Phantom Hollow alluvium ii

Silverbirch had to crane her head back to see how high, and how proudly her mother's head rose as she reared up. With a delighted squeal, the grey-dun foal jigged sideways with high, prancing steps, and bucked her small hooves, blasts of warm breath sending crickets scattering from the long grasses. She hopped and kicked, rounding out her back as she lowered her head, planted her front hooves and struck out with hind feet. 

She exercised muscles in play- but all the time, practiced and learned in the game of survival. These steps, these kicks and strikes- might come to her aid one day. For now, it was simply fun.