Ted nodded in understanding. He and his brother had lived with humans for their entire lives and still didn't understand everything they did or used. "I'm surprised you stood up to him." said Ted. "Most new horses shy away from Knight." Jed agreed. "He's the largest and most aggressive horse on the ranch." Ted added.

Engel would've shrugged had it been possible. I don't let others put me down. He said dismissively. He hated those who thought they were better than everyone else, and so they felt they needed to bully. Or, perhaps...did Knight see everyone as competition?

The twins looked at Engel curiously. "Knight is the lead stallion on the ranch. He's the strongest," said Jed. "and not to mention the biggest horse here." finished Ted. "He usually challenges new stallions early on to establish the order around here."

Well, Engel said with a 'smile', Looks like he's got some competition. He said deviously. He winked, and stared off into the place where Knight went off to. So tell me....What is he disciplined in? He asked curiously.

Both brothers looked at Engel in surprise before shaking their heads. "He has multiple trainers. Jumping, dressage, and carriage are his main competitions." Ted told him. "But he's been trained in many different forms of contests." added Jed. "What about you?" asked Ted. "We're are barrel racers." Jed told Engel.

Engel thought this over. He was unfamiliar with most of the terms, but figured he'd learn what they were later. I'm not sure what. I was just brought from the Plains. I'd say that if I were to be trained in something, it would be racing. He explained.

Jed and Ted nodded in unison. "The racers' barn is on the far side of the ranch along with the track, but the only racers here are purebred Thoroughbreds." Jed told him. "The only thing they do is run around on that track." Ted muttered.

Engel remained silent for a moment, thinking this over. I bet I could gallop around four times before they finish one circle. He said thoughtfully. He snorted, and stared off in the direction of the track.

Ted looked at Engel, surprised. "You do know how long those tracks are don't you?" he asked. "They're a mile around. You think you can run four miles before a champion racehorse could run one mile?" Jed asked.

Engel raised a brow. You have no idea. And the truth was, neither did he. Sure, he'd gone pretty fast when Micah was riding him, but he didn't know if he could go any faster. He pondered this for a long moment, before returning his attention to Jed and Ted.

"You would have to have a really good rider if you even tried to attempt it." Jed commented. "A professional jockey." Ted agreed.

Engel lifted his head slightly. What's wrong with Micah? He seemed like a great rider when he rode me through the forest. He said, with a worried tone. He didn;t want anyone other than Micah riding him...or touching him for that matter. That boy was the only one he trusted.

Jed and Ted looked at each other before shrugging. "He's too tall and heavy to be a jockey and he hasn't had any extensive training in racing." Jed told Engel. "He's a good trainer and gentle with the new yearlings, but he's not exactly a professional in competition." Ted commented.

Engel stared hard at them. But he's the only human I trust. He said. He refused to let himself believe that there was another human as kind as Micah. He lowered his head slightly. When he sits on my back, it's like there's nothing there. I can barely feel his weight. He said quietly.

Jed shook his head and looked at Engel with a sympathetic gaze. "Don't get to attached. Horses are bought and sold around here all the time. It doesn't matter how much trust you have in a human, they end up sending off eventually." he told the stallion softly. Ted nodded. The twins had been lucky enough that each time they were sold the same person bought both of them.

Engel's eyes widened. No... He said frantically. He wouldn't do that... His voice was paicked, and he stared at them with frightened eyes. ...would he?

Ted shrugged. "He may, he may not." he told Engel, trying to reassure him. "Not all horses are sold, but if enough money is offered the owners usually take it into consideration." Jed said gently.

Engel grew even more frantic. What if Micah got a good offer on him? But, Micah had acted as if he loved and cared for him. What if it was a lie? He hung his head, and looked at the twins. But... Was all he could say.

Ted and Jed shared a sympathetic look between them before the sound of the gate latch caught their attention. Micah had finally finished with the mistreated horse and was coming out to get Engel so that he could feed him and possibly take him out for a ride.

Engel jumped slightly at the sound of the latch, and turned his head to stare questioningly at Micah. He took a step back, his eyes filling with uncertainty. How could he trust Micah now, after what Ted and Jed had just shared with him. He held a hurt expression, and lowered his head slightly.

Micah looked at Engel with confusion. He wasn't expecting that from the stallion. "What's wrong big guy?" he asked, holding out a hand with his palm up.

Engel pulled his head back, and looked at the twins. He wung his head back to face Micah, staring at him questioningly. His eyes held a glimmer of hurt, and he blew softly out his nose.

Micah frowned as he watched Engel. "What is it Engel? Don't you want to come in and eat? I figured we could go for a ride after your done." he asked the stallion.

Engel shifted uncomfortably. A ride to where? The human he would be handing him over to? He snorted, and took a reluctant step toward Micah. He couldn't ignore his hunger.

Micah noticed the reluctance and his frown deepened. "Come on big guy." he said as he hooked a lead onto Engel's halter. He had a bucket of a sweet molasses feed mix sitting by the gate to the paddock.