Through the Turf

I pushed past the perimeter lane and broke into the open pasture where the grass met the flowing water. You spoke of galloping toward a stream, and the broad, open earth offered clear ground. I picked up speed across the firm turf, letting my stride stretch wide until the soft clover gave way to cool, wet sand. Right at the water's edge, a flat granite stepping stone sat loose in the shallows, tipped by the current. I surged into the shallows with a decisive splash and planted my front hoof firmly down onto the rock. It settled straight with a muffled clunk. Standing firm in the swirling water, I let the cool current rinse my hooves.