As I made my way into the racing ring, I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins. Edward, my trusty steed, was snorting with excitement, ready to take on anything that came our way. The crowd around us was buzzing with anticipation, their cheers echoing throughout the arena.

"Edward! Edward! Edward!"

As we walked closer to the starting line, I waved to the cheering fans, feeling the power of the moment. Edward could sense the energy too, as he neighed loudly, standing on his hind legs in a show of strength and almost throwing me off his back.

“Easy boy.” I patted his back.

“Oh look, it's Persimmon and her pony. Tell me Persimmon, are you sure that horse won't collapse under your weight? And what about your balance, dear Persimmon? One misstep and you'll be squished like a disgustingly overripe fruit.”

“My my, what a clever observation! You must have spent countless hours studying the physics of horseback riding. Don't worry about my balance, I've been working on my core strength by carrying the weight of people's unnecessary and unsolicited comments. It's quite the workout, you should try it sometime. After all, I'm not a delicate peach like you.”

“Sweetie, Persimmon! I can't believe you're here! I was expecting you to sit this one out. Your name wasn't on the list for tonight's race!”

"Oh my goodness, Belle! It's so great to see you here tonight!" I exclaimed as I took in the sight of her and her beautiful white stallion. Her bright pink hair stood out against the crowd.

"Hi there, Berry!" I greeted her horse as they took their place next to my horse.

“Oh, well if it isn't Miss Dainty Pink Head riding her majestic white pony. How precious. I bet she thinks she's better than everyone else just because she looks like a freaking unicorn. Keep galloping away, princess, let's see how far that fancy horse takes you in life.”

"Shut up Peachfuzz !"

Belle and I both shouted at Peachfuzz - the man with the most absurdly fuzzy head of hair you've ever seen! With a mane of curly, peach-colored locks that look like they've been plucked straight from the fruit itself, Pete stands out wherever he goes. But that's not all - his infectious laugh sounds just like the squish of biting into a juicy peach.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we kindly request the attention of all riders and horses present here. Kindly make your way toward the starting line as the first round is set to commence shortly. We request all participants to comply with the regulations and be prepared for the race. May the best rider and horse emerge victorious. We wish all participants the very best of luck and hope to witness a thrilling race. Thank you for your cooperation and let's begin the race.”

As soon as the announcement was made at the race course, a wave of excitement consumed the crowd, and they erupted into thunderous applause and cheers.

“We got this Edward, we can win this as long as you don't throw me off the saddle.”

I dove back onto my saddle and waited for the start signal from our starter. My heart was pounding hard in my chest as I gripped the reins tighter. As the starting gun sounded, Edward burst out of the gate with a fierce energy, his powerful hooves pounding against the ground. I leaned forward, urging him on, feeling the wind rush past my face as we hurtled towards the finish line.

The other riders were hot on our heels, but I refused to let them catch up. I could feel Edward's muscles straining beneath me as we pushed ourselves harder and harder, each stride bringing us closer to victory.

The wind whipped through my hair as I leaned forward, urging my horse on. I focused on the rhythm of his hooves hitting the ground, the sound becoming a comforting beat.

As we approached the corner of the race course, I could feel Edward's muscles tense under me. I knew this was his biggest challenge - the sharp turn that could easily throw me off his back. I held tight to his reins and trusted in his strength and agility. At that moment, there was no room for fear or hesitation. Time seemed to slow down as we made the turn, and I felt every movement of Edward's body as we navigated through it.

“Hoorayyyyyy!”

“Edward! Edward! Edward!”

With each pounding of my hooves against the dirt track, my confidence surges. The wind seems to carry the roar of the crowd straight to my ears, fueling my determination. As I glance behind me, I see the other horses falling farther and farther behind.

“VICTORY!”

“EDWAAAARRRRRDDDD!!!”

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“First-round winner, horse number 4, Edward!”

The moment I crossed the finish line, a sense of overwhelming relief and triumph consumed me. The cheers of the crowd filled my ears, and my heart swelled with pride as I gazed down at my trusty steed. I got to my feet, still holding Edward's reins in one hand, and released the other.

“Excellent work, my darling!” I exclaimed with a smile. "That was incredible!"

My horse whinnied in appreciation of his congratulations and a satisfied hum of approval echoed through me. I placed the reins around Edward's neck and began walking him toward the paddock.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we will be taking a brief intermission before the commencement of the second lap. Please use this time to refresh yourself. Thank you for your attention and we look forward to continuing this exhilarating race shortly.”

I awkwardly shuffled towards Belle, and with a sheepish grin I asked, "Belle, can you help me watch over Edward for a while please," I muttered through clenched cheeks. My stomach grumbled in protest as I waddled toward the nearest bathroom.

Oh god, what did I just eat? Was it the apple or the goddamn free flow of buffet before the race? My stomach was about to explode like a volcano, and I was pretty sure the people around me could hear the rumbling. I should've known better than to go hard on the buffet. My stomach was already regretting every single bite.

I had to take an extended toilet break, the discomfort too much to bear. It felt like an eternity sitting there, but finally, the relief came. Without a moment's hesitation, I hurried back to the race track.

“Neighhh!!!”

As I approached my horse, Edward was stomping his hooves and nipping at the ground, clearly agitated.

"Oh, hold your rein, horsie!" I exclaimed, trying to calm him down. "Why are you so upset that I left you for a while?" I reached out to stroke his nose and speak soothing words, hoping to ease his unease.

“Neighhhhhhhh!!!”

I reached for an apple and handed it to Edward. "Alright, Edward. Please behave yourself.”

“Attention all riders and horses, it's time for the second round. Please make your way to the starting line now. We don't want to hold up the competition. Let's get ready to showcase our riding skills and give it our all. Looking forward to seeing some great performances! “

“Come on Edward! It's time to kick some asses!”

“Neighhhhhh!!!”

Despite my attempts to calm him down, Edward was agitated as we approached the starting line. His protests grew louder and I couldn't figure out why. As I mounted the horse, I tightened my grip and adjusted the saddle. But Edward's behavior made me uneasy like he knew something I didn't.

“Ready, go!”

As soon as the whistle blew, the horses came galloping past us in a blur, moving with a speed that made them seem almost supernatural. Their hooves thundered against the ground, as if trying to create an earthquake. Meanwhile, Edward remained unfazed and unhurried, as if he were out for a leisurely stroll on a sunny afternoon. He seemed to be in no rush, as if he had all the time in the world. His calm demeanor was in stark contrast to the frenzied energy of the horses, which seemed to be racing for their lives.

"Come on, Edward, move it!" I urged, eager to keep pace with the other racers.

“Neighhhhhhhh!!!”

“EDWARD DEMEDROS SON OF PHANTARGUS! FOR GOD’S SAKE, GIDDY UP!”

“Neighhhhhh!!!”

Edward shrieked and began to gallop toward the other horses. His hooves thundered on the ground as he ran, his mane and tail flowing in the wind. I gritted my teeth and pushed my horse harder, feeling the wind whipped past my face. Our competitors are up ahead, but I could see that we were gaining on them.

“Corner ahead!”

‘Snap!’

As I yanked on the reins, they snapped in half, sending me lurching forward. In that moment, I felt a sudden surge of fear and adrenaline coursing through my veins. I clung to the saddle with all my might, my fingers digging into the leather as my horse galloped faster and faster. The noise of the crowd faded away as I struggled to regain control of my steed, trying to calm him down with soothing words and gentle pats on the neck. It was a hair-raising moment, but I refused to let go.

My grip slipped and I felt myself dangling from the saddle. Clinging to the saddle, I whispered to Edward to steady himself. We were so close to colliding with another rider, but we narrowly avoided it.

After a lot of struggles, I finally regained my balance on the saddle, I gripped hard with my legs to avoid falling down.

"Good job, Edward. Now go and finish the race!”

So there I was, clinging onto Edward's neck for dear life as we galloped to the finishing line. With each passing second, it seemed as if the end was in sight. Finally, the finish line was within reach, and with one last burst of energy, we finally made it to the finish line.

“Third place, Edward!”

Oh boy, I swear that horse had it out for me. As soon as he came to a halt, I was a goner. My sense of balance took a vacation without me. I clutched onto his neck for dear life, but he slipped away like my dignity after a few too many drinks. The next thing I knew, I was face down in the dirt. I was not sure what was more embarrassing - my fall or the sound I made upon impact.

"Hey, hey! Anybody who betted that Persimmon would take a graceful dive from her horse, come collect your winnings at the counter! Don't be shy now, step right up and claim your shiny gold prize!”

“Hahahahaa!” The race track erupted with laughter.

“Persimmon! Are you alright?” Belle came running towards me.

“Just a bit scratch here and there. It's not like I’m not used to it. And by the way, congratulations on getting the second place!”

Belle came up to me and thanked me. I noticed her focus on my reins and she whispered to me, "I think this was intentional. Your reins don't look like they just broke by accident."

I wasn't surprised. Sabotage was common in races, and it wouldn't be the first time it happened around here.

“Let’s focus on the last race.”

During the break, I pulled out an extra set of reins from my bag and carefully attached them to the horse's bridle. I had this habit of always carrying extra equipment, just in case something went wrong. As I was examining the horse, I noticed that he was a bit restless, and I wondered if he was uncomfortable with the new reins. I decided to take a few minutes to get him used to the reins by leading him around the paddock.

“Neighhhhh!!”

"Okay okay, I get it. I should've listened to you." I said, trying to pacify him.

As I prepare for the third and final round, my focus intensified. I must emerge victorious in this last leg of the race if I am to secure my overall triumph.