The hoof hit the ground with a thud,the loose light brown dirt spreading outwards to give way to the shod hoof,the rim of metal curved into the shape of the foot - held in place by shining nails,curved over and gleaming in the sun,like the sparkle in a pool of water. The ligaments in the leg tensed,allowing the fetlock to drop slightly,but still supporting the weight of the running and heavy animal above it.
The nostrils flared,drawing air into powerful lungs - hind legs moving back for a second,leaving room for the lungs to expand and draw air in. The legs moved forward again,slamming against the ground like pistons - Forcing air out, running up the windpipe to tear out of the nose,becoming a snort that filled the air. The lungs were strained,but still supported the heavy and elegant animal that needed them.
The heart beat with a double pace, taking oxygen from the air,provided by lungs to pump. It worked three times more then normal,the blood running around the body,providing the nutrients the muscles needed to run. It strained - the muscles it was composed off contracting and relaxing,as they had done for years - only now it was quicker. The heart began to ache,asking for rest from its owner,but still the heavy and dying animal kept running.
The muscles pulled,exerting the exact amount of pressure to move the legs forward,have them slam to the ground - and pull back again to repeat the process. They exerted the right amount of pressure to move the neck,exactly in time,as to propel forwards as quickly as possible. But they began to give way,the muscles loosing oxygen,and loosing the ability to provide the correct pressure to the legs. The heart beat faster,compromising for the lack of air - desperately trying to give the body enough.
The heavy animal collapsed.
The straining heart gave up, becoming erratic, irregular beats. The horse dropped to the ground, it's knees dragging in the dirt,leaving marks. It fell to its side, the nostrils large circles, flaring in a attempt to draw in air. The erratic heart beats became slower,more spaced out. Eventually the heart beat one more time,the inflamed lungs sighing as they relaxed,letting out the last breath of air.
Another life lost.
What is it like to die? Is it like falling asleep, Are we in great pain? Nobody knows,since once you are dead,you't dead,you don't come back. Enjoy life while it lasts,after all,one day you'll be like this horse here,drawing your last breath. Don't look down on things,enjoy life while it lasts.