Bob selected the appropriate size pony saddle for Max, and ended up having to extend the straps due to Tony's size. He was a good 4" taller than average for a racer, and significantly larger in other dimensions as well. Bob made a mental note to have the saddle people out for a fitting on Tony as soon as possible.
Saddeling Tony was easy. Bob could do it blindfolded, and Tony was fully cooperative.
"How do I mount?" Damn, that's a good question as Tony agreed on hearing Max.
"Master, I can help. if you'll allow?" Roger stepped forward. He towered over Max now and was significantly bigger than Tony.
Max shrugged, "Sure, I trust you Roger."
Roger picked Max up by the waist with his huge hoof/hands, and hoisted him into the saddle on Tony's back. Max landed in the saddle gently, eliciting a small whicker for Tony.
Max sat speechless for a moment. "Wow..Ok" Max picked up Tony's reins from the saddlehorn. He made the customary clicking noise and urged Tony forward. Tony ambled out in a moderate trot, which for him was actually slow. The repetitive clop of his hooves on the dirt was hypnotic, as was the natural swaying motion. Max had never experienced the like. He began to understand the attraction many see in pony ownership. "This is fun" he came to realize as a grin spread across his face almost as large as the grin on his mount. Tony was in total horse mode and loving performing for his master.
It was late afternoon heading quickly towards evening. The breeze was up. Both pony and rider appreciated the beauty of the ranch at this hour.
"Tony, how you feeling?" Max wanted to make sure he wasn't accidently hurting Tony.
"Master, when I was human, it would be as if I carried a 6 year old. You change my balance a bit, but I'm used to it now. This is a slow gate for me. I'm relaxing and enjoying the ride."
"Alright, go where you want, but keep moving. I want to talk with you privately." Max did not want anyone overhearing.
"Gottcha' master." answered the horse, "What's on your mind?" asked his higher brain that was still very much there, just on vacation.
"That's almost scary" thought Max to himself. "I asked Liz to brief you on the Yearling meet and the competition." Damn Tony looks focused.
"Yeah, Liz and I talked for 2 hours. She told me how dirty it can get. She also shared the boarding conditions at the track. I've thought about it, I'm not turning back now. I can defend myself quite well, as you know."
"I surely know what you could do as a human. I remember what you did to the Brubaker kid. Can you do it as a horse?"
Tony snorted dismissively. "We're away from prying eyes now. Want a demonstration?"
"Sure", Max was not about to turn this show down.
Tony knelt for Max to dismount. He then stood, flexed his legs and arms, then inhaled deeply, and exhaled. He approached his victim, an apple tree. It got hit squarely by a side kick, backed up by an equine scream. Fruit rained down from the violently shaken tree. "Yes!" Tony screamed.
"But can you do that during a race? Without getting trampeled?" This is the real question Max needed answered.
Tony fixed Max with his hyper-focused gaze, and cocked his head in a very equine manner. "I can defend myself, and kick the tail of any thug pony that makes me master."
"Good", replied Max. "The first one that does, make a statement. Make them pay."
Tony smirked, "just like Brubaker?"
"Exactly like Brubaker. Rack up fines, it's cool. Then, they should leave you alone."
Max looked around and noted the setting sun. "We need to get back now. Kneel down and let me mount so we can get back."
Rider and mount made it back before full sunset. Max dismounted and lead his mount into the barn.
"By the way Tony, I need a racer name for you. I have to submit the invite request to Santa Anita."
"Tony Anderson won't do eh?" Tony smirked. "You know what, run me under how I see myself. Call me Tony Pony."
Max couldn't possibly say no.