shine until they reached the final sprint to the finish line. The stallion bolted forward, blades of grass flying left and right. Even after hearing the bell that signaled the end of their turn, Fuente could barely hold still. Fueled by his eagerness Santos granted him some extra moments to burn off some steam.
Bringing Fuente into a pose which was also often seen in Rejoneo, a discipline the pair also dabbled in from time to time, they properly greeted the audience one last time before leaving the arena.

Only time could tell if this was a "Goodbye" or a "See you next time".

While drawing this I had so many things in my head, so many things I wanted to say... and now it's all gone.
Maybe I'll be able to state my thoughts at a later time but for now I am pleased with what I managed to pull of.

Result: 1st

Oufit: traditional Vaquero working outfit, waistband representing stablecolor,
Tack: traditional Vaquero working tack (Sevillian bridle, Vaquero knot tied tail, traditional saddle, leg protection, additional saddlepad to represent stablecolors)
Sponsors: Ancades, PuRaGa, Federación Hípica Gallega, IBA (banners shown all over the entry)

[References Collection] plus samples provided by the host.