Duchess: Vet Check

Final extra image for [Update!][OPEN!] Seua The Trolls' Show featuring my girl, SS Duchess of Darkness.
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Story (415 words)
Part of being an endurance horse meant that vet checks were mandatory. Two days before the race was scheduled to begin, Duchess and Ashryn were walking to the outdoor arena, ready to get checked over. Duchess was used to the routine by now, as there were checks multiple times on the trails, so being looked over was no longer an issue for her. She stood quietly for the vets, which was odd considering her fiery personality and high-strung tendencies.
She walked with her head up the entire way, looking in every direction. She knew when she was close to running, and even though she was no flat racer, she had the energy ad excitement to match any thoroughbred racehorse. She pranced as she walked, and Ashryn put a hand on the mare's shoulder.
"We still have two more days," she said. "Save your energy."
However, Duchess was not the greatest listener, and as they strode into the outdoor arena, she tossed her head and gave a little half-rear. Ashryn shook the lead rope, trying to get Duchess to quiet her head and stand nicely while they waited. However, the mare had so much energy that she was not giving Ashryn's command a second glance. She raised her head, almost as though she was posing for a camera that wasn't there. Ashryn tugged the lead rope once again, and Duchess leapt forward, nearly knocking her handler off of her feet.
"Can you act civil for just one day?" Ashryn asked, regaining her balance. "You make Kassie look like the dream horse to handle."
Duchess quieted for a moment as Ashryn stopped. Her head was still high and her ears swivelled around, but she knew that it was time to stand properly, and she did so. She could listen if she had the mind to, but getting her there was a battle. Ashryn patted the mare's shoulder, and felt her relax. There was no denying that she was ready to go, and she would have that chance to run in a couple of days. Until then, she needed to behave herself, which was much easier said than done. However, her attitude was all part of her charm, and was one of the reasons that she was one of the most beloved horses at Silver Strand.
Duchess finally letup a sigh and dropped her head. Ashryn ruffled the mare's long mane. "Good girl," she said. "No need to get anxious yet; this is the easy part."
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Pose reference (mostly traced)