[OAS] Cass and Mets Barrel Racing - Oasis Invitational

Cass led Mets towards the passage that would see them enter the barrel racing contest. The stallion danced beside her, antsy and ready to run to a point she wasn’t sure how the ride was going to go. 

It was drizzling a bit as they approached the arena, Mets already annoyed by the water as a thin blanket of steam covered him. It was probably the first time she’d seen his flames this hot, and she was looking forward to seeing him in action. Though it might end with her in the sand if she wasn’t careful. 

Mets danced on the way up to the chute, prancing and pulling against Cassandra’s restraining grip. It was the first time he’d behaved that way in quite some time and it was more amusing than not, though she managed not to laugh. It wouldn’t have been appropriate at the moment. 

The moment Mets entered the chute he calmed, at least outwardly but the tension in his muscles spoke of a focus and determination that would prove hard to beat on a good day. He stomped his feet, a small puff of smoke forming as he huffed in anticipation. 

“Helppoa, Mets, ei vielä. Odota signaalia.” Cass patted at the stallion's neck, still holding the reins with her free hand. 

Fortunately for both of them they didn’t have long to wait. The bell rang and the gate swung open and then Mets was off, though Cassandra was ready for his surge of energy. 

Mets bounded out of the gate and into the arena, small wisps of steam rising from him as the light mist hit his coat. They blended with the steady bursts of smoke from his nose as he made for the first barrel. 

He took the turn smoothly, though close enough and fast enough Cassandra found her knees far closer to impacting the ground than she preferred. They were comfortable enough as a pair that the act didn’t scare her, but it did make her sit up and tuck herself in tighter even though she had no fear of falling. 

The second barrel was looped around nearly as fast as the first, a plume of flame greeting everyone as wet sand flung from the stallion’s hooves as he tore his way through the arena. This time Cass did laugh. She couldn’t help it. The speed, combined with the fire and rain was just too exhilarating not to enjoy. A rush of adrenaline so delightful there was no point to holding it back, nor was she embarrassed by expressing it. 

Mets changed leads with little prompting from her as they raced towards the third barrel. He was kicking damp sand up to a point Cass wasn’t sure if they’d have to level the course after them or not. Not that she cared. The ride would be brief, but it was far too fun to worry any more about the matter. 

And then they were around the third and last of the barrels, racing towards the finish line with a speed Mets rarely displayed outside of competition. They made it out the gate, Mets breathing hard but stamping his hooves as if ready to go again. 

Cass chuckled and dropped down, holding his reins tightly as she stroked his nose, the smoke tickling her fingers, “Hyvin tehty, rakkaani. Olen ylpeä sinusta.”

Mets butted against her hand impatiently as she set off to walk him for a time and let him cool off, the fiery stallion for once not seeming to mind the rain.