Rebel nodded and said, "That's perfect" as West explained the race. When West was on '2', Rebel lowered his head and pawed the ground, readying for the launch. He burst forward on 'go' and kicked up his back legs, squinting through the dust that West had kicked up. He was going easy on him, Rebel knew, and he was slowly gaining on the big stallion. "You're..." Rebel panted, using as little air as possible for talking, "Going easy on me... Aren't you?" He didn't pay attention whether West answered or not. The finish line was closing in, and West was still a few yards in front of him. Using a different tactic then usual, Rebel saved his strength for the end of the race, staying at the same speed until the end, when he sped up, trying to pass West before the trees passed them.

West's ears pinned playfully. "Why would I do that? Aren't I a conceited stallion that always wants to win?" he asked haughtily with a grin, pureposefully using air and concentrating less on running so he had a reason to slow even more. His paces became a little less long, and soon Rebel shot ahead of him with a burst of speed. West crossed the finish line only one horse-length behind Rebel, chuckling... though a bit out of breath... as he came to a halt, dust poofing up all around. "Good race, winner."

Rebel passed West and the trees, barely beating West in the last second. He slowed to a walk and then a stop and turned around to face West. "Thank you. But why did you do that?" He asked, still out of breath.

West puffed a little, his nostrils flaring as he smiled a little. "Eh, do what? You won, fair and square, because I am slow and lazy; woe is me." He chuckled, his eyes twinkling.

"Let me win, silly. I know you did. You always do." Rebel said, rolling his eyes. "I'm old enough to be let down, you know. But I guess you are slow... But only 'cuz you're old!" Rebel neighed, smiling mischievously.

Dixie watched as West raced the colt. She shook her head and let her eyes follow him to the end of the trees, hoping no one would notice. Macy watched Dixie then gave her a nudge. Scarlet trotted back to her mother and leaned against her.

"I do not *always*" West scoffed with a snort. "Oh, fine. I'll come clean. I might have slowed down... but I would have done it for anyone. Not just you, special boy." He winked with a joking grin, chuckling at Rebel's joke. "Old? Eh? What did you say? I'm a little deaf.." He inquired with a loud laugh. "You're only as old as you think you are. I'm still a colt inside." West flashed a smile, prancing in a circle with a teasing chuckle.

Rebel laughed at West's response. "Fine. I'll let you have it this time. You don't always do it. BUuut... You do do it a lot. And I haven't seen you do it for other horses, so I don't quite trust you on that one." Rebel listened as West was surprised at his words. "I know, I know, you're not THAT old, but you're the oldest horse I've ever met! Ah, and you admit it! You're old enough to have hearing losses! I feel bad for you. Sort of. Anyway, you probably have to go take care of the herd now, without me bugging you." Rebel answered, shaking his mane.

"I don't do it a lot because this is the first time I have raced in months! When this herd was new I raced all the time... especially with Phantom." His tone dropped a little when he reached the last word. Phantom. -Darn it West, don't let that ruin your fun- He thought to himself, brightening again. "And I let her win, too! So, like, I let everyone win, bada bing bada boom." West said triumphantly, grinning. "Really? I'm only oh- like- 12! Or wait I don't know... but really? I'M the oldest horse you've ever met? Makes me feel ancient compared to Mr. Young 'Un." West laughed, snorting. "Eh, the herd is fine... nothing much is happening. " He said non-chalantly, glancing at the herd. "Plus, you are definitely not bugging me. This is the most fun I've had in centuries. The dinosaurs were the last time I had REAL fun, back in the prehistoric age when I was younger." He snickered

Willow came back with Trigger, she decided to give Athena space. She watched and cheered for Rebel as he raced West "Yay! Go Rebal!" She yelled to him. When he won the race she troted over to them. She laughed when West said he was old and deaf, and smiled when Rebel made fun of him. Then stood next to West in his defence "Don't call him old! Or ancient, Dad? You don't need to listen, you don't look a day over four!" She said cuddling up to him before trotting off to find her mother