Horse Show
by Alexis Kroupa, age 11
She speaks not to humans,
but horse. She gives commands
from the opposite
side of the arena.

Without her help he steps
forcefully into a slow calm gait.
He lunges foreward into
a canter, flows around the
corners with beauty and grace
in every step, ignoring the fact
that she's not balanced, that
she's becoming me, that she's
always been me.

Now I can feel him listening
without words. Then suddenly
we are both in the rhythm,
we could run forever.

The Kentucky Derby Winner
by Florence Miller

At the ring of the bell one horse fell,
But the others started the race,
A horse soon took the lead,
But fell back to the pack,
For stamina he did lack,
The horses stay'd closely bunched,
Then a chestnut took the lead at a very fast speed,
He stayed in the lead without much of a challenge,
And raced to wire with the speed of a fire,
And proved he was the winner in roses on the Derby day.

Eight Seconds
By Lacy Priest

The cowboy takes in his rope's slack,
And drops between the bars onto the bull's back.
He wraps the rope around his fist,
Nods and the gate opens-the last on his list.

The bull spins and bucks with zest,
But the cowboy rides his bull with the best.
Five seconds go by and he starts to lose his seat,
But the cowboy recovers-he just won't be beat.

Seven seconds have already gone,
But the bull still isn't bucking alone.
"Eight seconds," the buzzer does sound,
And the ground catches the cowboy as the bull bucks 'round.

Those eight seconds give the cowboy the championship,
And walking back to his trailer, he gives his rope a flip.
Loads up his bull-riding gear, he's ready to go,
Then heads out to his next PBR rodeo.

PONY CLUB
by Michelle Clarke
There are bridles and saddles and blankets galore
there are kids in joddies they got from the store
there are floats and ropes and buckets with brushes
there are mums in the kitchen,making rolls for the lunches

The Mighty Palomino Thoroughbred
by Katie Hakes
Trotting proud yet nervous, mighty Thoroughbreds dance along.
Parading to post, tall, elegant, and strong.
Dependable lead ponies, guide agitated steeds.
Horses born to run, born to win, it's their breed.
Reaching the chutes they begin to load.
High strung beauties not easy to goad.
Small men up top grip the reins tight.
These jockeys know each horse will put up a fight.
Stallions rear, and plunge at the gate.
Impatient snorts, not wanting to wait.
A breathless second, all gates flash up!
Horseflesh gather legs, to run for the cup.
Sprinters first, stayers at middle.
Who will win, still a riddle.
Dirt clods fly, their speed they spend.
Churning legs, they round the bend.
Bay's in the lead, though grey's favorite here.
Horses are pushed forward, as others draw near.
First turn comes, powerful chargers fly past.
Hardly time, for shadows to be cast.
Bay's quick sprint gone, bright chestnut takes lead.
He flies round the rail, at tremendous speed.
But grey's steady breeze catches chestnut fast.
He puts up a fight, grey pushes past.
The crowd cheers loudly, grey has it won!
Others say no, this race is not done!
For right beside grey, another horse comes.
Palomino's rider lets rein slide through thumbs.
Fractured leg healed, though comeback doubted.
Everyone shouts, he looks newly sprouted!
Palomino was gaining, then passing grey!
Seemingly winged, mystical, in earthly array.
Puffing heavily, covering great ground.
Crowd cheering till hoarse, for new hero they found!
Vigorously running, faster still!
To end this great test of speed, heart, and will.
Results came out clean, Palomino won the race.
Noble victory was his, for he kept up the pace.
Blanket of flowers draped to the ground.
Glossy gold cup to the victor crowned.
Palomino triumphed over all.
Powerful, healed, straight, and tall.

This is my chant
soft and sweet,
On the ground I hear thuds
of my horses feet.

I check my lead
I'm glad it's right,
A jump looms ahead
just in sight.

We near the fence
my horse and I,
A Liverpool oxer
four feet high.

Four feet high
and four feet wide,
I'm jumping this
to defend my pride.

My fear is hidden
deep inside me,
My horse speeds up
and I say "steady."

I ask for takeoff
the jump is here,
My mount winds up
and springs in gear.

Over the fence
we both fly,
And safely land
on the other side.

I congratulate my mount
knowing he's great,
Now I won't have
to meet my own fate.

Thank you Gangsta
I love you so much,
Let's go back to the stable
and get you some lunch!