She marvels in his wake a moment, impressed by the sheer power of his launch when he took off, hooves pounding the earth like a drum.

Nova takes a few quick steps in excitement, lifting his head higher as he lets out with a snort, but he doesn't break the canter. He's obedient to the lead of his rider, despite those obvious "pack instincts" - that's a good thing to know.

She smiles at him, rubbing his neck tenderly. "Y'ain't gotta wait for my word," she murmurs, adjusting the reins in her hand.

"Giddy up!" she cries, kicking him gently, and that's all the permission he needs before he lets loose like a rocket, in hot pursuit of his master and that new black gelding.

If Katherine had been wearing a hat, it would have been knocked clean off. There's a bit more power to Nova's run than was in Duncan's. It's easy to tell, even within the first second, that this is a horse used to running like hell.

And judging by the beam on her face, that's just fine by Katherine.