Leo: Story of a Police Horse

3

The day was hot, the sun was bright and the air was thick with humidity. Aaron's hair stuck to his forehead, glued with sweat. Leo's hair was clammy and curled with the dampness. The heat was miserable for both horse and man. Aaron smoothed a Flair-Strip to Leo's face, and patted Leo's whorl on the center of his forehead. Today is the day buddy. Aaron thought, This is it. The large horse nibbled Aarons fingers, looking for treats. Today, on this sweltering hot day, was the day of Leo's final exam. Nerves, and fear of failure overflowed Aarons mind. Thoughts of him messing Leo up and failing the exam for both of them haunted him even days before the exam. Aaron spent the last few nights in a sleepless rest, constantly overthinking the worst. He was exhausted and brain dead, but he knew every task in the book by heart. Every nook and cranny was known by both; they could do this no matter what was thrown at them.

The arena was freshly groomed and the air was dusty. The lights blazed down on Leo's shiny tack which reminded Aaron of the first time he brought Leo into this arena so long ago. Countless box fans hummed and tried their best to clear the air of its humidity. All six horses stood patiently at the alley of the arena. The tension of all the horses and riders was so prominent it seemed to add pressure to the air as well.

The proctor walked into the arena, trainer Anderson at his side. The proctor made eye contact with Aaron and nodded slightly. The man had given Leo and Aaron his respect after Leo proved him wrong at the tryouts and passed the requirements. Leo released a deep breath, a sign that he was ready to outshow everyone. Aaron returned it with a deep exhale. This is our time Leo. Let's do this. Aaron thought.

The proctor clicked his pen open and nodded at the first examinee. The team, horse and rider completed their course and stood off at the end gate waiting for the next round. Once it was finally Leo's turn Aaron walked him to the starting cone. "We got this. Let's show everyone," he told Leo and clucked him forward.

The first obstacle was weaving through traffic barrels and stepping over random street debris. Leo passed through it easily. He smoothly walked over the tarp and through the puddle! Aaron had to resist the urge to pat Leo as a reward but couldn't due to regulations. Good boy, Aaron told Leo in his mind. Leo surged on. Aaron felt the muscular figure underneath him and matched the rhythm, he kept his weight evenly in the saddle so as not to throw off Leo. Rising and falling with the outside leg, he posted in perfect time. Up and over the stationary bridge, up and over the teeter-totter bridge, and around the flashing and blaring squad car. Leo's focus was incredible, it was stronger than Aaron had ever seen. Leo wanted this, he wanted it bad. Good boy, Aaron mentally praised his horse again.

Everything around the two melted away. The fans died, the lights faded and the gawking eyes of the proctor no longer mattered. Nothing did. Just Leo and Aaron, in perfect unison, completing the most important test of their lives. They completed each obstacle with ease. Aaron felt his heart rise and his cheeks warm and tingle as he tried not smile. He felt the eagerness in his stomach and the joy in every bone. Leo's trot had an extra bounce to it, he was feeling the same emotions. Aaron looked ahead and saw a bright light. This was it, this was the last challenge in the course. Leo tensed and slid to a stop.

Aarons heart dropped, his stomach flipped and all the joy drained away. No, he gasped. A small line of fire blazed on a cord. Foot tall flames twinkled and danced right under Leo's nose. The large horse quickly revered and flared his nose. Aaron's mind raced; he had worked with Leo and fire, but never had Leo walked through it. He took a deep breath and asked Leo to walk on. He refused. No. Come on Leo. The large beast-like horse stood petrified. He continued to flare his nostrils and stare at the fire. Aaron had to think fast, this was a timed test. He redirected Leo's attention to himself and brought the horse into a 360. Aaron felt his heart starting to beat faster and his breathing rate increase, NO! I will not panic. Not today. Not ever again. He took a deep breath, relaxed all his muscles and sat back in the saddle, he took his feet out of the stirrups and let them hang at Leo's sides. He dropped the reins and rubbed the sides of Leo's neck, feeling the muscles and the sweat lather between his fingers. He exhaled again and said, "Good boy. Good boy Leo. You did so good so far. One more obstacle. Trust me the way I am trusting you," Aaron felt Leo's ribcage expand between his legs and release as Leo let out a large breath and freed himself from all tension. He stepped forward. Aaron patted his neck and praised him. Feeling the muscles flex under Aarons legs and hands, he smiled and whispered, "Atta boy. Thank you." Leo's ears turned and angled backwards, facing Aaron. They dipped downward in a relaxed trusting manner and he stepped forward and walked on. He let out another breath, with a little snort as he stepped over the flames without hesitation. His ears still facing Aaron, his complete trust was with his rider. Aaron smiled and rubbed Leo all over even if it was against the rules. Leo did a good job and that's all that mattered. Aaron dismounted and led Leo out of the arena knowing the two of them would be dismissed from the exam. He patted and praised Leo all the way out.