Meanwhile, the two officers and their mounts had been running for their lives ever since their daring escape. They had seemingly evaded the woman’s henchmen as they headed quickly for the zoo’s perimeter fence.
But this had taken its toll on Sophie and Princess. Both horses were completely out of breath since they were not yet used to their new bodies, plus neither had been ridden before (except by other horses of course). They both gradually slowed down until they were left gasping for breath and barely able to walk.
Officer Mark tried to encourage them “come on, we’re nearly there. Come on!” The officer kicked his legs frantically into Sophie’s flanks in a desperate effort to keep her moving.
“Stop it Mark” Officer Georgina retorted. “Can’t you see they’re both worn out? We’d be better off carrying on by foot.”
“It’s still at least a mile away. Besides, the ground is way too open to run for it. If they catch up we’ll be sitting ducks with nowhere to hide.”
“Then what do you suggest?” As she said this Princess stopped and turned to face the lake. “What is it girl? Do you need a drink?” The beige mare neighed as if to say ‘yes.’ “We just need to give them a quick drink and a short break. That should give them some more strength.”
“Are you mad?” Mark asked. “We can’t just stop out here.”
“Just give them a few minutes and then we can carry on. Besides, it’s not like you’ve got any better ideas.”
Mark decided not to argue and instead dismounted near the lake. The exhausted horses then rushed to lap up as much of the cool water as they could while the officers scanned their surroundings for any pursuers.