Question time. What exactly are you?
Stripes
I don't know.
Okay. We can rule out genius.
Scenes with Stripes
12 scenes
Uh, did you ever think of going around that tree instead of running through it?
Stripes
Yeah, well... usually it moves out of my way.
Stripes
You don't know the trees around here. Are you new?
Yeah, I just got here. 'm Sandy.
Stripes
'm Stripes.
Where are you running off to? You've got a big day tomorrow. You can't go.
Stripes
I need to make things right with Sandy.
Okay. I understand. But listen, a little advice from an old goat. Relationships are like racing. When you do it for love, you've already won.
Um, did you ever consider going around that tree instead of running through it?
Stripes
Yeah, well.... usually it moves out of my way.
Stripes
You don’t know the trees around here. Are you new?
I just got here. I’m Sandy.
Stripes
I’m Stripes.
Stripes
Are you a racehorse?
No, I'm-- I'm a jumper. I've actually competed all around the world.
Stripes
Well, I'm a racehorse. I'm training to be in the big race.
By racing the mailman?
Stripes
Well, the other horses don't wanna race me. I'm just way too fast for them.
Stripes
[to Buzz and Scuzz]
The others made fun of me, since I was born. All I know is that I'm different
You there! See what happens when you forget your place? The racetrack is no place for a zebra!
Stripes
What did you just call me?
A zebra, which is what you are! You really didn’t think you were a horse, did ya?
Both
Side by side on my piano keyboard--
Stripes
Get off me, you stupid flies! Get off!
Man, "Ebony and Ivory" didn't work. That's a first.
Told you we should've rapped.
Stripes
[rudley, but barked]
Who cares? Leave me alone.
Not a chance. The Chief will never go for it.
Of course he will. Just like somebody else I know. He just needs a little push.
Hey, hotshot! Running into more trees lately?
Stripes
Oh, great! More jokes!
Because I don't care that you're not a racehorse. You love to run, and that's all that matters.
Stripes
Maybe to you. But it's not your problem, Sandy.
You know, if you wanna see the real problem, try looking down!
Stripes
[Sandy turns from the pond and canters away, visibly upset]
Fine. [looks at his reflection in a lake]
Hey, kid, what's your problem?
Stripes
I'm not a racehorse.
What does that mean?
Stripes
I don't belong in the gate.
No, no, you're wrong. And I'll tell you why. Racing is for anyone--Anyone with a fire burning in their heart.
Stripes
What do you know, you little nobody? You never raced.
Stripes
[to Goose, as Franny munches on some hay]
Tucker doesn't understand. He didn't even know that I was a zebra. He doesn't get it. What's he ever done?
Now, let me tell you somethin', kid. I've made a few claims about ponies. This guy's all hair, and no brains.
AAAGH! Hit the hay!
[Goose falls onto a pile of hay] [to Stripes]
Come here. [to herself] These people think they know everything. You tell somebody something, they get an attitude.
[Goose pops his head from the hay, with strands of hay on his crest feathers]
Hey, I didn't know that goat was packed.
[Franny leads stripes to a desk with photos on it]
Come up here. I want you to take a look up there. You tell me what you see.
Stripes
[still upset]
I've seen them before; the Chief, my girl, and her mother, and that's it?!
No. Look closer.
Stripes
[Stripes turns his focus to the left most photo, and his anger softens to shock]
That's Sir Trenton!
And who else?
Stripes
Tucker!
That's right - Tucker. He trained Sir Trenton. He and the Chief trained all the winners, and not one of them ever... EVER... thanked him.
Stripes
How come he never said anything?
Because to him, actions speak louder than words. He believes in you, and you're gonna have to believe in him too.
Stripes
[For the first time, Stripes feels ashamed of his behavior as he continues looking at the photo. Hours later, elsewhere, Tucker is standing on the hill overlooking the raceway, when Stripes walks up to him]
I'm sorry for the way I've been acting. I'm the last one who should be name calling.
Come on, look at me kid; when you got legs shorter than a sheepdog, you get used to being made fun of. I can relate.
Stripes
[sighs]
It's just... ah... I'm not really a racehorse. I'm a... [sighs again].. I'm a zebra.
So what? To me, you're just a horse with stripes who needs an attitude adjustment.
Stripes
Tucker, you don't really think I have what it takes, do you?
Listen to me, kid; you're right. You don't have the strength or natural ability of one of the thoroughbreds..
Stripes
[slightly disappointed]
I knew it.
.. but have got more heart than all of them put together.
Stripes
But the gate.. I freeze up. It keeps me from running. I don't know what it is; I-I can't do it.
Look, most horses are afriad of the gate at first. It's perfectly normal, but they get over it - you will too. You just keep running, okay? And let the chief worry about the gate; he knows what he's doing.
[Stripes takes a moment to consider]
Leave us alone, Chawhee.
(Sir Trenton is furious at Stripes)
You and your foolish friends have accomplished nothing, the effects of the filly do not make you a racehorse!
Stripes
You know something, Sir Trenton? I don't want to be a racehorse. I'm a zebra, and I'm going to the big race.
You fool.
