tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9209187416323114492024-03-08T15:14:13.330-08:00EA Equestrian PhotostoriesLast Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-89485710427499727232013-06-09T08:08:00.000-07:002013-06-09T08:17:48.737-07:0036. The Beach RideCockles crunched under the weight of the big cob’s heavily feathered feet as he picked his way around the rocks of the bay. Summer had come at last and Abigail had decided that the time was right to take the recently broken in Simba out to the beach. He’d taken to ridden life remarkably well given his rocky start to life and had nearly got over his separation anxiety, though he still got very distressed if he was ever turned out or ridden alone. Despite that, he had proven to be a very safe and unflappable schoolie and had become many of the children’s favourite within weeks of him being allowed in lessons. He was still a little green in the school but it was hacking where he really came into his own.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866063749/" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="423" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6866063749_b4cc53538a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
<br />
‘Alright ladies, we’ll have a canter here I think, then take it a bit slower when we get onto the sandy bit - we don't want anyone to spook remember!’<br />
<br />
Abigail smiled back at the rest of the ride - Mhairi had leapt at the chance to ride out on the beach and had twisted her friend Kelly's arm into coming along. While beach rides were available for most of the year, it was very rare for them to occur during such good weather and she was convinced that Kelly would never have taken advantage of it if she hadn't said anything.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866068799/" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="395" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6866068799_894b14f35c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Abigail clicked her tongue and Simba surged forward into a bold,
ground-covering canter, mane and tail flying in the breeze like a
warhorse of old. She glanced back to see Mhari half-halting and trying
to keep her weight down through the stirrups in a vain attempt to get
Jazz to apply the brakes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866073647/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6866073647_0af18aeb07_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Chuckling to herself, she brought Simba back down to a trot.<br />
<br />
'Alright there Mhairi?'<br />
<br />
'Yeah, I'm good - Jazz is in one of her 'OMG OPEN SPAAAACE' kinda moods, she'll settle down once we've had a gallop I think.'<br />
<br />
'Ok, well don't hesitate to let me know if you're having any trouble! I think we'll just stick to trot until we're out on the main sands in case a certain someone tries to jump the rockpools again...'<br />
<br />
Mhairi grinned sheepishly; the last time she'd been out with Jazz, she'd taken up David's jokey dare to clear a particularly large rockpool, complete with resident crabs. Jazz had been all too keen, until something in the water moved and she skidded to a stop, flinging Mhari out of the saddle and onto the other side. She was still trying to convince David that she had in fact won the dare as he hadn't specified that the <i>horse </i>had to jump over it as well...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866142355/" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="364" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/6866142355_cf2d8a9662_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
As the sea got closer, Simba's ears pricked and he let out an excitable whinny before coming to a standstill, staring, goggle eyed at the waves. Abigail rubbed his neck gently and tried to encourage him forward but he wouldn't budge.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866088373/" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6866088373_e228f91ceb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
<br />
'Ok, you two, go on ahead, I think I'll just let Simba get used to the sight of everything before we get any closer. Don't get out of my sight and absolutely no swimming until I join you and give you the ok, have you got that? You can paddle but no deeper than knee height.'<br />
<br />
'<i>Yes Abigail</i>' the girls chanted in unison. They knew her well enough by now to have learned her 'beach health and safety' talk by heart.<br />
<br />
While Simba stood in awe of the sight in front of him, Mhairi and Kelly legged their mounts on and cantered away. Freya the Fjord struggled to keep up with Jazz's sudden acceleration at
first but it wasn't long before they were racing each other across the
sand. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866080719/" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="456" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/6866080719_4c75d0ed6f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
The canter moved up a gear into the gallop and when Mhairi lost her stirrup for a minute, Kelly moved up into the lead.<br />
<br />
'Hey, that's not fair!' she yelled over the wind 'I had a disadvantage!'<br />
<br />
Breathing heavily, they dropped back down to a trot and let the horses cool off. Jazz still fought for her head, despite being given a long rein.<br />
<br />
<br />
'Does she ever switch off?' said Mhairi, shaking her head in disbelief. 'You'd think she was supercharged or something.'<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866133575/" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="443" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/6866133575_c3f065d84d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
'Nope' replied Kelly 'I don't think I've ever ridden her when she's not been jumping all over the place! I mean, that's good for jumping and stuff but when you're trying to work on your collection for dressage it's a <i>nightmare</i>.'<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866125821/" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="404" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/6866125821_6008541f87_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
'Want to go for a paddle-but-only-knee-deep?'<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866096487/" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="384" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7209/6866096487_ea9026185a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Mhairi laughed. 'Only knee deep, got it!'<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866158617/" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="572" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6866158617_50dd686156_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
'Sit back Mhairi, pitching forward like that is only going to make her speed up.'<br />
<br />
'Hrumph, you try holding her back! It's like I have a tank in each hand!'<br />
<br />
'Yes well it's still not helping. Push your heels down and half-halt when-'<br />
<br />
'Kelly. Shut up. If I'd wanted a lesson I'd have stayed at the yard.'<br />
<br />
'Alright, have it your way, I was just trying to help!'<br />
<br />
'I know, I'd just rather not think about schooling when I'm at, you know, <i>the beach</i>.'<br />
<br />
'Yes but you can and should ride the same way, no matter where you are - you need to take control and -'<br />
<br />
'Yeah, yeah, I know, I know. Now come on, it's a lovely day, try to enjoy yourself!' <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866092727/" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="471" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6866092727_ee28136a9d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
The cold water was a relief on such a hot day and both ponies trotted through it gratefully, kicking up cool spray with every stride.<br />
<br />
'Are we knee-deep yet?' pondered Mhairi.<br />
<br />
'I don't think it's even over their fetlocks but I wouldn't push it, Abigail might explode or something, you know what she's like.'<br />
<br />
'Oh I don't know, maybe deeper water might help slow Jazz down a bit, you know, make her shorten her strides.'<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866100517/" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="464" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/6866100517_ed8211b031_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
<br />
'If anything it'll probably make her go faster as she'll be working extra hard against the current so no, not a good idea.' <br />
<br />
'Oh lighten up Kells, let's see shall we; come on Jazz, trot oooarrghhh!'<br />
<br />
Mhairi kicked on at exactly the same moment a terrifying looking clump of seaweed surfaced and Jazz panicked, leaping straight up in the air and bucking sideways, tossing her rider out the side door seconds later.<br />
<br />
'Oh not<i> again</i>' muttered Abigail as she watched from the other side of the beach, standing in her stirrups to get a better view. 'She's getting as bad as Tamarind... Come on Simba, let's go and get them.'<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866037777/" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="511" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/6866037777_27d4079cb8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
'You ok Mhairi?' Kelly queried, pulling Freya up beside her friend.<br />
<br />
'Yeah, I'm fine, just soggy. I knew that was going to happen by the way, she'd been staring at the water for ages.'<br />
<br />
'So why'd you fall off then if you knew she was going to dump you?' Kelly rebuked with a smirk.<br />
<br />
'Because...oh shush, just because. Jaaaaazzz, come on girl, the sea monster's not going to eat you!'<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866112963/" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="528" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6866112963_a0cefc34d8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
'Jazz?!'<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866117695/" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6866117695_a15096e4df_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
By the time Abigail arrived Mhairi was safely back on board, no worse for wear; the only indication that she'd hit the deck, a fine coating of sand down one side and the slight squelching sound she now made when they went into trot.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866058365/" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="603" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/6866058365_1c6ecc23cd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
'Before you say anything Abigial, we weren't even properly paddling!' she stated firmly 'There was obviously a really dangerous animal out there and Jazz was just trying to protect me from it.'<br />
<br />
'What, by chucking you off? That sounds more like a tactical sacrifice to me!'<br />
<br />
Mhairi shot her friend a dark look and Kelly burst out laughing.<br />
<br />
'In her defence, Abi, it was a genuine spook, she wasn't being irresponsible...well, just chose to ride Jazz out of the confines of an arena so I suppose she kinda was but...'<br />
<br />
Abigail chuckled. 'Oh I wasn't going to blame you, these things happen on the beach. As long as you're both alright that 's all that matters.'<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866148163/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="359" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6866148163_7d45d397c6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>'Really?!' The girls looked at each other in disbelief. Normally Abigail would be throwing a fit at even the merest sign of rule breaking and especially a fall but evidently the good weather had improved her sense of humour too. <br />
<br />
'Simba seems to have chilled out a bit more now.' said Kelly, nodding towards the stallion who trotted onwards, his frame clearly more relaxed and calm than before.<br />
<br />
'Yes, I think just letting him take in his surroundings for a few minutes was the right thing to do. He's never seen the sea before so it was bound to spook him a little. I know of so many people who throw their horses in at the deep end - literally - on the beach and then wonder why they end up bolting and throwing people off.' She looked back at Mhairi and smiled. 'That wasn't aimed at you dear, I don't think Jazz even knows what the word 'slow' means.'<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866129773/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="520" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/6866129773_eaa0cb8f8c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
'Anyway, I think he's ready to have a little paddle, he seems keen enough now.'<br />
<br />
On approaching the water, Simba lowered his head and sniffed it, ears pricked in interest. He nibbled on some seaweed, had a little splash with his foreleg and then completely lost interest and carried on as though he'd lived on the beach his whole life.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866155945/" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/6866155945_5566beb2a2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
<br />
Beach ride bombproofing = success. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866151639/" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="352" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6866151639_a9ca3924e6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
<br />
The group trotted on until the light began to fade and it was time to head back to the horsebox, the only evidence of their visit, hoofprints in the sand.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6866033269/" title="Beach Ride by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Ride" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7181/6866033269_3c42965464_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Fun fact, I actually shot this last year and have been meaning to make up a photostory with the images for MONTHS!)</span>Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-89917694121880986402011-10-08T18:49:00.000-07:002011-10-08T18:49:17.677-07:0035. Bareback To Square One(In case anyone's wondering, it's pronounced 'Mah-ree' ;))<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224301909/" title="Mhairi and Fergus by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6238/6224301909_f99e60a579.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Mhairi and Fergus"></a><br />
<br />
‘...so what are you planning on doing today then? Got another Olympic training regime to get through?’<br />
<br />
Though Mhairi laughed as she slung Fergus’ reins over his head, her friend Kelly’s expression remained unchanged. It was well known on the yard that she was totally dedicated to her riding and often appeared to spend more time working on her position than actually enjoying herself. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224303523/" title="Jazz and Kelly by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6118/6224303523_6679bb5af6.jpg" width="500" height="413" alt="Jazz and Kelly"></a><br />
<br />
‘No, nothing like that. I need to improve my lateral work, that’s all...’ she said, stroking Jazz’s nose thoughtfully.<br />
<br />
‘You need to have some <i>fun</i> more like – when was the last time you went out on a hack?’<br />
<br />
Kelly shrugged and stepped up onto the makeshift mounting block. ‘I don’t know, last year maybe? I don’t like hacking, there’s too many distractions and things.‘<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224827410/" title="Stefani, Mhairi and Kelly by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6042/6224827410_9626ed1a94.jpg" width="500" height="315" alt="Stefani, Mhairi and Kelly"></a><br />
<br />
Mhairi shook her head sadly. ‘What are you like?! Honestly, imagine not liking hacking.’<br />
<br />
‘Well you said yourself you don’t like schooling, so we’re even!’<br />
<br />
‘I said I don’t <i>mind</i> schooling, I only hate it when we’re going round in circles all day cos’ let’s face it, that’s just dull.’<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224829992/" title="Mhairi and Kelly by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6093/6224829992_1cf5f2e537.jpg" width="500" height="306" alt="Mhairi and Kelly"></a><br />
<br />
‘To each their own I suppose.’ replied Kelly as she adjusted her stirrups. ‘What are <i>you</i> going to do today then?’<br />
<br />
Mhairi grinned and Kelly groaned. ‘Oh please, don’t tell me...’<br />
<br />
--------<br />
<br />
After ten minutes of walk, trot and canter, and once she was absolutely certain there were no staff members watching; Mhairi dismounted.<br />
<br />
‘This is a really bad idea Mhairi, Abigail’ll give you such a telling off if she finds out!’<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224249839/" title="Kelly and Mhairi by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6240/6224249839_a0d80498a1.jpg" width="500" height="360" alt="Kelly and Mhairi"></a><br />
<br />
‘Ah, but she <i>won't</i> find out, will she? Oh come on, it’s not like I’ll be jumping him or anything, I’m not that stupid!’<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224258093/" title="Kelly and Mhairi by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6119/6224258093_f3c8764354.jpg" width="500" height="346" alt="Kelly and Mhairi"></a><br />
<br />
‘See? He’s fine! Fergie’s a good lad, he won’t do anything unless I ask him to.’<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224776254/" title="Kelly and Mhairi by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6232/6224776254_a0220c117a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Kelly and Mhairi"></a><br />
<br />
‘...that’s what I’m afraid of...’<br />
<br />
‘<i>Oi</i>!’<br />
<br />
Minutes passed slowly, and Mhairi and Fergus settled into a sedate walk as they watched Kelly ride Jazz up and down the arena, turning and bending down the track with well rehearsed precision.<br />
<br />
‘How’s the lateral work going then? That was a really nice shoulder-in you had going there, I didn’t know Jazz had it in her!’<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224266051/" title="Trotting by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6224266051_8bbac26dfe.jpg" width="500" height="372" alt="Trotting"></a><br />
<br />
Kelly nodded, a slight smile forming on her face. ‘People underestimate her because she’s so fast, once she knows what you’re asking her to do she’s really responsive and she’s brilliant with leg aids thanks to her gymkhana experience. If only I could bring her head down a bit, she carries it really high all the time...’<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224260619/" title="Mhairi and Kelly by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6237/6224260619_43226d349b.jpg" width="500" height="346" alt="Mhairi and Kelly"></a><br />
<br />
A few cantered circles later, the complaints began...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224268527/" title="*yaaawwwnnn* by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6224268527_bc0ff1a62f.jpg" width="500" height="350" alt="*yaaawwwnnn*"></a><br />
<br />
‘You shouldn’t do that you know; it’s really dangerous!’<br />
<br />
‘Yeah, yeah, get back on your circle or whatever, everything’s fine!’<br />
<br />
‘I’m just saying, it’s not a good idea to do that at any time, even when you do have a saddle on!’<br />
<br />
‘I know that but come on, this is <i>Fergus</i> we’re talking about, he’s so bombproof you could put him in a warzone and he’d probably just stand there and graze!’<br />
<br />
‘Totally not the point though, horses are unpredictable animals, he could spook or trip or well, <i>anything</i> could go wrong!’<br />
<br />
Some people think that everything happens for a reason, that fate has laid out an unchanging course of events for everyone in life, but sometimes, things just <i>happen</i>. Poor judgement might have something to do with it too...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224784278/" title="Paddy by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6104/6224784278_cee0a3b031.jpg" width="500" height="387" alt="Paddy"></a><br />
<br />
Paddy was in a bad mood. It had been raining the night before and his turnout rug had leaked, leaving him with cold and soggy withers when he was brought in and tacked up earlier in the day. Normally he was positively angelic under saddle and only growled and kicked if you came at him with a curry comb but this afternoon he really wasn’t feeling the need to be amongst other horses. <br />
<br />
Sally, his rider, was fully aware of this and for the most part kept a safe distance from the other two when she entered the arena. It was only when she tried to bypass them on the track that his true feelings towards them became known...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224274263/" title="Trotting by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6111/6224274263_d9e2a97233.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Trotting"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224271271/" title="Buck! by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6174/6224271271_18a1c90d8e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Buck!"></a><br />
<br />
The normally unflappable Fergus shrieked and leaped back in shock, Mhairi clinging onto his mane like someone possessed. <br />
<br />
‘Steady boy, steady boy, steeeadddyyy!’<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224798730/" title="Falling... by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6096/6224798730_0a8542c8f6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Falling..."></a><br />
<br />
Her words were lost on him as he turned in mid air, anxious to escape the threat of sharp, unshod feet.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224801582/" title="Falling... by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6239/6224801582_ca5ff4d12e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Falling..."></a><br />
<br />
Mhairi clung on as best she could but eventually gravity took over and she tumbled to the ground in a heap as her mount trotted off.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224805598/" title="Falling... by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6224805598_f06b39dd03.jpg" width="500" height="415" alt="Falling..."></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224282379/" title="Falling... by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6224/6224282379_2b065635a9.jpg" width="500" height="433" alt="Falling..."></a><br />
<br />
‘I know I shouldn’t say it...’ said Kelly, ‘...but I really did tell you so! Are you all right?’<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224809880/" title="Kelly and Mhairi by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/6224809880_a9c8d836b9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Kelly and Mhairi"></a><br />
<br />
Her friend grinned and picked herself up off the ground, brushing sand from her hoodie and jodhpurs. ‘I’ve done worse!’ She strode over to the wall and fetched her horse who was standing sheepishly as though waiting for her.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224812580/" title="Kelly and Mhairi by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6224/6224812580_323c4edc69.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Kelly and Mhairi"></a><br />
<br />
‘’<i>Anything could go wrong</i>’ – oh you had to go and jinx it for me didn’t you?!’ <br />
<br />
‘Jinxing had nothing to do with it’ said a rather haughty voice from behind them. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224294213/" title="Sally by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6053/6224294213_f21175932e.jpg" width="500" height="343" alt="Sally"></a><br />
<br />
‘It was your own fault for being so stupid. I’ll be having a talk with Abigail later on about this, mark my words. <i>Children</i> shouldn’t be allowed to ride unsupervised.’<br />
<br />
And with that, she turned Paddy away and trotted off to the other side of the arena.<br />
<br />
‘<i>Children</i>?! Who does she think she is? She’s only a couple of years older than us!’<br />
<br />
‘She’s got a point though Mhar, you could have really hurt yourself...’ <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224299277/" title="Kelly and Jazz by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6054/6224299277_20da95932d.jpg" width="500" height="418" alt="Kelly and Jazz"></a><br />
<br />
‘Yeah, well she didn’t have to be so hoity-toity about it though did she? Still, I <i>suppose</i> you’re both right, I shouldn’t have done it...with witnesses.’<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/6224296945/" title="Fergus and Mhairi by Elrenia_Greenleaf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6224296945_9e29d87543.jpg" width="500" height="372" alt="Fergus and Mhairi"></a><br />
<br />
‘<b>Mhairi</b>!’Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-7220619835679248832011-05-01T19:44:00.001-07:002011-10-08T18:56:47.242-07:0034. Two Degrees of Seperation<p style="text-align:center;">The auction was surprisingly quiet given the circumstances. Over thirty horses and ponies of varying degrees of quality had been seized from a highly unsuitable owner a few months before by a horse charity and now, after a bit of rehabilitation, the best were being put up for sale and adoption.</p>David and Nikolai wandered through the building, tutting at the state of some of the ponies and lauding the condition of others. They hadn’t intended to go inside but when they passed a sign that read ‘<em>Cobs and Ponies for sale</em> –<em>CHEAP</em>-’ they just couldn’t resist. <p style="text-align:center;">They probably wouldn’t buy anything anyway, they were only looking after all.</p><p style="text-align:center;">As they passed by one pen, Nikolai nodded towards the back. ‘What about that one? The little bay-and-white. I like his face.’</p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5624376811_03cf974b44.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="386" /> David squinted. From what he could see of the horse under all that hair and fluff, he did indeed look like a nice kind of animal. Perhaps even riding school material... ‘Hmmm, ok, let’s have a look at him then. Come on lad, c’mere!’ He clicked his tongue and held out a hand to the gelding, who, after giving the proffered digits a good sniff, padded over to the fence, followed closely by a heavily feathered liver chestnut skewbald. <p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5624371379_6d20267f0f.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="418" /></p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5308/5624959312_4d31c5357a.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="363" /> David nodded approvingly as he cast his gaze across the horse. He lacked condition but otherwise appeared to have good conformation and he really couldn't fault him for looks. Nikolai seemed to think the same and after a moment's pondering, he went off to find the seller to ask all the usual questions. He came back a few minutes later with a headcollar and leadrope which he put on the cob without any trouble. The majority of the other horses had already moved off to the other end of the pen where one of the auction staff had put down some haylage for them. Only the cob they were interested in and the chestnut skewbald remained up at this end. <img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5624969648_46b9ce477d.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /> 'According to Mr Murphy over there' he said, scratching the gelding's nose absently. 'his name is 'Pirate'. He is about twelve years old -although this cannot be confirmed- but one thing we do know is that he is partially blind in one eye.' David frowned. 'Argh, that's a pain, I was hoping he'd be completely sound.' Nikolai shook his head. 'The vets have already looked at him and say that it isn't a serious issue - they think he has had it for a very long time and has learned how to cope with it.' 'Can he be ridden though? That's the question.' 'Apparently so. From what they can guess of his history he's well used to tack and has been ridden by one of the people here.' <img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5624381331_227e6a3484.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="383" /> 'What do you think? Should we chance it?' 'I will take him outside and put him through his paces first, then we can decide.' 'Good idea.' As he turned Pirate round to leave the pen, the other cob let out a shrill whinny and threw his head up, Pirate echoing him as he walked off in the opposite direction. 'Hey, hey, calm down lad, calm down!' David said soothingly, patting the gelding's neck softly. 'It's ok, he's not going anywhere!' 'Here' said Nikolai, tossing over a length of soft white rope from the depths of his coat pockets. 'I think he might be quite dangerous if he isn't restrained. Mr Murphy told me that they are never seperated and that he might not know what to do with himself when they are. His name is Simba by the way.' 'Cheers, I'll get a halter made up before you leave, hold on...' <img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5624384909_d2bdf02c9b.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="366" /> Sure enough, as soon as Pirate was out of eyeshot, Simba exploded. <p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5624395301_3fa3a4f584.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="404" /></p>'Steeeady lad, steady!' <img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5184/5624977986_827fd88dc7.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="464" /> He bucked and reared, leapt and plunged his way around the small pen, sending ponies skittering to the corners of the other end in fright. <p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5624398657_a50224a74a.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></p>Although still young, he was very strong and after only a couple of minutes he'd managed to wrestle the rope from David's hands. <img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5624392081_501f6cc1b7.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="496" /> Squealing like a pig, he took off at a canter, spinning on the spot and neighing his head off as he tried frantically to find his friend. <img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/5624401537_3521bc6462.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="358" /> Finally he stopped and stood, trembling in the middle, looking completely and utterly lost. David walked over to him slowly, hands out as through approaching someone with a hostage and gently picked up the rope. <img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5624403707_b5455fc10a.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="426" /> Now that he'd expended all that energy and fear, he was much more approachable, yet he still seemed worried. He was a very nice example of a cob though, David thought. Green yes, but he had potential... A sharp sounding whinny from the other side of the building announced the return of Pirate and Nikolai, and Simba's ears shot upwards in delight. 'So? How was he?' <img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5624996800_624593e3e5.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /> Nikolai nodded, the traces of a rare smile picking at the corners of his mouth. 'Good, very good. He needs more food and training but he is a very nice little horse. Very nice.' He gave him a pat and let his hold on the leadrope lessen slightly. 'He has a little attitude on him - tried to bite me once - but I rode him around for a minute bareback and he didn't put a...ah...hand wrong?' David smiled. He sounded perfect. There was just one thing... 'Well, he sounds exactly what we're looking for but there's a problem.' Nikolai raised a quizzical eyebrow as he took both halters off the cobs.. 'Yes?' David jabbed a thumb in the direction of Simba. 'We'll need to take him as well. Classic seperation anxiety - if we don't take him too he'll go mad without having his friend around.' The Russian nodded and stood back a little so he could assess the heavier cob's build. 'He's not had much training that I can see but we've dealt with worse -' <em>Roscoe</em>' -and once he's learned that it's ok to be away from Pirate for at least some of the time I think he'd make a really nice riding horse.' Nikolai nodded again and folded his arms. 'So. Prices?' 'Let's go and speak to that Mr Murphy then. I hope you're good at haggling - I can't even talk Aiden into selling me something that he and I both KNOW is only worth a fiver...' As the two men bartered with the seller nearby, Pirate lipped at the ground for leftover wisps of hay while Simba nuzzled into his friend's shoulder. Now that their future was secure, the cobs were calm once more. <img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5624373903_11e7decd78.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="368" />Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-15725742169047470722011-05-01T19:43:00.003-07:002011-05-01T19:43:50.687-07:0033. Breaking and Entering----------------------<br />
<br />
‘She’s back! She’s back, come on everyone, let’s go and see!’<br />
<br />
A cacophony of children’s voices alerted David to the yard owner’s return. Since the unfortunate death of one of the old yard donkeys earlier in the year – Spud - Abigail had been pining for something donkey-shaped and was delighted when she found an advert in the village tack shop for an ex RDA mount that matched that description perfectly. The yard was just north of Cairbre so it was a good thirty mile round trip there and back again, but, as Abigail said, distance was no object.<br />
<br />
‘Alright kids, come on now, clear off. Let them unload first, then you can all come up and say hello!’<br />
<br />
<em>‘Awwww!'</em><br />
<br />
‘Go on! I think there’s still half a dozen haynets to be filled – <em>go on!</em>’<br />
<br />
David shooed the kids off with a grin before approaching the horsebox where Lisa had already started a conversation with Abigail.<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_3796.jpg" alt="" width="639" height="426" /><br />
<br />
‘So, what’s she like then? As you expected?’<br />
‘Oh yes, definitely. RDA ponies always have the best natures and this little thing is just adorable. The kids’ll love her.’ She unclipped her seatbelt and opened the door. ‘Oh hi David, you couldn’t get the ramp down for me could you?’<br />
<br />
‘Yeah, sure, no problem. Lisa, fancy giving me a hand?’<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_3805.jpg" alt="" width="639" height="456" /><br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_3810.jpg" alt="" width="639" height="426" /><br />
<br />
The ramp was a little awkward to open, even with two people and David made a mental note to spare some time later on to oil the hinges.<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_3816.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="471" /><br />
<br />
Finally, after a bit of elbow grease the ramp dropped down with a soft thud and they stood back to catch their breath.<br />
<br />
‘Oooh, she’s so sweet!’ Lisa exclaimed as she peered round the side. ‘What a lovely colour!’<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_3821.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="573" /><br />
<br />
David nodded. From what they could see of her at least.<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_3825.jpg" alt="" width="639" height="517" /><br />
<br />
‘Come on then, let’s get her out.’ She was a small looking donkey, only about 12 hands but she stood quietly as he untied her leadrope and started to back her out. ‘What’s her name by the way?’<br />
‘Lyra’ said Abigail from somewhere behind him. ‘Her breeder was a big Philip Pullman fan apparently,’<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_3835.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="576" /><br />
<br />
David smiled. He 'd liked those books but hadn't read them in a while; perhaps now was the time to excavate them from their dusty shelf and have another go.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_3852.jpg" alt="" width="639" height="599" /><br />
<br />
‘That’s it, easy girl, steady now...’<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_3850.jpg" alt="" width="639" height="426" /><br />
<br />
Lyra walked out quietly as if she did this kind of thing all the time and stood, quite happily at the bottom of the ramp, her large sail-like ears taking in her surroundings.<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_3869.jpg" alt="" width="639" height="475" /><br />
<br />
He ruffled her spiky forelock affectionately and looked up questioningly at Abigail. 'Where do you want her?'<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_3860.jpg" alt="" width="639" height="536" /><br />
<br />
She furrowed her brow in thought for a moment before her face broke into a smile. 'Turn her out in the indoor for a while so she can stretch her legs. She'll be living out with the ponies but I'd like to take it gradually so we can avoid the <em>Lady Situation</em> again.'<br />
<br />
David sniggered to himself. Whenever a new horse or pony was introduced to Lady the welshie, they usually ended up banished to one end of the field or came in the next morning with large chunks of mane missing. She really was an evil little pony. Deceptively adorable but definitely <em>evil</em>.<br />
<br />
'I also promised Fiona that she could be the first to ride her so once she's had a little run around and a roll, we'll get her tacked up and see what she's really like.'<br />
<br />
'Righto, I won't be long!'<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_3893.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="470" /><br />
<br />
As he'd suspected, Lyra trotted around nonplussed when he let her off the leadrein and he breathed a sigh of relief. It was so nice to be able to rely on a nice quiet animal for a change. He glanced at his watch while he looped the rope over the fence and frowned. Lindsey had asked him earlier on if he could do some loading work with Harper as he'd been getting very nervous around it in the weeks leading up to the big show in October and only barely managed to get in and out in one piece.<br />
<br />
Harper was a lovely lad but very dim. He had been known to spook at his own shadow and while David knew he didn't mean it, he often used his size to his advantage and when he didn't want to go somewhere, unless you had superhuman strength, there was no way you were going to win the resulting tug of war. Still, he reasoned, he <em>was</em> getting better. Nikolai had done some bombproofing work with him while he was sorting out Roscoe and he seemed to have made significant improvements since the last time they tried to get him in the box.<br />
<br />
His confidence renewed, he strode boldly towards the livery block where his student would be waiting for him. He'd spend ten, maybe twenty minutes with him in the box, put him back in his stable and then, if he had time, tack up Tam and go out for a hack before he lost the light. Yes, that sounded like a plan.<br />
<br />
---------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
Almost forty minutes had passed since his rather naive estimation of how long it would take to get Harper inside and he was still no further forward.<br />
<br />
'Oh come <em>ooooon</em> Harp, it's not scary, just <em>go in</em>!'<br />
<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_4000.jpg" alt="" width="639" height="485" /><br />
<br />
The gelding took a single faltering step forwards, ears twitching in all directions before flinching backwards once more. David sighed. He really didn't have a clue what was scaring him - he'd been inside numerous horseboxes during his life and this was probably one of the nicer ones.<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_3993.jpg" alt="" width="639" height="426" /><br />
<br />
'See you?' He looked at his watch and frowned. 'You and your shenanigans have cost me a hack - a hack I was really rather looking forward to.'<br />
<br />
Harper stared back at him, eyes wide and innocent and David shook his head wistfully. Why did he always get lumbered with the difficult ones? Ah yes, because he was good at making them un-difficult, that was right.<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_4004.jpg" alt="" width="602" height="639" /><br />
<br />
'Come on then lad, let's try again, just one more step...and...<em>whoaa</em>!'<br />
<br />
He nearly lost his balance and fell as the young gelding took a spook at nothing and reared right up, narrowly missing the roof.<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_3978.jpg" alt="" width="609" height="639" /><br />
<br />
'<em>Steeeady</em> lad, <em>steaaady</em>!'<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_3987.jpg" alt="" width="453" height="639" /><br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_3991.jpg" alt="" width="522" height="639" /><br />
<br />
As he finally dropped back down to earth, David realised with horror that the clip of his leadrope had snapped open, releasing all restraints on Harper.<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_3975.jpg" alt="" width="639" height="448" /><br />
<br />
No sooner had he spotted this than the gelding shot off, clearly wanting to put as much distance between himself and the horsebox as was physically possible.<br />
<br />
'Argh, no! Come back! Harper!<em> Harper?!</em>'<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_4020d.jpg" alt="" width="639" height="460" /><br />
<br />
He grabbed the leadrope off the ground and ran after him, praying that he hadn't got himself into any more trouble. Luckily for him, upon rounding the corner he discovered his unruly charge standing quietly next to Lisa, the noseband of Harper's headcollar in one hand and a freshly opened packet of polos in the other.<br />
<br />
'Oh hi David, lost something?'<br />
<br />
'Heh, y'think?'<br />
<br />
'What were you doing with him to make him run off like that? I've never seen him so scared!'<br />
<br />
David shrugged, clipped the leadrope back on and gently steered him back round the corner. 'I was just trying to get him in the horsebox but he just kept spooking. I don't know what's putting him off either.'<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_4026.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="475" /><br />
<br />
Lisa rolled her eyes at him and stroked the grey's shoulder gently. 'Well let me have a go, I'll show you how it's done!' She took the leadrope from him and led Harper towards the trailer, talking to him quietly all the way as though addressing a child.<br />
<br />
'<em>Awww Harper</em>! Was David being <em>mean</em> to you and trying to make you go inside that <em>big nasty</em> trailer?'<br />
<br />
'Hey, I wasn't being-'<br />
<br />
'<em>Yeeees</em>, I know, he's<em> terrible</em> isn't he?'<br />
<br />
'What are you on about, I'm-'<br />
<br />
'Come on then, be brave -<em> I know you can do it</em>!'<br />
<br />
And with that, Harper walked inside.<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_4028.jpg" alt="" width="639" height="426" /><br />
<br />
David groaned.<br />
<br />
<em>Typical</em>.<br />
<br />
Now that he was in, Harper seemed to have completely forgotten about whatever it was that was putting him off earlier and munched on his haynet animatedly.<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_3969.jpg" alt="" width="639" height="426" /><br />
<br />
'Ok, good boy, now backup, <em>baaaackup</em>, good lad.'<br />
<br />
Lisa backed him out, turned him round, put him in the other stall and even managed to get him to walk backwards up the ramp and down again, all the while David stood, openmouthed outside.<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_4043.jpg" alt="" width="639" height="426" /><br />
<br />
'How? I...just...<em>wha</em>?'<br />
<br />
Lisa grinned and patted him on the shoulder cheerily.<br />
<br />
'It's just practice!'<br />
<br />
'But I've been at it for <em>ages</em>!'<br />
<br />
'Yeah, but did you have <em>these</em>?'<br />
<br />
She waggled the by now half empty packet of mints and David tutted. How obvious could you be?<br />
<br />
'Heh, how long did you say you'd been doing this for?'<br />
<br />
David frowned and looked at his watch. 'Oh about an hour or so now?'<br />
<br />
Lisa gigglesnorted and leapt aside swiftly as David aimed the end of the leadrope at the back of her legs playfully.<br />
<br />
'<em>Oi</em>!'<br />
<br />
-----------------<br />
<br />
Ten minutes later Harper was happily back inside his loosebox with a fresh haynet and a big bucket of feed (with the remainder of the polos as what David took to be another bribe) and everyone else had gathered round the indoor school to see Lyra ridden for the first time at the yard.<br />
<br />
As Abigail had predicted, everyone fell in love with her instantly and it wasn't long before the yard owner was being pestered with requests to get her on loan and for lessons.<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_4109.jpg" alt="" width="639" height="489" /><br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_4106.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="568" /><br />
<br />
'Come on now kids, give her some room, don't overwhelm her!'<br />
<br />
Abigail's booming voice cut across the children's chatter like a knife and the crowd gradually dispersed.<br />
<br />
'Alright Fi, take her for a little walk and trot and we'll go from there, ok?'<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_4103.jpg" alt="" width="639" height="514" /><br />
<br />
'What's she like?'<br />
<br />
'Really good' Fi replied, smiling as she nudged her into canter at the corner. 'She's listening to me all the time!'<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_4093.jpg" alt="" width="639" height="509" /><br />
<br />
She nodded towards one of the jumps which had been left standing after the earlier lesson and looked to Abigail hopefully.<br />
<br />
'Oh go on then! I don't know if she's been trained to jump but err...'<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/November/_MG_4089.jpg" alt="" width="639" height="570" /><br />
<br />
'...apparently she has, well done! I think that'll do her for now - walk around for a bit to cool her off then untack and put her in that spare stable next to Giovanni - I need to get her a turnout rug before she can live out so she'll have to stay inside for a little while. Oh and David, are you still here?'<br />
<br />
'Yep?'<br />
<br />
'Could you go out and bring in Tully, Banksy, Cally and hmmm....Maisie? I need them for the three o'clock and I need to sort out a few things so...?'<br />
<br />
David shrugged and nodded. 'Yeah, no problem, I'll just go and get the headcollars...'<br />
<br />
Ah well. No rest for the wicked.<br />
<br />
<br />
</p>Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-73214318566491231302011-05-01T19:43:00.001-07:002011-05-01T19:43:28.030-07:0032. Risky Riding‘<em>...conformation and temperament of the driving horse is imperative, should one wish to compete in speed trials or showing classes alike. Most horses take to the harness well, nevertheless, some breeds are more inclined towards it; take the Welsh (all sections) and the Irish Connemara for instance-</em>’<br />
<br />
‘...and...CANTER! Inside-leg-on-the-girth, outside-leg-behind!’<br />
<br />
Abigail looked up from the well thumbed pages of one of her favourite vintage horse books and frowned. Rosie and her best friend Sarah were holding their own miniature riding lesson on the floor of the office and their less than subtle impressions of their instructor were beginning to get tiresome.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9575.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="518" /></p>‘Would you two mind keeping the noise down a little? Your mum will be here to pick you up soon Rosie so you’ll need to put those horses away before she arrives. As for you Sarah, shouldn’t you be getting ready for your lesson? The others will be here in a couple of minutes!’<br />
<br />
The girls responded with a dull, monotonous ‘<em>Yes Abigail</em>’ before continuing to canter their ponies across the floor, leaping over hoof-pick fences and crop-handle trotting poles.<br />
<br />
Rolling her eyes exasperatedly, the yard owner turned back to her book.<br />
<br />
‘<em>-Both are attractive and easy to handle and also make excellent riding ponies for young children. Admirers of the more romanticised aspects of horsemanship should look no further than the Romany Horse, or ‘Gypsy Cobs’ as they are often known-</em>’<br />
<br />
‘...Keep him going round the corner, leg on, leg ON!’<br />
<br />
Abigail lowered the book to the desk slowly and tutted loudly. The two girls looked round, eyes twinkling with glee. They knew the best ways to wind her up and had mastered the art over a period of months. There was no malice in it, just a very childish sense of humour.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9597.jpg" alt="" width="518" height="330" /></p>Scowling to herself, she attempted to get back into the text.<br />
<br />
‘<em>-Colour and conformation vary, yet a good specimen cannot be faulted in terms of disposition and willingness to work. The Friesian horse, originally bred in the Friesland province of the Netherlands...-</em>’<br />
<br />
‘Abigail! We’re <em>here</em>! Who are we riding?!’<br />
<br />
Fiona Moffet and Heather Spalding, two of the yard’s newest clients, materialised at her desk, enthusiastic grins plastered on their faces.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9590.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="306" /></p>All chances of settling down to finish the chapter gone, the yard owner stood up and turned her attention to her unruly charges.<br />
<br />
‘Oh, very well. Heather, you’re on Tully again this week. He’s been out on a lot of hacks recently so he’ll need someone to wake him up a bit.’<br />
<br />
The taller girl nodded and smiled to herself. She didn’t like going all that fast either so she and Tully were well matched.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9593.jpg" alt="" width="511" height="341" /></p>‘Sarah, <em>Sarah</em> can you hear me down there? I’ve put you back on Tegan as the two of you seemed to hit it off last time and as for you Fi...hmm’<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9572.jpg" alt="" width="512" height="366" /></p>She eyed the girl up critically for a moment. Although Fiona had only been riding at the yard for a couple of months, she was very impressed with her attitude. Twice she’d fallen off Banksy when he spooked at a crisp packet someone had stupidly left lying on the yard and again, out on a hack when he bolted at the sight of an unexpected cat in the hedge. Both times she’d got straight back on and even jumped him a couple of minutes later on one occasion. She was very good with some of the more challenging horses and therefore she felt the time was right to try her out on their most unpredictable schoolie...<br />
<br />
‘I’ve put you down for Lady, how does that sound? She’s a bit of a handful but I think you’ll manage her just fine.’<br />
<br />
The girl nodded eagerly and handed over the payment for her lesson which Abigail took gratefully and headed off in search of the moneybox, which, like many things in the office, had gone walkabout again.<br />
<br />
‘Good luck!’ said Heather, sniggering behind her hand. ‘It’s been nice knowing you!’<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9579.jpg" alt="" width="511" height="360" /></p>‘Eh? What are you on about?’ Fi replied quickly. ‘There’s nothing wrong with Lady!’<br />
<br />
‘Ha, you’ve never ridden her though, have you? She’s fine most of the time, y’know, with the beginners, but as soon as someone with a bit of experience gets on she chucks them off in minutes!’<br />
<br />
The younger girl frowned and put her hat on. ‘Yeah, well, whatever. I think she’ll be fine!’<br />
<br />
It was a quiet afternoon at the yard and as there were no bookings for later on, there was no rush to get the horses ready, which gave the young riders plenty of time to groom, polish, fuss and tack up their mounts. Because she was so small, Sarah needed help to put Tegan’s saddle on; a task that fell to Sally, who had come to the yard for work experience and then continued on thereafter.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9349.jpg" alt="" width="511" height="341" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9645.jpg" alt="" width="511" height="445" /></p>Fi couldn’t stop smiling as she led the petulant bay mare out of her stable and tied her up outside it. Ever since she’d arrived at the yard she’d wanted to ride her, show the others that although she was a cantankerous old grump at times, she was a brilliant little pony at heart, with loads of potential.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9372.jpg" alt="" width="511" height="341" /></p>She picked out her feet, groomed her and tacked her up, all the while planning what to say to Heather when she finished the lesson on a high.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9378.jpg" alt="" width="511" height="365" /></p>She was a good friend, she thought, as she struggled to hold onto the hind foot that the mare was trying determinedly to pull out of her grasp; but had a mean streak that rose to the surface occasionally – mainly out of jealousy she thought, as riding didn’t come as naturally to her as it did to Fiona.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9347.jpg" alt="" width="511" height="343" /></p>Now fully tacked and ready to go, the pair headed off to the indoor arena, followed at a much slower place by Heather and Tully. Sarah had gone on ahead with Sally and Tegan as with the extra help, she hadn’t taken nearly as long to manage.<br />
<br />
‘What’s the most important thing to remember with Tully, Heather?’<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9204.jpg" alt="" width="512" height="397" /></p>‘Err...keep the leg on and don’t let him stop?’<br />
<br />
Abigail nodded and smiled at her. ‘Exactly. He’s a grand horse, but he does have a bit of a lazy side to him! Anyway, your girth seems tight enough to me, on you go, out onto the track.’<br />
<br />
Heather did as she was bid and nudged the grey forward into a long striding walk, out towards the far side of the arena.<br />
<br />
‘Abigail?’<br />
<br />
‘Yes Sarah?’<br />
<br />
‘Can you check my girth too? I can’t reach the buckles!’<br />
<br />
‘Haha, yes, alright.’<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9206.jpg" alt="" width="511" height="436" /></p>‘Would you like to try a jump on her today? You managed very well on Kestral the other week.’<br />
<br />
‘Oooh, yes please!’<br />
<br />
‘Ok then, I’ll make sure they’re nice and low to begin with – she’ll probably just step over them.’<br />
<br />
She turned to the rest of the ride who had filed into order along the track, Tully and Heather at the front followed by Fi and Lady.<br />
<br />
‘Right then ladies, I thought we’d warm them up to begin with and do some pole work to get their legs stretching up and over before I lay out a couple of jumps. When you reach ‘A’, Heather, put Tully into trot and carry on til the end of the ride, then it’ll be your turn Fi, and so on.’<br />
<br />
After a couple of minutes, it became apparent that David, who had taught them the week before when Abigail was busy, hadn’t been reminding them about their positions in the saddle.<br />
<br />
‘Heather! Stop slouching! You’re all over the place, no wonder Tully isn’t going forward!’<br />
<br />
As she spoke, the gelding ploughed his way through the trotting poles she’d so carefully laid out in the sand and she clapped a hand to her forehead in despair.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9322.jpg" alt="" width="518" height="361" /></p>’Right everyone, that’s it! Drop your reins and hold your arms out to the sides.’<br />
<br />
‘<em>Awwww, what?!</em>’<br />
<br />
‘Nooo, Abigail, <em>why</em>?’<br />
<br />
‘Don’t worry about the horses, they won’t do anything – this will help you to sit up straight and have much better balance...come on, arms out!’<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9271.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="387" /></p>‘Keep them walking on, don’t let them stop!’<br />
<br />
Despite the mutinous grumbling and aching arms, the girls did start to see an improvement after a couple of minutes and it wasn’t long before Abigail let them pick up their reins again. This time round she raised the poles and watched proudly as all three trotted over them perfectly.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9319.jpg" alt="" width="512" height="379" /></p>They had a canter on each rein before jumping – Tully took several attempts to strike off on the right leg and Lady nearly crashed into him when it was her turn, she was going so fast.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9274.jpg" alt="" width="511" height="358" /></p>‘<em>Well sat</em>!’ exclaimed Abigail. ‘She nearly had you off at that corner!’<br />
<br />
Fi laughed and leaned forward to ruffle the mare’s unruly mane. ‘Nah, it’ll take more than a little canter to get me off!’ Almost as soon as she said it, she knew it had been a mistake. She felt Lady’s back tense beneath her and within seconds, the little mare’s hind end exploded with a barrage of whirling kicks and bucks.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9284.jpg" alt="" width="511" height="404" /></p>No sooner had her feet hit the ground than she was off again, rearing and twisting, arching her back and throwing her head around. Fi clung on tightly but she knew she was losing her grip...<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9298.jpg" alt="" width="511" height="431" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9288.jpg" alt="" width="491" height="511" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9302.jpg" alt="" width="512" height="384" /></p>She hit the ground with a muffled<em> thmp</em> and a quiet cry of pain. Lady cantered to the back of the ride where she was caught by a very shocked looking Heather who had leapt from Tully as soon as she saw her friend start to slip off. Abigail sprinted over and knelt down to examine her.<br />
<br />
‘Are you alright Fi? Where does it hurt?’<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9310.jpg" alt="" width="511" height="371" /></p>Fiona shrugged and got to her feet delicately, brushing sand from her clothes as she did so.<br />
<br />
‘Don’t worry about me, I’m ok. Where’s Lady?’<br />
<br />
‘Oh she’s fine – well done for catching her Heather, thank you – but are you sure you’re all right?’<br />
<br />
‘Yeah, yeah, I’m fine, don’t worry! I just want to get back on.’<br />
<br />
‘Hmm, alright then, just take it easy and here, have this’ She handed her a crop from the pile by the gate. ‘You might not need it but its handy to have if she starts acting up again.’<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9311.jpg" alt="" width="511" height="368" /></p>True to her word, Fi didn’t push her luck and stayed in trot for the remainder of the lesson. After Lady realised that acting up earned her a smack and a good telling off, she soon started to listen and quietened down. At Sarah’s excited request, Abigail laid out a row of blocks for them to jump. It was low enough for Tegan to pop over without any trouble, yet high enough that she actually bothered to jump it.<br />
<br />
‘If she wants to take it in canter just let her, she often prefers it that way. Right, give her a wee kick on and jumping position...now! Oh well done, VERY nice jump!’<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9259.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="473" /></p>Sarah trotted to the back of the ride, beaming. Tegan never put a foot wrong and whenever she rode her she felt like nothing could ever go wrong. A far cry from the other welshie in the lesson...<br />
<br />
At Heather’s request, she and Tully just went for another canter instead of jumping. She didn’t really like it all that much and, thought Abigail, as her position wasn’t very good at the moment, it was probably for the best. Finally, and with only a few minutes of the lesson left, it was Fi’s turn to jump.<br />
<br />
‘Are you sure you want to do this?’ said Abigail, who looked worried. ‘She’s in one of those moods today and I don’t want you coming off again!’<br />
‘I won’t!’ said Fi, grinning widely. ‘I know I said that last time but I know what to expect now!’<br />
<br />
Her instructor rolled her eyes and waved her forward. ‘Oh go on then, just keep your leg on and don’t let her take the mickey!’<br />
<br />
The girl smiled to herself. She had no intention of falling off this time. Yes, Lady was a challenge to ride – much stronger than she’d been expecting, but she knew what made her tick now and jumping, as far as she could tell from watching the others ride her, was something that she usually enjoyed. They broke into a fast and choppy trot down the short side and Lady threw her head up at the sight of the jump. Fi closed her fingers tighter around the reins and brought her head down, legging her on at the same time to keep the impulsion going. As they turned towards the fence, the head went back up, as did the pace.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9234.jpg" alt="" width="518" height="373" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">Less than a stride out, she slammed on the brakes and Fi hurtled forward onto her neck as the mare skidded to a stop, hocks well beneath her.<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9240.jpg" alt="" width="518" height="376" /></p>‘Argh, git ON!’<br />
<br />
After all the nonsense earlier, she wasn’t standing for this and as soon as she’d regained her balance, gave her a short, sharp smack with her crop.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9247.jpg" alt="" width="518" height="383" /></p>Lady appeared not to take any notice for a moment before jumping from a standstill and landing on an almost perfect canter stride.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9250.jpg" alt="" width="545" height="575" /></p>‘Oh WELL DONE! Not the tidiest of jumps I’ll grant you but very well done for getting her over it! Do you want to try again, see if she’ll do it properly this time? I’ll put up some guide poles so she doesn’t try to run out’<br />
<br />
She really needn’t have asked. Fi circled her in trot and made the transition to canter just as she reached the next corner. This time Lady didn’t fight the contact and strode towards the fence, perfectly calm.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9227.jpg" alt="" width="518" height="353" /></p>Abigail gave her a little round of applause as she cleared it well the second time and motioned for the others to walk around on a long rein to cool off for five minutes before calling them all back into the centre to finish off.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9265.jpg" alt="" width="518" height="359" /></p>‘You all did very well today, I’m really pleased with your progress. Sarah, your cantering has come on leaps and bounds in the last couple of weeks and your jumping was top notch. I think you’ll be jumping spreads and doubles before you know it!’<br />
The little girl beamed and flung her arms around the little chestnut, who flicked her ears up in surprise.<br />
<br />
‘Heather, you know yourself the problem areas – we discussed them last time – but you’re definitely improving! I’ll see if I can get you up on Giovanni next week – don’t worry, I know he’s considerably bigger than you’re used to but he’s a lot more forward going than Tully and I think a change in pony’ll do you good. You’re a lot better than you think you are, just give yourself a chance!’<br />
<br />
She turned to Fiona, who sat on Lady with all the confidence of one who felt totally at ease with their mount. She noticed too, how relaxed the mare was, standing quietly, resting a hind leg.<br />
<br />
‘As for you Fi, well, something tells me this won’t be the last time I put you on Lady! To be perfectly honest, after that fall I wasn’t expecting you to get back on her. When she bucks, it’s frightening and I wouldn’t have blamed you if you never wanted to so much as look at her again but I’m very glad you did. You’ve definitely got the knack for the difficult ones, I’ll give you that!’<br />
<br />
Fiona laughed and ruffled Lady’s mane gently. ‘Ahh, she’s not difficult, she just likes to have her own way, that’s all!’<br />
<br />
‘Haha, well you reached a very good compromise then! Anyway, off you get everyone. Run up your stirrups and put them and their tack away please and Fi, you’ll need to come and see me in the office afterwards so we can fill out the accident book.’<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9266.jpg" alt="" width="511" height="341" /></p>Untacking didn’t normally take long, but by now, half the yard had heard of Fi’s miraculous ‘sticky bum’ and she kept getting interrupted by kids coming over to ask her what had happened.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9337.jpg" alt="" width="512" height="333" /></p>Izzy wandered over to congratulate her as she gave Lady a quick groom to rid her of the loose hair, dust and sweat she’d accumulated during the lesson.<br />
<br />
‘...sounds like you coped with her nicely! She’s not an easy pony to ride at all, is she?’<br />
<br />
‘I don’t know, you do well on her don’t you?’<br />
<br />
‘I used to, I’m almost too big for her now so I only ride her on hacks and things or the odd show if I’m lucky. I thought she might have to be sold as I was pretty much the only one who liked riding her so I’m really glad that you love her as much as I do’<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9649.jpg" alt="" width="511" height="423" /></p>Fi smiled. ‘Yeah, she’s a bit of a grump but she’s <em>my</em> grump!’<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Risky%20Riding/_MG_9385.jpg" alt="" width="511" height="409" /></p>Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-32665000085721945712011-05-01T19:42:00.002-07:002016-04-20T13:34:01.699-07:0031. Aiden's Lesson<div style="text-align: left;">
It was warm in the livery block. Broad shafts of sunlight streamed through the large skylights on the roof, casting alternate rows of light and shadow upon the hay strewn concrete below. The air was thick with dust motes and the comforting scent of fresh shavings and hay was all around. It was a relaxing atmosphere for anyone - horsey or not – and it had become a popular spot to sit in and have lunch or just chill out and read a book – something that the owner of Chego the Criollo was especially fond of.</div>
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‘Alright then lad, let’s get goin’. We can’t have you standing around all day now can we?’ </div>
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Around%20The%20Yard/_mg_0034.jpg" height="459" width="576" /></div>
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The gelding looked up from his haynet and flicked his ears forward as Aiden put his bridle on. It was almost eight months since he’d come to live at EAE and in that time a lot had changed. The pair had grown close and although Aiden still had his ‘noob’ moments, they made a good team. Once he was sure that the girth was tight enough and that his helmet was still firmly attached to his head, Aiden led him out. He, David and Lisa were going to go out on a hack to take advantage of the unusually good weather. He patted Chego’s neck fondly as he waited for Lisa to finish tacking up Kerry.</div>
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'Aren’t you ready yet?’ said David, ‘Tam’s tacked up and waiting in his stable and I see Aiden’s finished as well. What’s taking so long?’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Around%20The%20Yard/_mg_9557.jpg" height="383" width="575" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lisa threw him a dark look and called over to Aiden on the opposite side of the block. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘I won’t be long Aiden! I forgot that he was out last night – he’s filthy!’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The raven haired Irishman waved nonchalantly and smiled. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Don’t worry yourself about it, we can wait’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sensing that getting too close to Lisa would result in lots of grumbling, David sensibly moved over to Aiden and Chego. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘He’s looking good at the moment – have you been giving him some of those conditioning cubes Abigail bought?’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Around%20The%20Yard/_mg_9829.jpg" height="338" width="576" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Nope, just good old fashioned treacle.’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘<i>Treacle</i>’</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Aye, treacle.’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He said this as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Right...Ready yet Lisa?’</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘<b><i>Just give me a minute ok!?</i></b>’</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
David winced as she aimed a dandy brush at his head, dropping his shoulders in relief when it flew past his ears and bounced off the front of Chego’s stall. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Err...I’ll just go and get Tam then shall I?’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aiden chuckled to himself and joined him, Chego following on behind him quietly without any need for him to hold the reins. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘How’s the monster treatin’ you at the moment? Chucked you off much this week?’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
David pulled a face and stuck his hands into his pockets, scowling. His face said it all and Aiden fell about laughing. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Ach, wheesht! Just because your horse never puts a foot wrong!’ David said huffily. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aiden stopped for a moment and looked at him, a serious expression on his face. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Now that’s not strictly true y’know. T’other day he DID put his foot in the wrong place.’</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Oh?’</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Aye! MY foot!’</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
At the sight of Aiden’s completely straight face and the gelding’s innocently wide eyed stare, David couldn’t control himself and let out a thunderous guffaw of laughter as he struggled to stay upright. By the time he managed to meet his gaze without giggling he realised that Aiden’s expression hadn’t changed and he looked at David like a man highly offended.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Haha, sorry about that. I think we’ve all been there – I tell you, Tam actually plans his attacks on me now!’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Irishman nodded and grinned roguishly. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘I know, I’ve seen him ambush you when you think he’s asleep. Mind like a fox that horse.’</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He gestured behind him with a thumb, indicating the Criollo.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Chego has his moments as well but I think he’s just messing me about.’</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
David smiled. ‘You know, you’ve done incredibly well with him, especially considering that you’d barely met a horse before you got him’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Y’know I think you might be right. Agatha told me – '</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Abigail’</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Aye, her! She told me that I was a natural t’other day! A <i>natural</i> she said.’</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Well you’ve certainly improved a lot since you arrived – your first lessons were err..interesting to say the least’</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘I don’t know what you mean there David. I took to it - as they say - like a duck to water.’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘If you say so...’</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u> ~~~~~~~~~~Seven Months Previously~~~~~~~~~~~ </u></b></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Ok Mr Lynch – ' </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Call me Aiden - ‘Mr Lynch’ makes me sound like a hangman.’ </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
‘Err...alright then, Aiden, you’ll be on Callisto today. She’s nice and calm – perfect for beginners. I take it you’ve never ridden before?’</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
‘Nope, not once. Well..actually, now that you mention it – do Donkeys count? Only I used to race them on the beach with me cousin when I was a lad – great fun it was...well, until the tide came in and we had to swim back to shore while the donkeys ran away and took our picnic lunch with them...’ </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
‘Right, ok then!’ David said quickly, trying his hardest to steer the conversation back to the topic in hand. ‘If you go into the office – that door there, yeah – and get yourself kitted out with a hat, I’ll get Cally tacked up and I’ll leave you in Abigail’s capable hands’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Oh? I thought you were going to be givin’ me this lesson – who’s Abigail?’</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Abigail! You know, she runs the place?’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Aiden shook his head, a bemused frown on his face. ‘Tall, blonde, wears old fashioned clothes?’ David offered. ‘<i>A bit scary</i>?’ </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As Aiden continued to give him a blank look, he decided not to continue.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
‘Right well anyway, she’s in the office so she’ll get you sorted out. I have to pop into the village – we’re out of mix again and I’ll probably stock up on some other feed while I’m at it. Have a good lesson!’ </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Aiden waved him goodbye and headed off to the office, a smile growing on his lips. Riding would be easy, he was certain. After all, what was there to it? All you did was get on, give it a bit of a kick and you were away! This optimistic mood was punctured slightly when Abigail (who he conveniently forgot the name of again) gave him a full health and safety drill before he had even left the room. Although she assured him that she had to do that with every new rider, Aiden had the distinct impression that she considered him a special case. By the time they’d fetched Callisto and made the short walk to the indoor school however, Aiden felt ready for anything. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_MG_0781.jpg" height="383" width="575" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Abigail held the mare while he brought over one of the blocks to help him get on. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
‘Right then Aiden, stand on that and put your reins in your left hand, hold onto the front of the saddle, put your left foot in the stirrup and on three, swing yourself over, ok?’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_MG_0774.jpg" height="345" width="518" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He nodded and was just about to attempt it when Marian raced into the arena, panting heavily and sending sand and bits of poo flying as she galloped towards them. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Marian?!’ said Abigail ‘Whatever’s the matter with you? What’s happened?’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_MG_0772.jpg" height="464" width="575" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘It’s..It’s..’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Come on, speak up!’</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘It’s Tam again Abi, he’s loose.’</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Oh you’re joking...<i>really</i>?’</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
‘Yeah, he must have managed to undo the top bolt again – Lisa and Niko are trying to round him up but he’s doing his ‘wild mustang’ impression again and none of us can catch him’</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Abigail rolled her eyes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
‘ ...and where’s David when you need him? Out at the shops...typical. Sorry about all this Aiden, I’ll be back in a few minutes. Just don’t do anything silly <i>like try to ride her unsupervised</i> and Callisto will look after you.’</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Righto!’ Aiden grinned. ‘Have fun!’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As he watched them leave, a plan began to form. It was obvious to him that a ‘few minutes’ wouldn’t nearly be long enough to recapture the Lusi and as he had no one to teach him he’d be as well to do it himself. How hard could it be? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_mg_8523.jpg" height="402" width="576" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
‘Right’ he said confidently. ‘Left hand’s got the reins...check. So that must mean that it’s the left foot..no, no wait, wait wait, the<i> right</i> foot, yeah, that sounds about right. The right foot in the left stirrup.’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_mg_8527.jpg" height="384" width="576" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘This shouldn’t be too difficult.’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_mg_8535.jpg" height="384" width="576" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Just swing the leg over...’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_MG_0790.jpg" height="548" width="576" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...and err...that’s not quite right now is it?’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_MG_0791.jpg" height="575" width="482" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It wasn’t exactly the preferred riding position but at least he was on. As he flailed around, trying to work out which way to turn to get off and try again, he accidently nudged Callisto who, being the good little schoolie that she was, took this to mean that he wanted to trot. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_MG_0796.jpg" height="549" width="576" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Nooo, slow down! How do I turn this bloody thing off!?’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_MG_0806.jpg" height="383" width="575" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Awww c’mon, steady on there girl! This ain’t exactly fair!’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_MG_0800.jpg" height="383" width="575" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Eventually he managed to grab the reins and bring her back to a standstill, as well as getting back into the correct position. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_MG_0810.jpg" height="506" width="575" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘There’s a good lass, <i>good</i> lass. Now let’s try that again, but slooowly.’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_MG_0813.jpg" height="546" width="575" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They trotted round the arena a couple of times until Aiden managed to keep his balance properly. He knew he’d have to do that <i>‘standin’ up and sittin’ down and then repeatin’ yourself</i>’ thing eventually so he gave that a shot too. Unfortunately, he mangled his aids once more and instead asked for canter, which Callisto kindly obliged with. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_MG_0831.jpg" height="523" width="575" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Oooh-er, this is a bit faster than I was expectin’! How in t’ell are you supposed to stay on!?’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_mg_8583.jpg" height="425" width="576" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After another couple of circuits during which time Callisto had finally cottoned on to the fact that she was being ridden by a complete novice and slowed back down to a walk, Aiden managed to pull her back gently to halt. It was just as well too, as he could hear Abigail’s distinctively thunderous voice from outside the building. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If Abigail caught him doing exactly what she’d told him not to, she’d be furious. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He needed to get off quickly and efficiently. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_mg_8529.jpg" height="457" width="576" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He panicked. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_mg_8531.jpg" height="427" width="576" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As he hoisted himself to his feet, brushed the worst of the sand off his backside and readjusted his hat with the other hand, he couldn’t help wondering how they’d got on with recapturing the rogue Lusitano. At the sound of the big double doors opening he regained his previous position beside Callisto; his face the picture of innocence. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_mg_8533.jpg" height="383" width="575" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Oh hello there Annie, did I miss anytin’?’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_MG_0838.jpg" height="546" width="576" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The yard owner let out a deeply frustrated sigh and shook her head. ‘We’ve managed to trap him in the outdoor school but he’s not letting any of us near him so we’re just going to have to leave him to David when he gets back. Honestly, I wonder what on earth possessed me to buy him in the first place!’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘His winning personality?’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_mg_8591.jpg" height="485" width="576" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Hmmph.’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_MG_0843.jpg" height="383" width="575" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
‘Right then, enough faffing about – let’s get you on.’ She pulled one of the blocks over and seemed genuinely surprised when Aiden pulled himself into the saddle without being told what to do. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_mg_8588.jpg" height="444" width="576" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
‘We’ll just stick to walk for this first lesson – make sure you’ve got the hang of your steering and things.’ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_mg_8564.jpg" height="565" width="576" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After a few minutes Aiden moved up into trot of his own accord and Abigail couldn’t help but look impressed. If she didn’t know any better she’d have said that he’d done this before... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />…and just a little something I put together the other day out of amusement.<br /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidensfall.gif" height="324" width="486" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
…I think he’s been at it again! <br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<img alt="" class=" " src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_mg_4157.jpg" height="315" title="Innocent Bystander" width="512" /></div>
Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-62124243018137035922011-05-01T19:42:00.000-07:002011-05-01T19:42:23.127-07:0030. TB or Not TB?<p style="text-align:center;">December the 22nd. The day before, the day before Christmas Eve.</p>Snowflakes were drifting slowly to the frostbitten ground outside, cool winter sunlight casting icy blue shadows across the pockmarked cobbles. Clouds of warm breath billowed from every stable, hinting at the rugged up occupants within. A blackbird alighted on Kestral’s door and ruffled her feathers in a disgruntled manner as she tried to dislodge the thick white flakes that had already started to attach themselves to her feathers.<br />
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<br />
It was Christmas, traditionally a time for fun, warmth, gift giving and…pedantry?<br />
<br />
‘Abigail? Why are you hanging up multicoloured gazelle?’<br />
<br />
‘Gazelle? What on earth are you on about David? These are reindeer!’<br />
<br />
‘Hmmm, I’ll take your word for it but they look much more like antelope to me. Last time I checked, deer had antlers, not horns.’<br />
<br />
‘Oh for goodness sake!’<br />
<br />
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<br />
David was not usually possessed with much in the way of festive spirit but he did his best to appear enthused with the rest of Abigail’s decorations. Following on from last year’s tree fiasco, he’d already organised a trip out to the patch of woodland behind the indoor school where there were conifers a-plenty.<br />
<br />
They would be taking Maisie with them – a young Highland mare that they had recently purchased from an old friend of Doc Lowe’s, who used to work on the nearby estate as a gamekeeper. As part of the estate’s deer management, he often went up the hills with a small party to stalk the deer and Maisie - like many Highlands bred for the purpose - was one of the ponies that brought them back down. When he retired, he let the landowner keep the rest of his ponies but kept Maisie until his health deteriorated and he had to sell, as she had been a particular favourite of his.<br />
<br />
David reasoned that as a horse well used to lugging 15 stone deer around the moors, she’d be perfectly happy to carry a small tree back to the yard and right he was.<br />
<br />
‘Right Abigail, that’s me off to get Maisie tacked up – do you want me to do Tully and Rhona for the lesson as well?’<br />
<br />
‘Err…yeah, that would be brilliant, thanks David. Ooh wait, you couldn’t clear out the box next to Ptolemy when you’re finished could you? I think Marian’s been keeping his extra rugs and things in there.’<br />
<br />
‘Yeah, ok…any reason?’<br />
<br />
Abigail shrugged, smiling. ‘Just…get it done, ok? I’ll tell you why later.’<br />
<br />
David did as he was told and fetched the mare in from the field, his boots crunching loudly in the snowy carpet below. She was a nice mare, quiet and very easy to handle. In less than ten minutes she was tacked up and ready to go. Now all he needed was Nikolai, who was supposed to give him a hand in chopping down the unfortunate fir.<br />
<br />
‘Niko?<em> Niko</em>, where are you?’<br />
<br />
The icy silence told him that the Russian was elsewhere, so he tied Maisie to the wall and shuffled his way back to the office.<br />
<br />
‘Abigail, have you seen –‘<br />
<br />
He was cut off in mid flow as Abigail raised a hand to shush him, the other holding a somewhat outdated looking mobile to her ear.<br />
<br />
‘Right, ok, yep. That soon!? No, no, that’s no trouble at all, just a little unexpected…ha, yes, my thoughts exactly. Right ok then, I’ll see you later on, ok, byeee!’<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/EAE%20Xmas/_mg_0008.jpg" alt="" width="447" height="298" /></p>‘Yes David, what was that you were saying?’<br />
<br />
‘Err, umm…oh yeah, have you seen Nikolai anywhere? Only he was supposed to be helping me with the tree and now he’s just gone and bugg…oh, hello Niko.’<br />
<br />
The tall man raised one eyebrow at him and hung Jaconelli’s spare headcollar up on the wall by the door.<br />
<br />
‘You were looking for me?’<br />
<br />
‘Err, yeah. Are you ready to go? Maisie’s all tacked up and everything.’<br />
<br />
Nikolai nodded and stepped outside without as much as a second glance. David rolled his eyes and put on his warm fleece-lined jerkin which was a godsend during the cold winter months. Outside, the mare was standing quietly, ears pricked and alert.<br />
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<br />
‘Come on then girl, let’s go.’<br />
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The trip there and back again took less than half an hour and it wasn’t long before they arrived back in the yard, covered in snow and pine needles, and, in Maisie’s case at least, a whole tree.</p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/EAE%20Xmas/_mg_9174.jpg" alt="" width="447" height="298" /><br />
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<br />
‘Abigail! Where’d you want this put then?’<br />
<br />
The yard owner looked up from adjusting Rhona’s girth and nodded towards the office door.<br />
<br />
‘In the office, there’s a bucket waiting. I’m just taking Rhona for a quick hack before I do the accounts – it always helps me clear my mind when I’m thinking too much’<br />
<br />
‘…which shouldn’t happen too often…’ muttered David, earning himself a thwack on the head from a suitably non impressed Abigail.<br />
<br />
‘Anyway, I’ll be back soon and don’t forget to do that stable for me, ok?’<br />
<br />
‘Will do!’<br />
<br />
Shortly after he’d wrestled the extremely pointy piece of vegetation into its temporary home, David made his way over to the Livery block to clear out the stable as per Abigail’s wishes. Lisa had just finished mucking out Kerry and valiantly offered to help.<br />
<br />
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<br />
‘Abigail’s hiding something isn’t she?’<br />
<br />
‘Why would you say that?’ asked David, frowning. ‘I haven’t noticed anything odd.’<br />
<br />
‘Oh come on David!’ cried Lisa, rolling her eyes at him. ‘It’s obvious! Think about it! For the last two weeks she’s been going out to ‘visit a friend’ and she goes all quiet and mysterious whenever someone mentions the spare stables in the livery block’<br />
<br />
‘So?’<br />
<br />
‘<em>So</em> I think she’s bought another horse.’<br />
<br />
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<br />
‘What? No way! She’d tell us if she had – we’re staff!’<br />
<br />
‘Ah but she wouldn’t need to if she was buying one for herself though would she?’ she replied slyly.<br />
<br />
‘Hmmm, that’s true.’<br />
<br />
‘Oh I wonder what breed it’ll be! Probably something big and eventery knowing Abigail. As much as she loves her cobs I can’t see her buying one that wouldn’t be for the school.’<br />
<br />
‘Hey, it’s a bit soon to be thinking about all this though isn’t it? We don’t even know if she’s buying a horse, let alone competing on it!’<br />
<br />
‘Oh David go away, you’re no fun at all.’<br />
<br />
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<br />
Out in the fields, Abigail frowned. Was she doing the right thing? Running a riding school was a full time job and she rarely got the chance to do anything for herself so was she being practical or just being selfish? She sighed and nudged Rhona gently into a forward going trot across the snow covered grass.<br />
Ahead of her was the so called ‘Actor’s Geldings’ – the small herd that belonged to Lindsey the stunt rider. As she approached, Rebel the cob looked up from his meal and flicked his ears forward at her, obviously expecting to be rewarded for his attention with treats.<br />
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<br />
When he realised that he wasn’t going to get anything, he lowered his head and continued eating, leaving Abigail to pass him unimpeded. Lindsey was busy most of the day and yet she still found time to spend with her horses. As she thought this, the woman in question appeared on the horizon, bridle over a shoulder and two headcollars dangling over the other.<br />
<br />
She ruffled Rebel’s forelock tuft affectionately as she buckled up the headcollar, dismissing his grumpy looking expression as usual and doing the same for Jean-Luc. Mishto was swiftly bridled and within a minute the three of them trotted off in the direction of the school, leadropes draped haphazardly over their necks.<br />
<br />
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<br />
She clicked to them softly and the three turned as one, following her every command in well rehearsed perfection.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Abigail smiled. Yes, she’d manage just fine.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Christmas Eve finally came and with it the promise of yet more snow. Riding lessons were put on hold and hacks halted indefinitely until the worst of the blizzards were over. Several clients found themselves unable to leave the village because of the snowdrifts and those that did make it in seemed to spend most of their time defrosting in the office or exchanging gifts.<br />
<br />
‘Merry Christmas Abigail!’ chorused Baz and Jenny as they handed over a tempting looking present.<br />
<br />
‘We hope you haven’t already got one but well, even if you have, they never go wrong on a yard!’<br />
<br />
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<br />
‘Yeah!’ said Baz, grinning. ‘We’ll probably end up borrowing it ourselves at some point too. I’ve been thinking about getting a horse myself recently.’<br />
<br />
‘Ooh thank you! Oh really? Time was you’d never even consider getting on one, let alone having one of your own!’ chuckled Abigail, as she placed the gift under the freshly decorated tree.<br />
<br />
Baz nodded. ‘Well, let’s just say Jenny brought me round to the idea…’<br />
<br />
‘Yes, but he better not beat me if he starts competing on it!’<br />
<br />
‘Oh I don’t know, what’s that they say about the student surpassing the master?’ he said, eyebrows raised cheekily, avoiding a playful shove from his girlfriend.<br />
‘See you later and have a good Christmas! We’re going to go home early before the snow comes on – we don’t want to be snowed out!’<br />
<br />
‘Ok then, you too and take care on the roads, there have been a few accidents near Hollowcroft this week.’<br />
<br />
As she watched the couple leave, arms wrapped tightly around each other’s shoulders for warmth a furious ringing caught her attention. She lifted the phone to her face and smiled.<br />
<br />
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<br />
As the horsebox reversed into the yard, wheels turning slowly against the crust of frozen snow and ice, Abigail felt her heart rate increase. This was it, there was no going back. With shaking hands, she helped the driver undo the bolts on the ramp and pulled it down to reveal her extra special Christmas present.<br />
<br />
‘Hey, hey…easy lad, good boy, come on…’<br />
<br />
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<br />
The gelding stepped out into the snow with a friendly and curious expression on his face, ears pricked in excitement. After a quick chat with the driver, Abigail waved goodbye and led her new horse round the back of the main stable block, still completely lost for words.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Even though this was not the first time she had met him, he still astonished her with his unfamiliarity. It had been years since she’d had her own personal horse and this one meant so much to her for so many reasons. She opened the gate and led him into his box, smiling at the gelding’s questioning face as he snuffled around the corners with his nose.<br />
<br />
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<br />
As he hadn’t been in the horsebox long, only twenty minutes or so, he would be alright to ride once he’d settled in a little.<br />
<br />
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<br />
She fetched the tack which she had collected prior to his arrival and after giving him a quick groom, tacked him up.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Running her fingers through his short and scruffy mane, the two of them walked to the indoor school, the gelding matching her pace instinctively. He stood perfectly still for her as she got on and adjusted her stirrups, only moving off when she asked him to.<br />
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<br />
It was only when she heard David’s appreciative chuckle from the other side of the arena that she realised she was grinning.<br />
<br />
‘So this is who you’ve been hiding from us then!’<br />
<br />
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<br />
Abigail smiled sheepishly and gave her horse a pat. ‘Yes, sorry about that. I couldn’t quite believe that I was buying him myself and I suppose I didn’t want to spoil it! This is Harry or ‘The Abbot of Unreason’ if you want to go into specifics. He’s a TB x ID.’<br />
<br />
David nodded and rubbed the gelding’s nose fondly. ‘Well, you’ve certainly got good taste, I’ll grant you that. Still, where did this come from? You hadn’t mentioned anything about getting your own horse for a long time!’<br />
<br />
Abigail shrugged. ‘It wasn’t top of my agenda, I agree but well… Have I ever told you that I used to breed TBs?’<br />
<br />
David rolled his eyes. ‘Yeah, you might have mentioned it once or twice…yeah…’<br />
<br />
The yard owner ignored his sarcasm and continued, nudging the gelding into a walk.<br />
<br />
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<br />
‘Well, when I was a lot younger I had an absolutely fantastic young stallion as an event prospect. I’d bought him as a four year old, straight off the track and aimed to bring him on to compete. He was the most intelligent horse I’d ever known – picked things up incredibly quickly and had the most wonderful personality so it was no surprise that we moved up the levels within a few years. Joker he was called, Joker’s Gambit. As he got older, I bred from him and he sired several foals, most of which have done very well for themselves now too. I had him until he was almost fourteen and that’s when I had to take over the yard from my mother so I just didn’t have the time to ride him or compete. Luckily one of my best friends who had always liked him, offered to take him on for me and I agreed. They got on like a house on fire and even bought one of his offspring to bring on once Joker was past his prime.’<br />
<br />
As she spoke, David could see sadness creep into her eyes and there was a lump in her throat as she continued.<br />
<br />
‘I got a phone call from my friend the other day to say that Joker had died in his stable at the grand old age of 27 after a long and happy retirement. I was devastated – I hadn’t been to see him in a good few years and I could kick myself that I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. Joker was the horse that made me want to keep riding after a few nasty falls and I just couldn’t believe that he was gone.’<br />
<br />
She smiled awkwardly and clicked to Harry, sending him up a gear into a trot over the poles.<br />
<br />
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<br />
‘Anyway, the other reason behind the call was that she was giving up riding and wanted to know if I’d like to give a home to one of Joker’s offspring. At first I didn’t like the idea but I went along to see him regardless and oh, it was like my horse was still alive! Harry looks just like him and he’s definitely inherited his sire’s nature.’<br />
<br />
As she said this, Harry snorted loudly and chewed at his bit, arching his neck proudly.<br />
<br />
‘I visited a few more times to make sure that I was doing the right thing and finally paid for him last week. I know it’s a bit of an indulgence seeing as I can’t use him in lessons or anything but I just couldn’t let the opportunity slip by!’<br />
<br />
‘Well I think you made a good decision, besides! Everyone else here has a staff horse and it’s about time you had one too.’ said David, laughing.<br />
<br />
The next day, once everyone had been properly introduced, Abigail, David and Nikolai set off on an afternoon hack through the snow.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Harry went like a dream and Abigail couldn’t wipe the smile off her face all day.<br />
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<br />
They stopped for a time beside the loch, taking in the picturesque views before they headed back to the yard.<br />
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<br />
For the next few weeks, Abigail would be bombarded with questions as to the nature of her Christmas presents by the kids and what was the best one but she knew that the answer would be simple.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Her very own horse.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Fin.Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-88885968761897752912011-05-01T19:40:00.003-07:002011-05-01T19:40:31.926-07:0029. Spot Check‘Come on Kestral, <em>trrrot</em> on!’ David murmured softly to the chestnut mare that he was lungeing around the track. Since Axel had been weaned a few months before, he had been spending time with Kestral and preparing her for a return to ridden work in the spring. At the moment she was still quite unfit so he wasn’t doing very much with her. A bit of lungeing here, some ridden work there; overall she was only schooled a couple of times a week but it had so far paid off rather well. The newly completed indoor arena was a godsend – no more trudging through churned up sand and mud just to send a horse round on a circle.<br />
<br />
Clicking softly, he brought her over the raised trotting poles and then back to a nice long striding walk.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_mg_99862.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Aidens%20Lesson/_mg_99862.jpg" alt="" width="511" height="418" /></a></p>‘Good girl, well done.’ said David proudly, rubbing her nose with his knuckles and folding up the lunge line as he did so.<br />
<br />
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<br />
‘Hello! You must be David.’ said a voice from the other side of the school. ‘Abigail said you’d probably be in here’ David looked up to see an unfamiliar person enter the arena leading a very handsome grey horse.<br />
<br />
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‘Oh hello, you must be err…’ He tried desperately to recall the name of the woman who Abigail had told him would be keeping her young TB here, but as ever, his mind failed him and he simply went blank.<br />
<br />
‘Lindsey’ she said with a smile. ‘And this is Harper. Abigail’s going to give him a quick workout before I head home – he’s full of beans at the moment!’<br />
David nodded a greeting. ‘Sorry to keep you waiting – Kes hasn’t done this much activity since last year!’<br />
<br />
Lindsey laughed. ‘Well she’s looking good to me!’<br />
<br />
They chatted for a couple of minutes until Abigail appeared and shooed him out of the school. ‘Get a move on David – Kestral won’t rug herself up you know!’<br />
<p style="text-align:center;">David grinned and gave her a mock salute before heading back to the main yard, Kestral in tow. He shivered in the cold November air and fumbled with the buckles on the mare’s rug.<br />
Gloves. That’s what he needed. A good pair of warm gloves – they never went wrong and they were usually pretty cheap. An excellent idea for a birthday present, he thought to himself. Not that anyone had remembered of course.<br />
He fetched Tam’s tack, still mentally grumbling to himself and placed the saddle over the door, bridle in hand. He didn’t notice the dog until he nearly tripped over it, standing as it was, right in his way.</p><a href="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Spot%20Check/_mg_0667.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Spot%20Check/_mg_0667.jpg" alt="" width="365" height="511" /></a><br />
<br />
It was a nice looking dog with big friendly eyes and as he bent down to give her a pat; she wagged her tail appreciatively and looked up at him with a somewhat soppy expression.<br />
<br />
‘<em>Hello</em>! I haven’t seen you around here before. I wonder who you belong to?’<br />
<br />
He ruffled her spotty fur affectionately and turned to resume tacking up Tam.<br />
<br />
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<br />
‘Hey! Get out of here you daft dog - d’you have a death wish? Tam’ll trample you, come on, get out!’<br />
<br />
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<br />
David gently pushed the Dalmatian back outside and shut the door. The dog merely sniffed the new obstacle and resumed her tail wagging. By the time David was ready to mount, the dog had assumed a sentry position beside the door, watching his every move with great interest.<br />
<br />
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<br />
‘Come ON Tam, stop messing about!’ David cried exasperatedly, trying to get on whilst attempting to stop the curious stallion from pawing excitedly at the dog. ‘She’s not going to eat you, now come on! We’re already going to be late.’<br />
<br />
Tamarind was in need of some schooling, (when was he<em> not</em>!?) so he’d arranged to split the arena with Abigail for an hour while they worked the horses. His slot should have begun a few minutes earlier so he nudged the stallion into a trot and headed for the indoor, the dog following on behind them…<br />
<br />
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‘Oh he’s got a lovely trot hasn’t he?’ said Abigail. ‘Nice big strides’<br />
Lindsey laughed. ‘Oh yes! He’s all legs and neck at the moment. I thought it was just going to be a youngster thing but his sire and dam were both pretty gangly themselves so I suspect he’ll be like this for ever. Still, he’s a good ride – at least he will be once he’s had a bit of extra training.’<br />
<br />
Abigail gave the gelding a pat and brought him back to walk, halting him beside the track. ‘He’s looking good!’ added Marian from on board Terry. ‘Does he feel as tall as he looks?’<br />
<br />
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<br />
Abigail grinned. ‘Mmmhmm! Ah, here’s David. What took you so long? Did Tamarind kick you again?’<br />
<br />
David chuckled. ‘For a change, no! He was distracted by this dog and I –'<br />
<br />
‘That’s nice. What was that you were saying about Harper’s sire Lindsey? Anyone I might have heard of? I used to breed TBs you know.’<br />
<br />
David scowled. He never got a word in edgeways when Abigail started on her history of breeding and competing on her own stock.<br />
<br />
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<br />
He warmed Tam up in silence, trying to ignore the women discussing matters in which he clearly wasn't meant to be part of. Eventually they finished up and he popped over a couple of jumps before he followed suit.<br />
The dog was still waiting for him beside the gate as he walked Tam out, tail wagging as if she had no control over it. He rolled his eyes at her and headed back to the main yard, keeping a good hold on the stallion’s reins. Although he could see her, knowing Tam, he’d still manage to get a fright by looking away for a moment and then spotting her again, as if for the first time.<br />
<br />
David untacked quickly and practically threw the bridle onto its peg. He was really running behind in his routine. He should have swept the yard when he arrived that morning, but he’d been in such a hurry with other things that it had completely slipped his mind.<br />
<br />
<em>'Happy birthday to me' </em>he thought to himself as he fetched the brush from the equipment shed and started work on the mud and hay strewn cobbles. ‘Some way to celebrate. Hey, wait a minute, get off!’<br />
<br />
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<br />
The dog growled playfully and shook her head, mouth partially obscured by the mass of brush bristles that now covered her nose.<br />
<br />
David pulled it off her and resumed brushing, only to find himself interrupted a moment later by a follow-up attack.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Spot%20Check/_mg_0677.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/EAEJulips/Spot%20Check/_mg_0677.jpg" alt="" width="512" height="411" /></a></p>‘Och, come ON dog! Can’t you go and annoy someone else? I’ve got work to do!’<br />
<br />
The dog stopped what she was doing and paused in her tail shaking. She looked oddly put out and tilted her head to one side in an appealing manner. David rolled his eyes and ruffled her ears fondly.<br />
<br />
‘Fine then, you can stick around, just don’t get in the way.’<br />
<br />
The dog barked, once and plonked her backside down on the cobbles, her tail mimicking the brush as it swept all traces of muck and hay out from under her. David shook his head, a vague smile on his face and continued work. With his unwanted assistant now occupied elsewhere, the tidying was finished quicker than expected and he disappeared off to fetch Tam’s feed. Somewhat unsurprisingly, he was followed out to the feed room and back again, the Dalmatian haunting his footsteps like a second shadow.<br />
<br />
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<br />
The ravenous stallion now satiated, David could now go off and get himself a well earned cup of tea. He might even be able to spare a biscuit for the dog if Lisa hadn't scoffed them all between 'diets'.<br />
<br />
'Come on then dog, let's have a break.'<br />
<br />
No sooner had the words left his mouth than he realised that they were no longer alone.<br />
<br />
'David? You couldn't stick Harper back in his box for me could you? I'm going to show Lindsey some of my old stud papers and so on back at the house.'<br />
<br />
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<br />
David sighed and shrugged defeatedly. 'Yeah, why not. I was only going to have a five minute tea-break anyway...'<br />
<br />
'Excellent! Well he's all yours! Oh and if you could muck him out too that would be great. Byeee!'<br />
<br />
'Hey wait a minute!' he cried after her, waving an arm frantically. 'What about this dog? Who does she belong to?'<br />
<br />
He received no response, for Abigail was already halfway across the yard; her mind lost in a world of bloodlines and racing results. David sighed and rubbed Harper's nose fondly. 'Ah well, I'll find out eventually I suppose. Come on lad, let's get you home.'<br />
<br />
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<br />
Pulling gently on the gelding's leadrope, he set off for the stableblock, all the while feeling the presence of his new canine companion oddly comforting. The mucking out didn’t take too long thanks to the combination of good rubber matting, bedding and a very large wheelbarrow. He discovered a large hole in the lining of Harper’s turnout rug so quickly swapped it for a cosy fleece one which he could wear underneath it until they had it fixed.<br />
<br />
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<br />
As he worked, the dog watched him, her eyes following his every movement like a hawk.<br />
<br />
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<br />
It was a short trip to the muck heap, placed as it was behind the feed shed next to Abigail’s garden. Over the years the manure had yielded excellent results in the vegetable patch and any green fingered client who fancied some for their plot only had to help themselves. Returning the wheelbarrow was now his only task before he could disappear off into the office for that much needed cuppa, so he dumped it in the storage cupboard, pausing only to say hello to Nikolai who was tacking Chego up for some schooling.<br />
<br />
'Afternoon, how're you getting on?'<br />
<br />
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<br />
Nikolai looked up from buckling up the girth. 'Hello. Yes, yes, not bad. I'm just taking him out for some work or perhaps a hack.'<br />
<br />
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<br />
'He's doing rather well isn't he? You'd never know he'd never been ridden in this style before he came here!'<br />
<br />
'Mmm.'<br />
<br />
David smiled inwardly. Nikolai was the dictionary definition of the 'strong and silent' type. He stood aside as the Criollo was led out and nodded a goodbye.<br />
<br />
'Nice dog.' muttered Nikolai.<br />
<br />
'Yeah, she is isn't she? You wouldn't happen to know who she belonged to would you?'<br />
<br />
The big Russian simply shrugged and walked off, leading the gelding beside him.<br />
<br />
At last it was time for tea! David felt his spirits lift at the prospect and there was a spring in his step as he slung a makeshift collar and lead around the dog’s neck and headed off in the direction of the kettle, saying hello to Marian as he passed. The dog had behaved herself thus far but she’d been getting a little too energetic en route back from the muck heap so he thought he’d better act on the safe side just in case. Besides, Abigail would probably accuse him of some health and safety violation if he didn’t, cheerfully ignoring the fact that all the other dogs were free to run around, providing they kept out from under the horses’ feet.<br />
<br />
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<br />
‘Oh what a lovely dog! Is she yours?’<br />
<br />
David shook his head. ‘Sadly not, I don’t know who she belongs to, she just er…kept following me…’<br />
<br />
‘Well someone’s bound to claim her I’m sure. Smart looking dog like that doesn’t just go missing!’ she said, picking a few strands of hay out of Terry’s mane.<br />
<br />
‘Yeah, yeah I suppose you’re right.’<br />
<br />
‘I’m sure if you check the paper tomorrow morning someone’ll have reported her. Oh hi Abigail!’<br />
<br />
‘Afternoon! Oooh hello again!’<br />
<br />
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<br />
Abigail smiled and gave the dog a fuss, ruffling the smooth and spotted fur gently.<br />
<br />
‘Oh, noticed her finally then?’ David said dryly. ‘I’ve been trying to ask you about her all day!’<br />
<br />
‘What are you on about? Ask what?’<br />
<br />
‘Well who she belongs to of course! When a dog randomly appears on the yard with no collar, no name and no owner in sight, don’t you get just a little suspicious?’<br />
<br />
‘Well yes I would do of course…if I didn’t know who she belonged to in the first place.’<br />
<br />
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<p style="text-align:center;">David frowned. ‘Will you be getting to the point sometime soon or do you delight in confusing me?’</p>Abigail rolled her eyes at him. ‘Didn’t you read the letter on my desk? I made sure it was placed quite obviously beside the laptop.’<br />
<br />
‘No! I haven’t been in the office all day – you keep finding things for me to do!’<br />
<br />
The yard manager laughed. ‘Well no wonder you don’t know! Hold on, I’ll go and get it for you.’<br />
<br />
Thankful that Marian looked just as confused as he did, David leaned against the wall and waited for Abigail’s return.<br />
<br />
‘Ah, here we go! Some doctor chap – he wouldn’t leave a name - left it here with the dog earlier. I asked him if he’d like to stay for a cup of tea but he said something about having to attend to an obstinate husky so I left him to it. I’ll read it out shall I?’<br />
<br />
‘<em>Dear David,</em><br />
<br />
<em>Happy Birthday!<br />
Everyone here at THS thought you could do with a special something to keep you company on these cold, crisp,<strong> early</strong></em><em> winter mornings and to always be on your side when Abigail can't find something in the office…</em>’<br />
<br />
Abigail frowned as she read that part out and raised an eyebrow before continuing.<br />
<br />
‘<em>…and the Lusi’s acting up. Anyway, we found Lily and though she’d do the trick rather nicely.<br />
Hope you’re well etc etc,<br />
The Doctor and everyone at THS</em>.’<br />
<br />
David gawped.<br />
<br />
‘She’s…<em>mine</em>?’<br />
<br />
Abigail nodded and he looked at Lily, Abigail’s words finally starting to sink in. Up until now he’d not really expected anything for a birthday present, let alone something as substantial as a dog!<br />
<br />
‘Wha? But, I, I wasn’t expecting anything like this, I really don’t know what to say.’<br />
<br />
‘She’s just over a year old.’ added Abigail. ‘And I expect her to be on her best behaviour on the yard. If I see so much as a spot out of place I’ll just have to confiscate her!’<br />
<br />
David chuckled and knelt down to address his new companion.<br />
<br />
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<br />
‘Lily eh?’ The dog blinked at him and stuck her tongue out, tail still wagging merrily behind her. ‘Well, this was unexpected.’Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-47542365662342860042011-05-01T19:40:00.001-07:002011-05-01T19:40:12.178-07:0028. Red Sky Morning<p style="text-align:center;">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p>Before you start reading, I’m afraid I’m going to have to break some news to you. Although this is in the photostories section, Red Sky Morning doesn’t actually <em>have</em> any photos. I’ve been writing this story on and off since last year and had already amassed a number of good photographs for it, then, a couple of months ago disaster struck and the hard drive they were stored on broke, so I’ve lost them all. :( I tried to reshoot them but I’d just lost enthusiasm for it and none of them were turning out like I wanted them to so I’ve decided to go without for the moment. Hopefully in the future I’ll take some more or perhaps illustrate it but for now I’m afraid it’s going to be rather wordy. XD I’m really pleased with it though – definitely one of my best. :D<br />
<p style="text-align:center;">It *is* huge and I apologise for that but hopefully some of you will make it to the very end!<br />
Big thanks to Ocky for spurring me on in the early hours of this morning and keeping me motivated to finish it! ;D</p>As there are no photos, I’d recommend referring to this picture to get to grips with the yard’s layout. (Duneachann Castle is just out of shot to the far right above the schooling field beside the road )<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/EAE-colouredmap-outline.jpg" alt="" width="487" height="292" /><br />
<p style="text-align:center;">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p style="text-align:center;">Red Sky Morning</p>or<br />
<br />
The Truly Shockingly Delayed Halloween Photostory<br />
<p style="text-align:center;">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p>David shivered in the cold October air and tightened his grip on Banksy’s reins. ‘Alright there Marian?’ he called to the petite woman riding behind him.<br />
<br />
Marian was one of the latest to join their client list. She had been a keen rider as a child with a pony from her riding school on loan, but was unable to continue after she moved into the city with her family in her late teens. For her fortieth birthday a friend had booked her in for a lesson – more as a novelty present than anything else, but it had reignited the passion that she realised she had never really grown out of. At first she only rode twice a week – a lesson on Tuesday and a hack every Friday afternoon, but after a lot of soul searching and a long talk with Abigail she had finally plucked up the courage to get her own horse. With Nikolai’s help she had found Terry, a beautiful Arab/Welsh Cob cross and loved him instantly. He was very gentle and easy to handle but still had plenty of oomph for those high-speed and energetic hacks through the woods.<br />
<br />
‘Are you up for a wee trot then? Not far, just to the top of the hill’<br />
‘Yeah, that’ll be fine – I find uphill is much easier than down!’<br />
David chuckled and nudged the cob gently into a forward going trot, Terry following behind at a steady pace. They drifted back to a walk when they reached the ‘Three Boars’ – the ancient standing stones which dominated the landscape of the moor. ‘What a view’ Marian said softly, taking in the scene, her reins resting loose on the roan’s steaming neck. ‘Just imagine what this place must have looked like a thousand years ago. Much the same I suppose, just no village of course and no stables.’ David nodded, the cool breeze tousling his hair and sending shivers down his spine. ‘Even a hundred years ago it was different, yet, somehow...[i]unchanged[/i]. It’s a very strange place Hollowcroft. Very strange…’ He trailed off and gazed into the distance, his eyes glazed over as though lost in thought. Marian looked at him quizzically and frowned.<br />
<br />
‘Strange? In what way? Any old stories I should know about? Oooh, I love a good ghost story!’<br />
<br />
David laughed uncomfortably and ran a hand through his hair.<br />
<br />
‘Hah, you wouldn’t believe me if I told you, really.’<br />
‘Try me!’<br />
‘No, seriously, you won’t…’<br />
‘David, please. I’m sure it’s a very good story, now come on!’<br />
<br />
He rolled his eyes and clicked for Banksy to walk on. ‘Oh alright then, I’ll tell you on the way…’<br />
<br />
They loosened their reins and let the horses pick their own route down the steep slope, their manes and tails fluttering in the breeze.<br />
<br />
‘Well, it all started last year, just as October was coming to an end…’<br />
<br />
-----------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
‘Canter! Canter! CANTER!’<br />
<br />
Rhona stumbled into a galumphing mess of a canter, almost unseating her rider as she raced Banksy to the finish. It was the final race of the annual ‘Halloween Games’ and Lisa’s team were in the lead.<br />
<br />
‘<em>Come on</em>!’ she bellowed to Izzy who was barely a head in front of Rhona and Rosie. ‘Get on!’ With inches to spare, Banksy leapt over the finish pole and skidded to a stop at the fence, his ears pricked and his young rider beaming.<br />
Abigail grinned and consulted her clipboard. ‘Well, I make that five games to four which makes… Lisa’s team the winners!’<br />
Lisa and Izzy cheered along with an assortment of cold looking parents and friends watching from the other side of the fence. Everyone laughed when mock booing sounded from the other side of the school where David’s team were standing.<br />
<br />
It had been an exciting morning – two races, musical blocks, bending, a jump-off (which had swiftly morphed into a fall off), three other gymkhana games and two traditional Halloween favourites – dooking for apples and stepping stones. Admittedly, there had been a few problems along the way – instead of jumping the last block remaining in Musical Blocks, Jaconelli was under the mistaken belief that he was to stand on it, much to the amusement of rider Sue. Somewhat unsurprisingly, Tamarind was the root cause of most of the problems – dumping David over the jumps three times and trying to kick Jac during the relay race. All in all however, a very enjoyable experience.<br />
<br />
‘Right everyone, that’s it, we’re out of time’ said Abigail, amidst the disappointed groans of the kids. ‘Back to the yard, run up your stirrups and untack please! There’s a box of sweeties in the office for each of you when you’re done and I expect you ALL to take a piece of fruit too – I won’t be seen as being unhealthy, now off you go!’<br />
<br />
David chuckled. Abigail had been on a real health kick recently – banning all sugary foods from the yard and confiscating any chocolate she found lurking in the office - although she did draw the line at cutting the horses’ sugarbeet. It was a pointless exercise really, he thought to himself. Everyone always overdid it at this time of year – it was traditional!<br />
One of the young riders handed him a mint which he was under strict instructions to give to Callisto for being ‘the best pony ever’ and he nodded sincerely before popping it into his own mouth as soon as her back was turned. Callisto didn’t need it…not really. Too much sugar was bad for a horse, he reasoned, trying to ignore Abigail’s increasingly disapproving frown from the gate. He grinned cheekily at her as she approached, waggling the mint on the tip of his tongue. She rolled her eyes and fell into step with him as they made their way back to the yard.<br />
<br />
‘Still on for tonight then?’ he asked, crunching his stolen sweet happily. ‘I’ve got the torches!’<br />
<br />
Abigail nodded. ‘I’ve got the tents sorted now – an old friend of mine had some knocking about in her loft from when she was a guide leader. They’re a bit foosty but perfectly weatherproof.’<br />
<br />
David chuckled and continued to chew his mint. ‘What about Lisa? Is…eh…is she coming?’ he asked innocently. ‘Oh yes!’ replied Abigail. ‘She’s very enthusiastic about the whole thing. Been looking forward to it all week she told me.’ David nodded. So had he, though he didn’t say why…<br />
They soon reached the office where they parted company – David going off to the tackroom to make sure everything had been put away correctly, and Abigail disappearing into the office to force citrus fruits into the hands of anything that moved and to add Tamarind and David’s names into the accident book…<em>again</em>.<br />
<br />
A couple of hours later they closed the yard for the day and tacked up the horses. Abigail on Banksy, Lisa on Kerry and of course David on Tamarind. They were heading for the ruins of Duneachann Castle in the field next door, where – weather permitting – they would camp out. Abigail had originally mentioned the idea the previous weekend and was rather surprised at the interest.<br />
<br />
‘It’s haunted you know! Not safe at all. Oh the stories I could tell you about that place….oh…’<br />
<br />
‘Well where better to hear them than at the castle itself?’ Lisa had remarked, and soon a plan was formed. David would go down with the tents and supplies during the afternoon’s last lesson and then the six of them would hack to the castle later on. There was a small fenced off area next to the castle for the horses – much used in the summer when the picnic rides were at their most popular – and plenty of room amongst the stones to pitch the tents and lay out a campfire.<br />
<br />
‘Is Tam behaving himself?’ asked Lisa, as Kerry plodded on steadily.<br />
‘Oh yes, he’s fine…everything’s absolutely fine’ replied David, sitting the stallion’s fly bucks and spooks easily. Most of his difficulties came from pure energy and high spirits, although, he thought as Tamarind screeched at the top of his lungs and bolted at the sight of a rabbit, lack of brains did come into the equation.<br />
Ahead of them on Banksy, Abigail leaned across to open the final field gate, turning the gelding with her leg aids alone. She had scarcely backed out of the way, when a horse-shaped blur shot past them, a voice crying ‘Sorry!’<br />
‘David!’ she shrieked. ‘When are you going to teach that animal some manners?!’<br />
<br />
David’s reply was lost to the wind, although the phrase ‘<em>When he lets me</em>’ could just be heard over the rushing air. By the time he and the unashamedly ridiculous stallion arrived at the ruins, Abigail and Lisa had already managed to put two of the three tents up and had started to build up a small fire. ‘Nice of you to join us’ said Abigail wryly as she unfolded a ground sheet. ‘You’ve got skiving off work down to an art!’ David said nothing, gave Abigail a glare to rival one of her own and started to un-tack Tam. Once his mount was safely un-tacked and turned out, he set to work on his own tent, silently cursing that he hadn’t been in the scouts as a lad. Eventually, after almost an hour (during which time he put it up upside down and almost knocked down Lisa’s) all three tents were finally up.<br />
<br />
‘Ahh, that’s better’ he said, testing out his bed for the night. ‘Nice and comfy...I…<em>ow</em>!’<br />
Something sharp and pointy was digging into his lower back.<br />
‘What’s wrong?’ said Lisa, peering inside with a concerned expression on her face. ‘Didn’t you check the ground for stones before you laid the sheet?’<br />
David muttered something incoherent and Lisa sniggered and ran off to tell Abigail of his elementary camping mistake.<br />
<br />
The evening passed quickly. After David’s very slightly carbonated fry up, the three of them toasted marshmallows over the fire, told ghost stories and watched as the flames sent dancing shadows over the old stones.<br />
<br />
‘…and then they found his HEAD!’ Lisa bellowed the last word like it was paining her and laughed in a very sinister fashion with her torch placed under her chin to exaggerate her features. ‘Bwahahahaha!’<br />
David laughed and Abigail leaned forward and prodded the fire with a stick. ‘<em>Terrifying</em>. Anyway, on that note, I think I’m going to call it a night. It’s late and…’<br />
<br />
‘Hey! No chance! You haven’t told us a ghost story yet! Lisa and I both shared ours!’<br />
<br />
Abigail chuckled. ‘That ‘story’ of yours David – honestly! It makes a good piece of fiction but I’d hardly call it a ‘true experience!’<br />
David adopted a pained expression and shook his head. ‘I tell you! I really did go back in time!’ Abigail nodded sincerely. ‘Uh huh…right you are David, <strong>I </strong>believe you!’ Lisa giggled. ‘Oh come on Abigail, You’ve lived here your whole life, you must know some stories!’ Abigail smiled and nodded. ‘Oh yes, plenty!’ She yawned and stood up. ‘But…I’m too tired to tell any of them at the moment, sorry! Maybe in the morning if you’re lucky’<br />
<br />
‘Awww! Come on! How can you leave us hanging like that?’<br />
<br />
The yard owner shrugged and picked up her jacket. ‘Oh I’m no good at telling stories anyway, you should know that by now! Anyway, goodnight everyone. I’m going to turn in now before I fall asleep out here!’<br />
<br />
‘Night Abigail!’<br />
<br />
‘<em>Night’</em><br />
<br />
David yawned loudly and stretched, feeling his back creak uncomfortably as he did so. ‘I think I’m going to call it a night too actually. See you in the morning!’<br />
Lisa smiled and gave him a hug. ‘Okay, me too. Sleep tight and don’t let the ghosties bite!’ David chuckled and entered his tent, his last thought before the unconscious bliss of sleep overcame him was how wonderfully peaceful it was outside.<br />
<br />
------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
David awoke with a start. It was dark both inside and outside the tent and he couldn’t fathom why he had woken up. He picked up his watch and checked the time.<br />
<br />
It had just gone 3am.<br />
<br />
He groaned and covered his face with the pillow. <em>Why</em>? Mornings in general were loathed with a passion and early ones…well, they were almost unheard of. He settled himself back down and rearranged his sleeping bag - determined to squeeze in another couple of hours sleep before Abigail woke them all up at quarter past seven to – in her words – ‘make the most of the day’. Long torturous minutes passed and it soon became clear that he wasn’t going to doze off anytime soon, so, now resigned to his fate, he got up to check on the horses.<br />
It was quiet outside and there was a chill to the air. David shivered and put his coat on. The soggy weather of September and October was giving way to the cold winds and frosty mornings of November and he questioned his sanity for allowing Abigail to talk him into this. The horses were all sleeping – Banksy standing up against the wall resting a hind leg and Kerry flat out on the ground like a foal; one foot twitching slightly as he dreamed – perhaps reliving the cross country demo of the week before. Tamarind however was on his chest, legs folded under him comfortably and his long curtain of mane flowing over his shoulders like a cloak. David noted with amusement that he had fallen asleep in mid chew with what looked like half the field sticking out of his mouth.<br />
<br />
It was cold and he was bored, having left his only unread book back in the office, so he made his way over to the fire; it’s barely glowing cinders highlighting every blade of grass nearby. He prodded the heap of charred wood with a stick and frowned when the last of the embers promptly extinguished themselves with a low hiss. He scowled and threw the stick at it, drawing his knees up to his chin to try to preserve some of his body heat.<br />
Why couldn’t he have woken up at seven? At least then he’d only have half an hour to wait until Abigail frogmarched him out of his tent and set him on breakfast duty. He yawned and tucked his hands into his pockets. Perhaps he could doze off for a while, yes, that would be nice…<br />
<br />
When David next awoke, it was to lighter skies. He smiled and sat up, running a hand through his unruly tangle of hair and savouring the crisp morning air as he admired the warm orange glow on the horizon. That’s what he had been hoping for, a nice dramatic sunrise. He stood up and stretched, wincing when his back reminded him why sleeping on uneven ground was not a good idea. Now that dawn had arrived, he could justify having an early breakfast. After all, that’s what all those SAS survival types on TV seemed to enjoy – devouring a bacon roll to the sound of the dawn chorus while the rest of the world slumbered on, blissfully unaware that such a time in the morning existed. As he thought this, a sliver of doubt niggled at his mind. If it was dawn then where was all the birdsong? He hadn’t heard anything that sounded remotely birdlike since he’d come to. Perhaps they, like him, weren’t ready for such an early start? David found that very hard to believe and rechecked his watch.<br />
<br />
3.22am.<br />
<br />
He blanched. He had only slept for twenty minutes! The birds weren’t singing because they wouldn’t wake up for another couple of hours! Still, he thought, that didn’t explain the apparent sunrise. He looked up, his eyes taking in the distant radiance with a mixture of wonder and confusion. It was too early for it to actually be a sunrise, but in that case…what the hell was it? The nearest lighthouse was miles away on the coast and as far as he knew there were no massive music festivals taking place in any of the fields nearby – more specifically <em>their</em> fields, he thought, recognising the silhouette of the main stable block against the gently flickering crimson light. It seemed to be spreading and glowing brighter than ever. He gasped as the realisation struck.<br />
<br />
You didn’t get that much light without…<br />
<br />
“<em>FIRE</em>!” David bellowed, clapping his hands and shouting at the top of his lungs to rouse the others. <em>What to do? What to do?</em> Mobile, aha! He fumbled around in his pockets for a moment until he finally located his phone, coated in a thin layer of dust and mint fragments.<br />
<br />
“GET UP!” He yelled, willing his friends and his mobile to hurry up and get on with it. Finally the menu screen loaded and he stabbed at the buttons in a frenzy. 99…-<br />
<br />
‘<em>What</em>? Come on, no battery? Oh you’ve <em>got</em> to be kidding me! Abigail! Lisa! COME ON!’ Throwing the useless phone to the ground in disgust, he charged over to Abigail’s tent, half expecting her to leap out at him, demanding to know what all the fuss was about. Nothing happened when he approached and there was still no response when he unzipped the flap and gingerly peered inside. To his horror, the light from his torch confirmed his suspicions. Abigail was out for the count, snoring away to herself quite happily. Knowing that he’d pay the price for it later, David cleared his throat and let rip a yell which would have rivalled any soldier’s battle cry.<br />
<br />
No reaction <em>whatsoever</em>.<br />
<br />
A vein on his temple twitched nervously and he resisted the urge to scream again. He glanced back at the yard and came to a decision.<br />
At his top speed (admittedly not very fast) he’d be lucky to reach the stables in half an hour, by which time… He shuddered and tried to force the sickening images of burning equids from his mind. No, the quickest way there was by horse and out of the three he had to choose from, the fastest by far was…<br />
<br />
‘TAMARIND! GET UP!’ David cried, shoving at the stallion’s neck in an increasingly futile attempt to make him stand. After what felt like an age, he finally rose, happily munching on the grass he seemed to have forgotten about earlier.<br />
<br />
David tacked in a frenzy, his hands shaking as he struggled with the buckle on the throatlatch. He vaulted on, wondering pointlessly if other people found it as difficult as he did at this time in the morning. Forcing his feet into the cold stainless steel of the stirrups, he shortened his reins and was just about to kick Tam on when he realised that he’d forgotten his hat. He considered getting off and finding it but there just wasn’t time – he needed to get to the yard as soon as possible - lives depended on it.<br />
<br />
He clicked to Tam and dug his heels in, praying that for once he wouldn’t argue. To his great surprise, the Lusitano obliged and struck off into a beautifully flowing canter, his strides eating up the ground, looking every bit the noble warhorse of old. As they reached the flat and open ground he urged Tam into a gallop, sitting low over his withers and shouting encouragements. There was no time to mess around with gates so he kicked him on and jumped the low dry stone wall that separated the summer paddock from the main yard. He looked up almost as soon as they landed and the full horror of the fire chilled him to the core. Everything was burning; the slates on the roof offered no protection to the rooms and stables below as the vast plumes of flame forced their way out of windows and roof alike, engulfing the already weakened hayloft in increasingly violent bursts of fire. Already the frenzied screams of terrified horses reached his ears and he reined Tam in with a growing sense of dread. They’d had a new delivery of fresh hay a couple of days before and all the stables had been bedded down with new shavings before they left for the campsite. David paled and felt his mouth go dry. The horses wouldn’t have had a chance – the slightest spark and the beds would have gone up like dry tinder.<br />
<br />
With Tam now halted, he slithered off, his legs weak. Save breaking into Abigail’s house and phoning the fire services, there was very little he could achieve. The blaze was intensifying and it was all he could do to stand a few metres in front of it. Now and then he saw flakes of ash drift to the ground like snow, appearing to disappear before they even touched the ground. The anguished cries of petrified horses mingled with the sound of falling timbers and crackling wood and he felt his heart break. Although the screams were dying down and he tried hard not to think about what that meant, the faces of al the horses he cared so much about filled his mind. Callisto, Rhona, Kestral…the unborn foal.<br />
His lip quivered and he wrenched at Tam’s reins, pulling him forwards. He’d turn him out in the outdoor before he made a rescue attempt as it was too dangerous to tie him up anywhere near the main buildings. He stepped forwards, about to make a run for it when there was an almighty splintering sound and the arched entranceway collapsed in front of him in a cloud of smoke and debris. David coughed and shielded his face as best he could. There was no way that he could go in from that direction. He’d have to go in through the gap between the two blocks of stables and the tackroom.<br />
<br />
He trotted Tam, who seemed remarkably unfazed considering the circumstances, up beside the school. He hadn’t spooked once and was arching his neck and flicking his tail as normal, seemingly in perfect comfort, which worried David. Why on earth wasn’t he even remotely concerned?! For a horse who found both wheelie-bins <em>and</em> rabbits terrifying, it would have been logical to assume that a titanic conflagration such as this would have at least put the wind up him a bit. However, he had no time to think about it. He had to get to the office where he knew there was a fire extinguisher handy. It wouldn’t make much difference to the raging inferno surrounding him, but there was a chance that he’d be able to get at least some of the horses out safely.<br />
<br />
Giving Tam a farewell pat, he sprinted across the cobbles, eyes screwed tightly shut against the smoky haze that surrounded the stables and skidded to a stop in front of Tam’s empty stable. Next to his was Kestral’s box and he rushed towards it through the choking clouds of smoke and ash that were falling from the roofs above. Suddenly he heard a horrible crumbling sound coming from somewhere above him and as he looked up, one of the large slates on the roof came hurtling down towards him. There wasn’t time to move out of the way and for a brief instant he knew that he was about to die. He closed his eyes.<br />
<br />
The moment passed and he inhaled sharply, squinting in the half light. The slate had missed him, for he felt nothing but his heart hammering in his chest and the cold chill of fear and adrenaline coursing through his veins. Dust and bits of moss trickled down from the roof again and he backed up just in time to see more slates plummet to the ground in front of him…only; they didn’t shatter against the cobbles as one might have expected. Instead, they appeared to vanish, mere inches from the ground as though…as though they didn’t exist at all... David stared. It was bizarre, like watching ice burn. He watched, captivated as another beam dropped, trailing flames and hot embers like a comet as it faded into nothingness. He bit his lip and extended a hand to the flames that were currently engulfing Kestral’s door. Although the bright tongues of flame were now lapping eagerly at his skin, he felt nothing but the smooth and well worn wood beneath his fingers. His eyes widened and it was only then that he realised he had forgotten to breathe.<br />
<br />
It wasn’t real, none of it was. The horses were safe! He let out a sigh of relief and felt his shoulders drop as he finally relaxed. A shrill shriek of despair brought him back to attention and he wheeled around. It was coming from inside Kestral’s box.<br />
He called on her as he fumbled with the kickbolt and the big latch at the top. ‘Kestral! Come on girl…’ As he opened the door his face fell. The chestnut mare was lying on her side at the back of the stable, facing away from him. ‘No...’ he whispered hoarsely, the colour draining from his face. ‘No…not like this…’ Tears filled his eyes and he took a stride towards her lifeless frame just as another ear-splitting scream sounded from somewhere close. He felt a chill run down his spine - a drop in temperature that he felt sure had nothing to do with the weather.<br />
<br />
As his eyes adjusted to the darkness he was suddenly aware of another presence in the box. He squinted and through the smoke he could make out the shape of a tall grey horse standing next to Kestral; dripping with sweat, its eyes wild and fearful between the polished leather straps of the headcollar it wore. David stepped back, unsure of what was happening and the grey followed him, head held high, iron shod hooves clacking on the cobbled surface of the yard. In the dim light its form seemed indistinct and blurred at the edges, like a badly focused photograph. It reared and plunged towards him, disappearing like the slates before it made contact. Another roar came from behind him and as he turned, more horses appeared, some in stables, others loose but clearly frightened out of their wits. He didn’t know why, but he started to run, opening doors as he passed them and tugging on barely visible knots in an attempt to free the restrained animals. When he came to the last stable, the horse inside bolted out the door almost as soon as the lock was undone, charging him at a gallop. There was a powerful gust of wind and David was knocked backwards, landing in a crumpled heap on the ground.<br />
<br />
All at once everything stopped. The smoke faded, the crackle and hiss of the fire ceased and it was dark once more. David got to his feet and looked around, bewildered. The yard was back to normal and it looked as though nothing had happened. Callisto popped her sleepy looking head over the door and nickered softly, obviously wondering what David was doing there in the middle of the night. Still struggling to comprehend what had just happened, he gave her a pat, shut the door again and rushed off to check on Kestral. To his enormous relief, she too was awake – quietly munching on her haynet, looking for all the world like she had been standing there forever. By now it was all too much for David and he turned on his heel and went to fetch Tam from the outdoor. True to form, he found the stallion totally ensconced in an abandoned feed bucket and he jumped when David tried to take it off him. He untangled the reins and mounted, resisting the temptation to look back at the yard as they headed back in the direction of the castle. There was no rush this time but he cantered him back all the same.<br />
<br />
As he slowed Tam to a walk on the approach to the campsite, his heart leapt. Another fire! Luckily this time it was nothing more than the reanimated campfire which Lisa was poking with a stick, her eyes tired and weary looking. Abigail suddenly appeared out of nowhere, her eyes fierce. ‘And just WHERE were you off to?! Lisa and I nearly had heart failure when we woke up! <em>Tent empty, Tamarind gone </em>– for a while there we were starting to worry!’<br />
‘Sorry’ he said, sheepishly. ‘I thought I saw…’ he glanced at the barely visible shapes of the yard in the distance. '…saw…something but it wasn’t really…anything…’<br />
<br />
‘Humph’ muttered Abigail by way of a response. ‘Well just see that it doesn’t happen again and never, I repeat…<em>never</em> shout into my tent in the morning again. Do I make myself clear?’<br />
David nodded, his grim expression masking a smile, and got off Tam. ‘I’ll just err..put him away then shall I?’ Once un-tacked and turned out again, it wasn’t long before Tam returned to his previous position and fell asleep almost instantly. When David arrived back at the tents, the conversation had turned to his adventure. ‘So why the yard? What did you see there?’<br />
‘Oh, nothing. I thought I saw a light but I must have been mistaken…anyway!’ he said, trying his hardest to change the subject. ‘What about that ghost story you promised us Abigail?’<br />
<br />
‘Yeah, that’s a good point’ Lisa chipped in between yawns. ‘You did say you’d tell us in the morning!’<br />
‘If you were LUCKY I said! But oh well, we’re all awake now thanks to <em>someone</em> so I may as well.’<br />
She shifted position on her log slightly and poked the fire with the remains of her marshmallow stick from the night before. When she spoke next, her voice had lost most of its usual bravado. ‘When I was a child, the stables we all know and love were brand new. My mother had bought the land and rebuilt the yard on the site of its predecessor as there wasn’t enough of the old place left to salvage.’<br />
‘What happened to it?’ asked Lisa, interestedly.<br />
‘There was a fire’ Abigail said simply. ‘A terrible, terrible fire. No one knows how it happened – some say it was lightning hitting the hay barn, others claim it was arson but however it began, it claimed the lives of sixteen horses, five grooms and the livelihoods of many more.’<br />
<br />
David paled and felt a sudden chill, as though someone had thrown a bucket of water over him. ‘Oh yes’ she said, holding up her now smouldering stick and watching flakes of ash fall from the tip. ‘ Yes, it scarred the village for years. No one wanted to use the site – ‘bad luck’ so they said. In fact, I can remember meeting an old man in the village when I was very young who said that the souls of the victims would never leave but would walk the earth forever until they had been released from…oh how did he put it? Ah yes, their ‘earthly prison’. She shrugged and dropped the stick into the eagerly awaiting flames. ‘ But it’s all nonsense really, just another one of those local legends.’<br />
<br />
‘Wow’ said Lisa. ‘ What a horrible thing to happen! And to think that it happened on our yard as well. Spooky!’<br />
<br />
‘Yeah’ muttered David quietly. ‘<em>Spooky</em>.’Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-43809755600180576462011-05-01T19:39:00.002-07:002011-05-01T19:39:55.440-07:0027. The Hollowcroft Show‘Five strides, four strides…’ <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3931693092/in/set-72157622403849170/"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3931693092/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2556/3931693092_b02e53a48d.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a> ‘…three strides…’ <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3930909839/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3930909839_4794f3217c.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="385" /></a> ‘…two strides…one…’ <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3930910751/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2501/3930910751_6f5b511288.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="500" /></a> As Kerry leapt over the practice jump with more than his usual exuberance, Lisa began to wonder why it had taken her this long to enter a jumping class. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3931695108/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2633/3931695108_98475400b4.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="444" /></a> Since the annual one day event at the big Hollowcroft Show – a popular occasion for all young and would be eventers in the area - had been cancelled due to a combination of bad weather and poor ground, Abigail had offered the organisers the chance to hold a smaller version of it at EAE to save disappointing all the people who had been planning and looking forward to it for weeks. The dressage and showjumping was to be held in the main arena and the cross country in the fields and hills of the surrounding countryside. David had originally intended to take part but as Tamarind had well and truly run away with him only a few days before at full gallop along the roadside, he decided to leave it for another day, lest his unruly stallion accidentally (or intentionally!) kill something. Lisa had originally only agreed to take part in the most basic of events because Jenny and Mitchell would be doing the full course and didn’t want to do it alone, although now that she was starting to enjoy herself, she felt much better about the whole thing. Kerry wasn’t really made for jumping but he enjoyed it immensely and threw himself over every obstacle as if his very life depended on it. As he touched down after the last upright, Lisa brought him back to a jittery trot and rejoined the group at the other end of the paddock. ‘Good lad! You know, I really think he likes jumping. Perhaps I should do this with him more often!’ <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3930915875/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/3930915875_c0c67ddd96.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="354" /></a> Jenny laughed. ‘He’s a nice little jumper, although I think his technique could do with a bit of a polish!’ She glanced over to the paddock and nodded, shortening her reins as she spoke. ‘Alright, that’s me off. Mitchell’s a bit fresh so we won’t need too long to warm up’ She smiled and gave the gelding a light nudge with her heels which sent him off at a swift canter. Their Dressage had gone well earlier on and aside from a tiny bunny hop as she asked him to change legs, he had behaved himself perfectly. She held him in as they approached the first fence and his ears pricked eagerly. He <em>loved</em> jumping. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3930913109/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2541/3930913109_c19f8ebc91.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="354" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3931696118/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2452/3931696118_fdce624af3.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a> Mitchell bounded around the paddock like an overgrown spaniel – tail swishing excitedly as he galloped his way around the S shaped course. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3930914461/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3472/3930914461_15c3c553ca.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="487" /></a> Seemingly oblivious to his insane capacity for energy, Jenny sat quietly over his withers and gently brought him back to a more controllable speed, murmuring sweet nothings to him under her breath. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3931698872/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/3931698872_b57f3971cb.jpg" alt="" width="483" height="500" /></a> ‘<em>Good</em> boy! Bring on the Cross Country!’ ‘Oh well done Jenny!’ said Abigail, patting the gelding’s gleaming neck proudly. ‘He looked marvellous coming over the last there. How long until you’re called in?, do you know?’ ‘Not long I shouldn’t think. I’ve seen a couple of people heading off already.’ ‘Oh good, it wouldn’t be very nice to keep you waiting. Oh hello, who’s this then?’ At her words, everyone looked up to see another horse and rider enter the paddock. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3931700110/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/3931700110_322bb3440a.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="418" /></a> ‘But I thought you were the last person to go in?’ said David quietly. ‘So did I – I wonder who they are.’ <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3931700640/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3499/3931700640_875a469193.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="385" /></a> Abigail frowned to herself for a moment before her memory kicked in. ‘Ah yes, I remember now! That’s Dawn…Wilkes I think with…err…’ She fumbled around in her pocket for a moment and withdrew a rather crumpled piece of paper with the names of all the entrants on it. Beside ‘Reckless Breeze’ and ‘Two Eyed Gatekeeper’ lay the attractive dun’s show name. ‘Oh yes, here we are - ‘Cool Crusader’ – he’s an Irish Draught cross if I remember correctly.’ She looked up at the pair and nodded appreciatively. ‘Nice stamp of a horse she’s got there. Looks like a bit of a handful though.’ <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3931701938/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/3931701938_fd6e582f80.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="356" /></a> The girl was gripping her reins so tightly that her knuckles were going pale, and she hauled at her horse’s mouth as she lined him up with the first jump. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3930918759/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2674/3930918759_038089b12d.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a> Mere inches before the fence, the big gelding slammed on the brakes and skidded to a stop, his rider clinging on for dear life. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3930921825/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3930921825_7c34ce6a07.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="405" /></a> ‘NO!’ she hissed and yanked his head round. ‘STOP IT!’ He snorted in a mixture of fright and confusion and reared, tossing his head in an attempt to escape the intense hold she had on his face. <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2426/3930922941_15c9923847.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2426/3930922941_15c9923847.jpg" alt="" width="383" height="500" /></a> She managed to sit the rear but smacked him, hard, as soon as he hit the floor, before bringing him round again. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3930923561/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2487/3930923561_d41797007a.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a> She held her arm out this time so he could see the crop and legged him on. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3931707866/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3445/3931707866_979b1b8cdd.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a> ‘Come on Roscoe, git ON!’ <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3930924911/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/3930924911_3e833b6f52.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="441" /></a> This time, although he looked decidedly edgy, the gelding popped over the upright without any problems. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3931709342/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3475/3931709342_ba59fe3032.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="417" /></a> Jenny pulled a face. ‘She really seems to be struggling – just look at the bit she’s got him in! No curb chain or anything!’ Lisa nodded. ‘…and he’s such a lovely looking horse as well – why do all the nice ones get ruined?’ Abigail shook her head. ‘Don’t be so quick to judge – he might just be getting a bit excited over all this jumping and be absolutely perfect at home!’ Almost as soon as she said this, the dun clattered into the next jump, sending poles and bits of filler flying. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3930928309/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/3930928309_a0dbe862d1.jpg" alt="" width="357" height="500" /></a> ‘You were saying…?’ David muttered. Jenny bit her lip as the girl landed another smack on her beautiful horse’s quarter and kicked him onto the next. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3931713466/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/3931713466_4c6b1f7e82.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="350" /></a> After he jumped the last, she lowered her whip and gave him a pat, finally relaxing her grip on the reins. Now that the jumping was over, she looked a lot less controlled. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3931714854/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2531/3931714854_e601b6715d.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a> As she made to go back out, David stepped forwards. ‘Sorry to bother you, but are you ok? It looked like you were having a few problems with him.’ The girl shook her head stiffly and barged past without saying so much as a word. She looked quite close to tears. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3930930509/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/3930930509_51b575cbaf.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="292" /></a> ‘What was that all about?’ asked Lisa. ‘Can’t she even accept a bit of help?’ Abigail said nothing and shrugged. She didn’t want to get involved. ‘I’ll talk to John in a moment about it – he’s the course vet - perhaps he can keep an eye on them’ said David. ‘Come on Jen, you’re up next.’ ‘Ok then, wish me luck guys!’ ‘Good luck!’ ‘Break a leg!’ ---------------------------------------------------------- ‘Well there isn’t much I can do about it – when I saw them last I saw no overuse of the whip.’ John Lowe frowned to himself as he and David stood outside the starting box at the start of the XC course. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3931716136/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/3931716136_e904dff5b9.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="354" /></a> ‘Then again, he did seem to be fighting for his head rather a lot. I’ll have a word with her before she sets off.’ He glanced at his watch and then up at Jenny, who was sitting nervously on Mitchell behind him in the box. ‘Alright Miss Paterson, that’s you. Get going whenever you’re ready.’ <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3930932915/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2468/3930932915_ed6e4ac4df.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a> She nodded simply and kicked Mitchell on. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3930933665/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/3930933665_9145ae4565.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="373" /></a> -------------------------------------------------------------------- ‘Steady, steeeeady, good boy Mitchell, good lad…’ <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3930936509/in/set-72157622403849170/?addedcomment=1#comment72157622404670916"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2665/3930936509_77873807bd.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="368" /></a> As they galloped up the hill and towards the narrowest obstacle on the course, Jenny couldn’t help but feel full of pride. Mitchell hadn’t put a foot wrong and as this was his first ‘big’ event, it was all the more rewarding. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3931720616/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2462/3931720616_1c2236befd.jpg" alt="" width="363" height="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3930937635/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/3930937635_d7ff805014.jpg" alt="" width="312" height="500" /></a> He popped over it effortlessly and they galloped on. The next fence was more troublesome. It was straightforward enough to jump but it looked quite imposing to an inexperienced horse and she hoped that Mitchell would show the same positive attitude towards it as he had the rest of the course. His ears flicked forwards when he spotted it and he ploughed forwards eagerly. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3931722628/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/3931722628_572a392ace.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3931721860/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2549/3931721860_f7f9e6f16d.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="324" /></a> He got in too deep and made a bit of a mess of the landing but otherwise came out unscathed. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3930940161/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2564/3930940161_9602522b0e.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a> As they raced to the finish, mane and tail streaming in the wind, Jenny could think of nothing else but of how proud she was of her horse. The plight of the horse and rider from earlier didn’t even cross her mind… ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- The steady rumble of an approaching horse made David look up from his magazine and gape. ‘Whoa there boy, what are you doing here?’ He reached up and grabbed the dun’s reins before he could go any further. ‘Steady, steeeeady. Good lad’ He gave him a pat and led him back to the starting box. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3930944597/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3930944597_a257411282.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a> ‘Look what I found!’ Abigail clapped a hand to her mouth. ‘Oh no! I really hoped this wouldn’t happen! You’d better send word out that there’s a missing rider – we’ll look after him.’ David nodded and jogged off in search of a steward, leaving Roscoe with Abigail and John who put him in the starting box just in case he tried to escape. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3930945239/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2428/3930945239_2e2bfe36c5.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a> ‘Poor thing’ she said softly, rubbing his velvety nose gently. ‘It’s really not your day today is it? I do hope his rider’s alright. She really didn’t look happy on him during the warm-up.’ John didn’t reply verbally, but made a vague sound that at least acknowledged that he’d heard her. Suddenly there was a cry of ‘Its okay, she’s here!’ from David and he reappeared with Roscoe’s humiliated looking rider in tow. ‘Are you alright?’ Dawn sniffed and hung her head in shame, tears beginning to trickle down her face. ‘Where is he?! Is Roscoe okay? It’s all my fault, I’ve been so stupid!' <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3930948219/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3479/3930948219_23db284f76.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="493" /></a> Abigail patted her on the shoulder awkwardly and steered her in the direction of her horse. ‘He’s fine – a bit jittery but otherwise fine. What I want to know is how you parted company!’ Dawn took her time in answering. Although she was sure that everyone knew that she was in the wrong, she still felt terribly guilty. ‘Well’ she said quietly, almost choking on the words. ‘Everything started out ok. We had a couple of near refusals but I kept him straight and we cleared the lot with no problems until we got to that big log pile up the hill. He looked like he was really going for it, then the next thing I know he’s put the brakes on and off I went.’ <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3931725310/in/set-72157622403849170/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2493/3931725310_9bb9a89b4b.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elrenia_greenleaf/3930943093/in/set-72157622403849170"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2433/3930943093_4d3791629a.jpg" alt="" width="333" height="500" /></a> She sighed and reached out to her horse, who sniffed her hand and lipped at it, as if expecting a treat to suddenly materialise there. Her top lip quivered and she broke down completely. ‘Oh I wish I’d never bought him! I love him to bits but I just can’t cope with him anymore. He’s so <em>strong</em> and difficult to handle and no matter what I try, I’m just not good enough to deal with him!’ ‘Oh come now, I’m sure you’re much better than you think – you just need a bit of help, that’s all. Have you had any professional schooling with him at all?’ She nodded. ‘Yeah, I have weekly lessons with a so called ‘expert’ just south of Cairbre.’ ‘So called? Who is it?’ Dawn told her and Abigail scowled. ‘I should have known. She’s a <em>terrible</em> instructor – far more concerned about getting results than actually training the poor animals. I bet you she was the one who told you to push him on like that and to take the curb chain off!’ Dawn nodded. ‘I didn’t like her methods at all, but someone I know recommended her so I thought I’d give it a go and at first Roscoe seemed to be listening to me more so I stuck with it and I…’ She paused and took a deep and faltering breath as the full consequences of her actions finally hit her. ‘…and I kept going, even when I could see that it was making him worse, oh god, <em>what have I done</em>?! The seller told me that he was ‘forward going’ and needed a bit of strong handling but I thought I could cope with that. I’d never ridden anything over 15.2hh before I got him and when he decides to do something, I’m powerless to stop him.’ ‘Tell you what, come up to the yard after this is all over and I’ll book you in for a couple of lessons and we’ll see if that helps at all, ok?’ said Abigail, with a warm smile. The girl sniffed and gave her a weak attempt at a smile in return. ‘That would be wonderful, thank you so much.’ She ran her fingers through Roscoe’s thick, chocolaty mane and sighed gently. If she could learn to ride him properly then perhaps things between them would improve…Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-36074884130711091932011-05-01T19:39:00.000-07:002011-05-01T19:39:32.253-07:0026. Say Cheese!‘Hmmm, it’s still not quite right…’<br />
<br />
Abigail muttered to herself as she tweaked the position of yet another item of furniture. Since coming back from the big show down south, she had taken it upon herself to redecorate the office to make it look more organised and professional. (or at least move things around to confuse the regulars) The saddle racks had been moved to the tackroom next door, along with most of the bridle pegs as it was becoming difficult to keep track of where each horse’s tack was kept.<br />
Finally, she decided that she’d had enough and retired to her desk with a big plate of pastries, a mug of tea and a magazine.<br />
<br />
‘Er, hello there!’<br />
<br />
Abigail looked up from her paper and smiled. The man standing before her was dressed in, what to her eyes at least, was a rather odd combination of fashions but what he obviously thought was suitably rakish and interesting. He had longish wavy black hair and sounded unmistakeably Irish.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/3855869553_080d6a6ea4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/3855869553_080d6a6ea4.jpg" alt="" width="405" height="500" /></a><br />
<br />
‘Good morning! I’m Abigail – what can I do for you? Would you like to book a lesson or hack?’<br />
The man smiled back a slightly awkward grin and sat down opposite her.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3551/3856658968_b27ff3759c.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3551/3856658968_b27ff3759c.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a><br />
<br />
‘Well, you see…the thing is right, I’ve – no, wait, I’d better give you the full story. Right, you know Kenny McLaggan?’<br />
<br />
Abigail gave him a blank look and he continued as if he hadn’t seen it.<br />
<br />
‘Aye, well me and Kenny go way back – <em>way</em> back. We went to school together and were best pals from the age of nine, well, until I went out with his sister and we had a bit of a fight but we sorted that out when –‘<br />
<br />
By this time Abigail had adopted her smile and nod technique – a method she usually reserved for dealing with small and annoying children.<br />
<br />
‘…so we just sat on it until the zookeepers arrived. Heh, I think I went just a <em>little</em> bit off topic there, now where was I?’<br />
<br />
‘Sorry?’ Abigail finally returned to the conversation after zoning out for the most part and wondering why this strange man was telling her his life story over her lunchtime magazine.<br />
<br />
‘What’s happened?’<br />
<br />
The man grinned roguishly and shrugged.<br />
<br />
‘Your guess is as good as mine! Anyway, the gist of it is that Kenny does a lot of travellin’ you see and he often comes back with loads of interesting stuff for me shop, you know? Ha! That reminds me! I didn’t introduce myself – I’m Aidan, Aidan Lynch from ‘The Midden’.’<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2660/3856658352_c19afded84.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2660/3856658352_c19afded84.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a><br />
<br />
‘The what?!’ gaped Abigail, spluttering incoherently and almost managing to spill her tea.<br />
‘The Midden! I just bought the old antique shop in t’village from that elderly man with the limp.’<br />
<br />
‘Mr Farnon?’<br />
<br />
‘Aye, that’s the one. He said he’d had enough of heaving boxes and bits of clock about at his age so he decided to sell up before he tripped up, so he told me!’<br />
<br />
‘…and the Midden?’<br />
<br />
‘Well that’s the name o’course! I sell antiques, collectables, bits and pieces and everything in between.’<br />
<br />
‘So it’s a junk shop then?’<br />
<br />
Aidan flashed that smile again and waved a hand in a somewhat vague manner.<br />
<br />
‘Junk is such a negative term – I prefer ‘undervalued valubles’<br />
<br />
Abigail smiled to herself. She often watched the daytime antiques programmes and had a fondness for the treasures that for years the contestants had thought were worthless suddenly fetching skyhigh prices at auction.<br />
<br />
‘Well I’ll have to come along and find a bargain there at some point!’<br />
He laughed and leaned forward until his elbows rested on his knees.<br />
<br />
‘In that case you’ll be waiting a while – I haven’t even got it redecorated yet. I’ve been putting it off until this other situation gets sorted out.’<br />
<br />
He paused for a moment before ploughing back into his original story.<br />
<br />
‘So anyway, Kenny was in South America this time and he brought back all the usual tourist tat – hats, local crafts – you know the sort of thing – but anyway, he comes up to me the other day and he says ‘Aiden, we’ve been friends for a long time’ and I says ‘yeah, we have Kenny’ and he says ‘I know that, so I’d like you to have this’ and he hands me this bridle and I’m like ‘oh, thanks a lot there Kenny, I’ll put it on me wall’ but he goes ‘naw, t’horse is in the field’ and I’m like <em>‘what</em>?!’<br />
<br />
He raised an eyebrow and tilted his head to one side.<br />
<br />
‘Now I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, if you pardon the expression, but there was something a bit fishy going on so I looked into it as Kenny never buys stock. Well, unless he wants to make soup or something but you can buy that in little cubes from t’supermarket…’<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/3855866601_5752cee573.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/3855866601_5752cee573.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a><br />
‘Turns out someone asked him to bring over some horses for them and then decided not to buy them all once they’d got here. Poor Kenny doesn’t have a clue so he’s been trying to sell the blasted things on all month. Now I know nothing about horses meself, and I wasn’t wanting to keep him to begin with but to tell you the truth, he’s grown on me now so I think I will keep him after all.’<br />
<br />
He stood up, beaming and made for the door, then seemed to reconsider and sat down again.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/3856657228_ee6fcbbbe3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/3856657228_ee6fcbbbe3.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="445" /></a><br />
<br />
‘I’ve done it again, sorry about that. I was going to ask you about keeping him here – what is it you call it again where someone else looks after your horse for you? Kidney?’<br />
<br />
‘Livery.’<br />
<br />
‘Yeah, that! Anyway, I’ve got him in the back garden at the moment but he’s eaten pretty much everything now so I’d like to get him somewhere more horse friendly as soon as possible.’<br />
<br />
Abigail sipped her tea and formulated her next words carefully.<br />
<br />
‘Owning a horse is a big commitment Mr Lynch. It’s not like having a pet fish or something – you don’t just give it some food and attention every now and again and everything will be alright.’<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3467/3856657782_71f5d32e6d.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3467/3856657782_71f5d32e6d.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="499" /></a><br />
‘Nonsense! Back home, one of me neighbours had an ancient old mare – lived to be 46 you know! – and all they ever did was throw her a bit of hay in t’winter and got the blacksmith to look at her feet every now and again.’<br />
<br />
‘Be that as it may, but there’s a lot more time and money involved than most people think. Now, I don’t have a problem keeping him here, just so long as you know what you’re letting yourself in for. What’s his name by the way?’<br />
<br />
‘Manchego’<br />
<br />
‘Manchego, of course, yes, right…wait…after the <em>cheese</em>!?’<br />
<br />
‘Aye, he came with a very long and complicated Spanish name – too many ‘y’s – unpronounceable! So I thought, what the heck, he’s a Spanish horse, he can be a Spanish cheese!’<br />
<br />
‘Is he up to date with all his vaccs?’ Abigail asked, trying hard not to imagine a horse shaped cheese as she went through the correct procedure for dealing with imported horses.<br />
<br />
‘Hmm, not too sure about that, I’ll have to ask Kenny’<br />
<br />
‘Well I’m sure John - our vet will be able to take a look at him anyway.’<br />
<br />
‘Grand!’ he said, clapping his hands together. ‘Well I’d better be off - I have to see a man about a cabinet in twenty minutes but I hope to be hearing from you soon!’<br />
He scribbled a phone number into the accident book on the desk, smiled and left the room with a spring in his step.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/3856654418_11e061166e.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/3856654418_11e061166e.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="472" /></a><br />
<br />
‘What an odd man’<br />
<br />
David nodded as he stuck his head round the door and made his way over to the desk.<br />
<br />
‘I know, I was just outside and heard some of it. You don’t think this horse is carrying anything do you?’<br />
<br />
The yard owner closed her eyes and shook her head.<br />
<br />
‘You know David, I haven’t a clue. I’m now thoroughly confused.’<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2612/3856655184_aa3cf1eccf.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2612/3856655184_aa3cf1eccf.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a><br />
<br />
Several days passed by with no contact from Aidan. Abigail phoned the number he’d left her multiple times but only reached his answer machine, where the pre-recorded message rambled on for several long minutes.<br />
Finally, she decided to go into the village herself and see if she could find him. It took a while, but she eventually tracked him down, rummaging around in one of the charity shops; his arms full of bits and pieces that he hoped to sell on.<br />
<br />
‘Good morning’ said Abigail sharply. ‘I tried to contact you but your phone kept going to that machine thing’<br />
<br />
Aidan looked blankly at her.<br />
<br />
‘Eh? Do I…er…know you at all?’<br />
<br />
Abigail rolled her eyes inwardly. The man had the memory of a goldfish.<br />
<br />
‘Yes! You came to me looking for somewhere to keep your horses a couple of days ago!’<br />
<br />
His face brightened and he attempted to shake her hand in apology whilst balancing several pieces of china in one arm.<br />
<br />
‘Ah yes, I remember now – Aileen wasn’t it?’<br />
<br />
‘Abigail.’<br />
<br />
‘Right you are, yes. I’ll just pay for these and then I’ll introduce you, hold on.’<br />
<br />
The volunteer at the till looked just as bemused as Abigail when he dumped the lot on the counter and fumbled around in his many pockets for his wallet, which he finally discovered tucked inside his waistcoat. Thanking the woman profusely, he stuffed his purchases into a rucksack, gave her a friendly, if perhaps slightly terrifying wave and left the shop with Abigail following on behind, wondering just who on earth she was dealing with.<br />
<br />
‘I’ll just chuck these in t’shop, then we can go and see ole’ cheesy!’<br />
<br />
Sure enough, a few hundred yards down the street, he dropped the rucksack in front of one of the shop doors, unlocked it and nudged the bag inside with his foot. He held the door open for Abigail and grinned.<br />
<br />
‘After you. You can get there from round the corner but this way’s just as quick.’<br />
<br />
As she stepped over the threshold and flicked the light switch, he spoke again. ‘Err, don’t mind the mess – I haven’t had a chance to unpack anything yet…’<br />
<br />
Abigail gawped. ‘Mess’ didn’t quite cover it. The floor was littered with boxes and crates full of books and interesting looking objects, save for a narrow path which exposed the well worn floorboards. The dingy old wallpaper was peeling in places and the whole place reeked of decay and neglect.<br />
<br />
‘Aye’ he said, noting her look of distain. ‘Mr Farnon had let it go a bit…well, ‘nuff said really. C’mon, t’horse is out this way.’<br />
<br />
Doing her best to remain dignified, Abigail stepped lightly around the broken furniture that almost blocked the back door and kept her mouth shut. They walked through the rest of the ground floor in silence - Abigail quite relieved that she hadn’t brought David with her – he’d have had heart failure at such disorganisation!<br />
<br />
Finally the back door opened and they stepped out into a fairly large garden – mostly grass but with a small cluster of trees at the back.<br />
<br />
‘CHEESY! C’MON CHEGO, THERE’S A NICE LADY HERE TO SEE YOU!’<br />
<br />
Aidan’s deafening bellow seemed to echo around the street and a small flock of sparrows perching on the roof took off in fright. Just when she thought the entire trip had been a lost cause, a shape appeared from behind one of the aging apple trees at the back. Somehow she had been expecting a thin, undernourished, plain looking creature – certainly nothing like this!<br />
<br />
Aidan grinned at her surprised reaction and ruffled the gelding’s mane.<br />
<br />
‘Nice ain’t he?’<br />
<br />
‘Nice? Oh no, he’s <em>beautiful</em>!’ she whispered, reaching out to stroke his nose. ‘A Criollo unless I’m very much mistaken.’<br />
<br />
‘Aye, I knew it started with a ‘C’. So, will you be able to take him? I don’t think he understands much English yet and I don’t speak any Spanish except ‘hola’ and I doubt he’d like me saying hello to him all the time. I don’t ride either, but I suppose now is as good a time as any to learn, eh?’<br />
<br />
‘Well’ said Abigail, slowly. ‘I’ll have to get John to take a look at him and make sure he’s not carrying anything that might affect our horses but once he’s been given the all clear just give us a buzz and we’ll come and pick him up! You can arrange a lesson whenever you like too but first things first.’<br />
<br />
‘Grand! What’cha think of that, eh lad?’ he said, patting the gelding’s neck affectionately. ‘Lots of food, a warm bed – the world’s your oyster mate!’<br />
<br />
Sure enough, Chego passed the vetting with flying colours and was OKed to come to the yard. A pick-up time was arranged and Abigail, David and Nikolai piled into the old, creaking horsebox and drove into Hollowcroft. Aidan was waiting for them outside his boarded up shop, holding Manchego with a homemade halter that looked suspiciously like washing lines.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2611/3855863913_427f167b1e.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2611/3855863913_427f167b1e.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="403" /></a><br />
<br />
The Criollo flattened his ears at the sight of the vehicle and took a few steps back, shaking his head up and down fearfully.<br />
<br />
‘Morning!’ Aidan grinned, cheerfully ignoring the horse’s spook. ‘I’ve got him here for you and all his tack’s in a trunk in the shop’<br />
<br />
He gestured to the door, through which could just be seen an old faded leather chest, out of which some pieces of braided rope protruded.<br />
<br />
‘Wow!’ said David ‘That’s some colour! You told me he was loudly marked, but I wasn’t expecting this!’<br />
<br />
Nikolai nodded approvingly and stepped forward to take the rope. Chego flinched back and snaked his head before rearing right up in his face. Nikolai withdrew his hand and frowned.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/3856653154_54b45b6751.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/3856653154_54b45b6751.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="486" /></a><br />
<br />
‘Hmm, he’s not liking you at all is he?’ Aidan said brightly. ‘Anyone else fancy a go?’<br />
<br />
David pulled a face. It was unusual for a horse not to like Nikolai – normally his reassuring air of calm was enough to gain their trust. Still, he thought to himself, he was used to Tam – how bad could it be?<br />
<br />
As he nursed his toothmarked hand a few minutes later he was reminded of just how much the Lusitano was mellowing with age. He scowled at Aidan who was still chuckling at the way he had fallen over when Chego decided to bite.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3855862389_8a6d4f811b.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3855862389_8a6d4f811b.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
‘Wait I know!’ Abigail said, clicking her fingers. ‘It’s the horsebox he doesn’t like, look!’ She pointed at him and it suddenly became clear. They had all just got out and expected him to load normally. ‘ He must have had a really horrible journey to get here with all the travelling. I mean think about it, he's unlikely to have been put in a horsebox beforehand and coupled with a long voyage at sea, it’s no wonder he’s scared of it!’<br />
<br />
Aidan nodded. ‘So what do we do then? I can’t keep him here!’<br />
<br />
Nikolai, who had remained silent until this moment, spoke.<br />
<br />
‘I think I have an idea, hold on a moment please.’<br />
<br />
He disappeared into the horsebox and returned a few minutes later, riding a familiar horse.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3536/3856651726_7d92e23c12.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3536/3856651726_7d92e23c12.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="464" /></a><br />
‘I brought Jac in case the new horse wanted company on the journey and I brought his tack with me too just in case. It is not too far to walk to the yard – an hour at the most. I could lead him along or you could walk with me.’<br />
<br />
Abigail wasn’t impressed. In her mind there were far too many things that could go wrong and she much preferred the idea of persuading the horse to get inside the box but, unfortunately for her she was outvoted.<br />
<br />
‘Very well then’ she said, somewhat huffily. ‘I’ll take the lorry back to the yard then shall I? Oh and keep your phones on – the last thing I want is for something to happen and I don’t know where you are!’<br />
<br />
The journey was only really a couple of miles and as the roads were quiet, there was very little traffic to worry them. Chego spooked at a heron taking off at the loch side and again when an impatient van driver beeped his horn as they crossed the road but all in all, he coped remarkably well.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2643/3856650912_b352b12cef.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2643/3856650912_b352b12cef.jpg" alt="" width="491" height="500" /></a><br />
Once back at the yard, Nikolai put both horses in the outdoor arena to cool off while David and Aidan had a well deserved sit down and a cup of tea. The Criollo barely showed any exertion and cropped calmly at the haynet that Abigail had just brought him.<br />
<br />
A week passed by quickly and Manchego coped with the change of location much quicker than expected and was soon accepted into the gelding herd in the field. Because of this, Abigail felt that the time was right for him to be tried out under saddle. Obviously Aidan wasn’t quite ready for it yet and as Nikolai was the only one with experience of more ‘western’ style riding, he was the first choice.<br />
<br />
They waited outside for the last of the morning lessons to finish.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3855996645_aee62734e2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3855996645_aee62734e2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="424" /></a><br />
Lewis was riding Lady, one of the yard's latest residents. Abigail had picked her up at a bargain price on the way home from the big show and couldn't be happier with her. At just under 13hh she was the perfect height for the younger riders, who, up until recently, had been having to share Tully and Rhona. She was only seven and had been shown since she was a youngster with some very good results! The only downside, and the reason she'd been sold so cheaply, was her personality. Bright eyed and innocent she might look, but get on her wrong side and she was the most marish mare in the world! She got incredibly nippy when she was in season and wouldn't hesitate to lash out when someone invaded her personal space. Luckily, her good traits outnumbered the bad and David was sure that with a bit of additional schooling, they could persuade her to behave a little better. Well...hopefully.<br />
She had been sold without tack so she was wearing a mismatch of other ponies' stuff until they went into the village and bought her a new set.<br />
<br />
'Ok Lewis, just take her for a wee trot to cool her down before we finish. Very good position today Lara - you and Archie get on well don't you?'<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2582/3855994307_1d1181a573.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2582/3855994307_1d1181a573.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="384" /></a><br />
'Thanks! Yeah, I used to share him with Ailie until I went to Uni and she took him on full time.' She smiled and waved to her friend on the other side of the fence. 'Now that I'm back home, she said I can come up and ride him whenever I like, as long as I help muck out and stuff.'<br />
<br />
'Awww, that's really nice to hear. Right, off you get everyone, I think we're holding up the next lot.'<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/3855993331_1c83a207e7.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/3855993331_1c83a207e7.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="370" /></a><br />
Nikolai shook his head. 'It is ok, take your time. I can wait.'<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3485/3856777514_d8abac2004.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3485/3856777514_d8abac2004.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a><br />
'Ok then, if you insist. Lewis, give Lady a wee kick on please, you need to watch your distances as she <em>will</em>...'<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/3855989141_33030631dc.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/3855989141_33030631dc.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="345" /></a><br />
'...kick.'<br />
<br />
Luckily for the almost full accident book, Lewis had what was known as a 'sticky bum' and he clung on tightly and managed to stay seated as the little mare pistoned out her hind legs at the bemused looking Chego.<br />
<br />
'Oh <em>well sat</em>! We'll make an eventer of you yet! Just stay there Niko please, I'll make sure Lady keeps as far away as possible until Lewis gets off.'<br />
<br />
Once Archie and Lady had been safely returned to their stables and untacked, Nikolai prepared to get on. He had never ridden in this style of tack before but he knew vaguely what he was doing. As ever he had ignored Abigail bemoaning his lack of hard hat and mounted.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3523/3856780196_e639c397f5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3523/3856780196_e639c397f5.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="421" /></a><br />
'Good lad'<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3855986481_59ab8301e4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3855986481_59ab8301e4.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="345" /></a><br />
To begin with, he just walked around, changing direction after every second circuit until he had warmed up a little, then he moved up into trot.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3856773926_6fce2d3866.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3856773926_6fce2d3866.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="380" /></a><br />
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2578/3856772640_bf493bf75f.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2578/3856772640_bf493bf75f.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="404" /></a><br />
'How does he feel?' called Abigail from the fence. ' Comfy?'<br />
<br />
Nikolai shot her a rare grin and nodded. As they rounded the corner, Chego flew into a long striding lope almost effortlessly.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2467/3855980231_61645abaca.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2467/3855980231_61645abaca.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="403" /></a><br />
'That will do for now I think' he said, bringing him back down into a walk and halting him on the centre line. 'I don't want to overdo it today.'<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3444/3855976521_b722a68ce3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3444/3855976521_b722a68ce3.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a><br />
He got off and swiftly untacked him, leaving David to explain the lesson timetable to Aidan who looked very impressed.<br />
<br />
'You have a good horse, you know?' said the Russian,patting the gelding's mottled neck. 'I think he was probably used with cattle, he has very good responses.'<br />
<br />
'Cattle? You mean like a cowboy's horse?'<br />
<br />
'Yah, something like that.'<br />
<br />
'Wayhey!'<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3464/3855975405_10901896a5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3464/3855975405_10901896a5.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="341" /></a><br />
'Here' said Aidan, rummaging around in one of his many pockets and eventually locating a small camera. ' You couldn't take a photo could you? I'd like to put it on my wall in the shop. Well, whenever it's finished that is!'<br />
<br />
David smiled and stepped back a couple of feet to make sure that the photo was composed properly.<br />
<br />
'Ok, say cheese!'<br />
<br />
'<em>Manchego</em>!'<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/3855974467_533246c13e.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/3855974467_533246c13e.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="446" /></a>Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-44673706142718327872011-05-01T19:38:00.003-07:002011-05-01T19:38:32.872-07:0025. The Pony Party<p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;"><em>‘Happy Birthday to meeeeee, happy birthday to ME!’</em></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">Rosie McPherson’s loud squeals echoed around the yard, and David winced. It was as if Abigail had been giving her shouting lessons in her spare time.</p><br />
<p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">‘Come on David!’ she cried, grabbing his arm and tugging on it like a dog with a particularly favourite stick. ‘Join IN!’<br />
He looked up appealingly at her mother Andrea and Abigail who were standing in front of Kestral’s stable.<br />
<p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;"><em>Do I <strong>HAVE </strong>to?</em></p><br />
<p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">Abigail gave him a curt nod and Andrea smiled apologetically.<br />
‘Er..happy birthday to…<em>you</em>?’<br />
‘Nooo, that’s rubbish, you need to SING!’<br />
His eyebrows knitted together at the sound of barely controlled laughter coming from Abigail.<br />
‘Nah, I’m not very good at singing, I think I’ll leave that to the professionals…’<br />
‘But but but…I want <em>you</em> to sing!’<br />
Rosie’s face was now the picture of innocence, as cherubic and benign as it was possible to look on your eagerly anticipated ninth birthday.<br />
David cleared his throat and looked around warily. The yard was fairly quiet and most of the regulars were out on a hack with Lisa but that still left Abigail, Rosie and her mum and Nikolai, who was in the office, sorting something.<br />
He stole another glance at Abigail, who nodded encouragingly at him, a smile clearly not far away.<br />
<p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">‘Err…ok, <em>fine</em>.’</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">He took a deep breath and ploughed into the full song, eyes shut tightly to avoid seeing how badly his singing was affecting the crowd. He <em>could</em> sing, but certainly not when under pressure and the resulting drone – which ended on a somewhat shaky staccato - made him sound stone deaf.</p><br />
<p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">Abigail and Andrea clapped, the former throwing in a very slightly sarcastic wolf whistle as David opened his eyes. ‘Don’t say anything.’ he muttered, scowling at her as his ears turned scarlet and the women chuckled. ‘Not a single thing…’<br />
‘Come on Rosie’ said Andrea, struggling to contain her giggles. ‘Let’s get you ready for this hack of yours. Can you show me where the tack room is? I haven’t seen all the new tack yet’<br />
<p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">Before she followed her daughter into the doorway, she shot a meaningful glance at Abigail, who nodded back, trying to keep the stable door shut as the stable occupant pushed against it.</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_048.jpg" alt="" width="481" height="329" /></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_032.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="310" /></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">‘Right, we’re safe for at least five minutes – I’ve already asked Nikolai to provide a distraction if she tries to come back outside.’</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">‘Oh? Anything in particular?’</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">‘Juggling flaming likits. It’ll set the smoke alarms off most likely, but there’s a fire extinguisher in there somewhere if needed’</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">‘Haha, good plan. Have you got the grooming kit handy?’</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">‘Yes, it’s in the stable. We’d better make it quick all the same, knowing Rosie she’ll find some way to escape. Here, you get the brushes and I’ll get him out…I…oh, Rosie! There you are!’ she stepped back slightly and shut the door, wincing at the sound of a Davidsized object hitting the floor with a muffled thump.</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/giojpofgpofg.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/giojpofgpofg.jpg" alt="" width="479" height="348" /></a></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">‘What are you doing out here? I thought you were showing your mum Callisto’s new bridle?’</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">‘Yeah, but Niko could show her that, I want to see Kes and Axel!’</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">She peered around the yard owner and frowned.</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">‘Why is their door shut? Are they ok?’</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">Abigail nodded and ushered her back towards the tack room, waving her arms at her in the manner of a timid person trying to see off a large and rather hungry tiger.</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">‘Yes, yes, they’re absolutely fine – no problems here! Away you go, back to the tack room please!’</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">Once satisfied that the yard was free of unwanted children, she unlocked the door and let David out.</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">'Sorry about that David, I panicked.'</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">David's response wasn't easy to hear, but he didn't sound particularly thrilled. He picked a strand of haylage out of his hair and shrugged. 'What now?'</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">Abigail patted the pony fondly and ruffled his mane. 'Now we get the best birthday present ever, ready for delivery!'</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">Four weeks before, Andrea had approached them for advice on a first pony for Rosie and they'd been only too happy to oblige. Together, they'd managed to find Rhu, a 14 year old Welsh cross schoolmaster who'd taught his previous owner's children how to ride. Although he was getting on in years and his average speed was a fairly lethargic medium trot, he still had <em>plenty</em> of life left in him. He'd been collected a few days before and it had been a tricky business to keep Rosie out of the loop as she came round after school most days to help out.</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">'Aha!'</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">David suddenly wheeled around, grabbed Tam's headcollar and rushed into his stable, leaving Abigail looking slightly concerned.</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">'If Rosie comes back...' he said, wrestling with the stallion to put the halter over his head, 'then we'll need a distraction, and who better than the most easily distracted horse in history!' As if to prove his point, Tam reared and leapt out of the door, mane and tail whirling around him like he was in a hurricane with David clinging onto the leadrope for dear life.</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_325.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_325.jpg" alt="" width="479" height="385" /></a></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">'Come on, get down you daft horse. The blackbird isn't going to eat you, now get...<em>down</em>!'</p><br />
<p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">The Lusitano snorted and slobbered all over his jacket by way of a response. David pulled a face and wiped the resulting goo onto Tam's shoulder. 'See how you like it...'<br />
By the time he had settled down and stopped staring, wide eyed at the solitary bird on the roof, Abigail had already brought the gelding out. He was a tiny little thing but completely unflappable and a total gentleman to boot - exactly the sort of pony they'd been looking for.<br />
<br />
<p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">'Good boy Rhu, there's a good lad' Abigail said softly, stroking the gelding's nose. 'Let's get your rug off then'<br />
Before she had even managed to tie him up, they were interuppted once again...<br />
<p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_316.jpg"></a></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_316.jpg" alt="" width="590" height="316" /></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">'<em>David</em>? Where's Cally? I thought I was going to ride her for my hack but Niko said that I'm not and mum said that I'm getting someone else but no one will tell me who!'</p><br />
<p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">David bit his lip. He was rubbish at trying to act innocent when he knew full well what was going on, so it was time to take drastic action. Using sleight of hand, (a trick he'd learned from Nikolai) he produced an extra strong mint from his pocket and slipped it into Tam's mouth. He wasn't allowed treats any more as his biting habit only increased when he realised he could get food out of it, so the presence of extreme mintyness took him by surprise and he squealed. Loudly.<br />
Rosie jumped back in shock and David grinned inwardly. Tamarind's idiocy came in handy sometimes.<br />
<p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">'Ummm...I'm going to go and look for her in the paddock ok?'</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">'Fine by me!' David said, giving her what he took to be a cheery smile. Rosie nodded and backed off slowly. She could have sworn that Tamarind only had four legs the last time she'd seen him...</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_312.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_312.jpg" alt="" width="479" height="302" /></a></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">'Phew, <em>finally</em>!' Abigail laughed as she started to take Rhu's rug off. 'I thought we'd never get rid of her - good thinking there!'</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_331.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_331.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="320" /></a></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">David grinned and gave his horse a pat. Tamarind was generally useless when it came to moments of crisis but he proved his worth every now and again.</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">'Ok, I think we're ready now.' said Abigail 'Let's go and find her'</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">Five minutes later they tracked her down in the office, where she and her mum were having a conversation about the cuddly horse that Rosie had been given by her grandparents.</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">'...and she's called Fizz and she's a Shetland pony, did you know that mum?'</p><br />
<p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">Andrea glanced up when David and Abigail entered the room and nodded at her. She smiled. 'No, no I didn't. Now then, you've probably been wondering when you're going to get your main present...soo...'<br />
She produced a large white box tied with ribbon and handed it to Rosie, who beamed.<br />
<p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_245.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_245.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="320" /></a></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_251.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_251.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="320" /></a></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_261.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_261.jpg" alt="" width="479" height="316" /></a></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_262.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_262.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="320" /></a></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">'A bridle?' But who does it belong to?'</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">Andrea smiled. 'You! Come on, let's find a place to put it'</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">Rosie followed her out of the door, a bemused expression on her face. David and Abigail chuckled to themselves when they heard the squeal of delight from the yard a moment later, followed swiftly by 'I HAVE A PONY?!'</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_298.jpg"></a></p><br />
<p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">By the time she had been filled in on his name, breeding and personality, Rosie was speechless.<br />
'Do you want to groom and tack him up for a lesson?' Abigail asked softly. 'You can put that new bridle of yours to good use!'<br />
<p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">The girl needed little encouragement and within moments she had already found a body brush.</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_305.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_305.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="320" /></a></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">Abigail fetched his saddle from the tackroom, where it had been disguised in one of the many boxes that littered the floor for several days, and Rosie tacked him up. David handed her a hat and her mum gave her a legup.</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_368.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/Recovered_May_28_2009_368.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="320" /></a></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">Abigail checked her girth and stirrups were in order then they made their way to the arena - Rosie still looking a little lost for words. Marian and Baz (who had both been briefed on the Rosie'sgettingaponybutdon'tsayanythingorAbigailWILLkillyou situation) were already in there, having a schooling session themselves. Jenny had finally persuaded her boyfriend to give riding a try and to her delight and his surprise, he was a natural and had already moved up into the intermediate class, a mere four weeks after first having a lesson.</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">'Ok, now we aren't going to do anything drastic today as you two will need to get to know each other' Abigail said, patting Rhu's fluffy head gently. 'Just a bit of walking and trotting and possibly a canter, ok?'</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/_mg_5933.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/_mg_5933.jpg" alt="" width="479" height="328" /></a></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">Rosie nodded and asked Rhu to walk on, her face breaking into a smile as the realisation that he was <em>her's</em> finally hit her. After a circuit, she nudged him into a trot and overtook Tully and Callisto on the track.</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/_mg_6108.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/_mg_6108.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="320" /></a></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">'Congrats!' said Baz, smiling at her. 'Oh, he's a nice little thing isn't he?' Marian remarked. 'I used to ride a little mare just like him when I was your age.' Rosie beamed and kicked him on towards the raised poles that Abigail had just laid out.</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/_mg_5943.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/_mg_5943.jpg" alt="" width="479" height="347" /></a></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">Rhu plodded on until he ran out of impulsion...</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/_mg_5946.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/_mg_5946.jpg" alt="" width="479" height="352" /></a></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">...right before the first pole.</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">Andrea frowned but Rosie laughed, clearly relishing the challenge. The second attempt went much better and they cleared the poles easily and at a good speed.</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/_mg_5960.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/_mg_5960.jpg" alt="" width="479" height="457" /></a></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">They finished off with a small jump which Rhu popped over with very little effort.</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/_mg_5984.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/_mg_5984.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="338" /></a></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">'So' David said as he held Rhu while Rosie dismounted. 'Do you like your present then?'</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/_mg_5966.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/_mg_5966.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="344" /></a></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">He needn't have asked, as she flung her tiny arms around the gelding's neck almost as soon as her feet touched the ground.</p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/_mg_5926.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="320" /></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/_mg_5926.jpg"></a></p><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:left;">'This is the best birthday EVER!'</p>Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-52926387540284901542011-05-01T19:38:00.001-07:002011-05-01T19:38:12.775-07:0024. A Familiar Stranger‘…come on, <em>come on</em>! The lesson started five minutes ago! Just get on and sort your stirrups once you’re in the school!’<br />
<br />
David rolled his eyes. Unusually for Izzy, she’d arrived late to the stables and Abigail was running around the yard like a headless chicken in response. He held Callisto while the girl got on, apologising profusely, and waved them off half a minute later when she clicked to her mount and trotted off to the school, Abigail following on, grumbling to herself.<br />
<p style="text-align:left;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3043.jpg" alt="" width="559" height="386" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">With the yard clear of kids and flustered yard managers, David started on his duties. Tamarind and Kestral both needed their stables mucked out and he’d been putting it off all morning. Finally resigned to the fact that if he didn’t do it, no one else would, he collected the equipment from the tackroom and peered into Kestral’s box.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3076.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3076.jpg" alt="" width="397" height="559" /></a></p><br />
At close on four months old, Axel was getting big and a lot bolder, though thankfully he hadn’t inherited his sire’s lack of decorum when turned loose.<br />
<br />
‘Good girl Kes, come on then, let’s get that stable cleared eh?’<br />
Clipping the leadrope onto her headcollar, he led her out into the yard, her glossy chestnut coat gleaming in the mid morning sun. He gave her a pat and tied her up, leaving Axel to snuffle around the yard in search of dropped polo mints left by the kids.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3074.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3074.jpg" alt="" width="559" height="470" /></a></p><br />
He was just about to get started when he heard a quiet cough from behind him. He wheeled around.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3060.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3060.jpg" alt="" width="559" height="400" /></a></p><br />
‘Hello.’ said the stranger. ‘I have been told to come and speak to Abigail. Do you know where she is?’<br />
David nodded. ‘She’s taking a lesson at the moment and it’s running late so she won’t be free for another hour at least. Is there anything I can do?’<br />
The man shook his head and spoke, his heavily accented voice flowing over the vowels like honey.<br />
‘No, I must speak to her directly, I will wait.’<br />
David paused for a moment. ‘Tell you what, do you want a cup of tea or something while you wait for her? It’s no trouble.’<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3068.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3068.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="534" /></a></p><br />
Again, the man shook his head. ‘No, it is ok, I will wait.’ And with that, he turned on his heels and left the yard.<br />
‘Suit yourself’ David muttered, and flicked a large pile of soiled bedding into the wheelbarrow. Ten minutes later, the box was clean and tidy and Kestral and Axel were ready to go back inside. Tamarind was up next. David smiled as he tied the stallion up where moments before, Kestral had been standing. He was being remarkably calm today, not so much as a bite or grumpy face.<br />
He finished Tam’s box almost quarter of an hour later after discovering that it wasn’t <em>quite</em> as clean as he’d thought it was. He was just about to step outside and bring Tam back inside when he was greeted, once again, by the strange man from earlier.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3080.jpg" alt="" width="559" height="362" /></p><br />
‘Is Abigail finished yet? I must speak to her’<br />
<br />
David shook his head and propped the brush back up against the wall. ‘No, look I’ve told you before, she’s busy at the moment. If you want to book a lesson or something then I can do that for you. If you’d just let me…’<br />
‘No.’ The man cut him off mid sentence. ‘It is to her that I must speak to. No one else.’ David shrugged. ‘Alright then, but she’ll be at least another..’ he glanced at his watch before continuing ‘half an hour, give or take. You can wait in the office if you like?’ The stranger shook his head and headed towards the car park again, though this time there was a small smile on his face. ‘Nice horse.’ He nodded towards Tamarind and then he was gone.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3035.jpg" alt="" width="559" height="397" /></p><br />
David sighed exasperatedly. He just couldn’t win!<br />
After checking that the other stables on the yard were clean, he headed off to the little feedroom to get Tam and Kes their lunch. She was given a small bucket of mare and foal mix every morning as a little extra to keep her and Axel in good condition. Technically Tamarind didn’t really need anything but he worked himself up over not getting fed when his neighbour was so it was a bribe more than anything else. He tipped the fragrant mixture into the big red bucket in their box and moved on to Tam’s stable, armed with a small amount of pony nuts and chaff. He was just about to open the door when he sighted a familiar shape coming towards him from the other side of the yard.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3036.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3036.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3020.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3020.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="361" /></a></p><br />
<em>Oh for god’s sake, not <strong>again!</strong></em><br />
<br />
‘Look, I’ve told you before! Abigail isn’t here yet, she’s…oh. er…hi Abigail…what happened to Izzy?’<br />
<br />
The yard manager stepped forward with a slight grin forming on her face. ‘Oh she’s fine, I told her to stick Cally out in the field after she’d got off and untacked. Anyway, could you go and get Jaconelli in for me please?’<br />
<br />
‘Er…yeah, ok. Do you want him tacked up?’<br />
<br />
‘What? Oh, yes please, that would be brilliant thanks. Now, where were we?” she asked the tall man who shrugged at her. ‘Ah yes, I remember now, if you’ll come into the office with me we can get things sorted out…’<br />
<br />
David walked to Jac’s field with an increasingly puzzled expression on his face. Just who <em>was</em> this guy?<br />
A few minutes later, he eventually caught the stallion, who was hiding at the very back of the field; a trick, which David was sure had been taught to him by a certain Lusitano…<br />
He tied the luckless horse to the wall and quickly groomed and tacked him up, finishing just as Abigail and her unknown guest stepped outside, The man’s face lit up as soon as he saw Jaconelli and the stallion pricked his ears and whinnied shrilly - a sound which sent goosebumps down David’s spine.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3110.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3110.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
‘Abigail? I don’t mean to be rude but er…who is this guy?’<br />
Chuckling to herself, Abigail produced a slightly crumpled looking envelope from her pocket and handed it to him. ‘This should explain everything. I was going to tell you earlier but we were running late as you know so I didn’t get a chance.’<br />
David thanked her and took a look at the piece of paper inside it, after practically throwing Tam’s bucket into his stable to stop him from trying to knaw at his shoulder. It was a letter, addressed to Abigail and written in a beautifully fine script.<br />
<br />
<em>‘To my dearest friend Abigail,</em><br />
<br />
<em>I write to you with much affection and the promise of good tidings!<br />
I have decided to finally settle down somewhere – all this moving around all the time is not good for the bones! I have a small house in Cairbre so I will be close enough to visit and reminisce about the old times.<br />
Since I was forced to give up the menagerie, several of my most valued trainers and performers have left and moved on to other circuses and shows as well. It saddens me to see this, as we have become family over the years. But, out of all of them, the leaving that saddened me the most was that of Nikolai.</em><br />
<br />
<em>Nikolai Volkov and I go way back – I gave him a job at the age of sixteen tending to the horses and he has never yet let me down. He has a way with them unlike that of any other horsemaster I have seen. He knows what they are thinking and what they will do and yet, he never uses this to his advantage. Never once have I seen him hit a horse, not even for bad behaviour. He has other ways of discipline that are twice as effective and do the horse no harm. It’s like he can read their very minds! I remember, scarcely days after he first joined our troupe, he stopped a wild horse from attacking a child in the showground. It was rearing and bolting all over the place and no one yet had been able to get close to it. Nikolai just walked up to it as though it was no more than a playful foal and spoke to it. No one knows what it is that he whispers to them, but whatever it is, it must be magic of some kind because he surely has a gift.</em><br />
<br />
<em>The seasons went by as they must surely do and we came upon need of more horses for our shows. We stopped off at a market in Poland – one of my old haunts – and started looking. We found many good animals there, but none were quite right for what we had in mind. Suddenly, Nikolai stopped whatever he was doing and set off in the opposite direction from the rest of us – back the way we had come. I told him to come back but he just kept going, so, curious, myself and the rest of the troupe followed. He had found a horse, certainly but it did not look like what we had hoped. It had a deformity in its mouth, made worse by bad bridling by the looks of it and he was covered in mud and looked underfed. I could tell that it would polish up nicely but I didn’t think it would be right for the menagerie. The man at the stall told me ‘ah, this one’s damaged – I sell him for 150, or he goes to the meat-man’ It was a shame certainly, but I couldn’t afford to take pity on him as money was tight. I was about to turn away when Nikolai stepped forward and touched the horse’s muzzle. He flinched back like he’d been touched with a hot iron but as soon as Nikolai started his whispers, he relaxed instantly. Within a few minutes he had him trotting beside him, completely loose and he looked as though he’d been doing it his whole life. The man at the stall was amazed and changed his tune pretty quickly. ‘500! I’ll take no less than 500 for a beast of this quality!’</em><br />
<br />
<em>By now convinced, I decided to buy him, although we managed to get the seller back down to his original price and even then, I was able to knock off a third by proclaiming loudly how badly treated the animal was! When we got him back to the camp, we realised what a bargain we had managed to acquire. His paces were flawless, his conformation outstanding and the only thing that spoiled it was his mouth, although as it didn’t appear to be causing him any pain, we took that as a good omen. Nikolai trained him well and it was clear that although he loved all of the horses in the circus, it was to Jaconelli that he had the closest bond.</em><br />
<br />
<em>When we closed down, Nikolai was one of the first to leave. I think he wanted to make a clean break so the hurt was less. I was going to offer Jaconelli to him but he left so quickly and in the middle of the night as well, so I didn’t get the chance to ask. A couple of weeks ago, he appeared on my doorstep, tired and hungry. He had tried to get a job in a training yard, but found their methods too painful and corrupt to ever use. He wanted my advice, yet more than anything, he wanted to be reunited with his favourite horse. He was saddened to know that I did not possess him anymore but when I told him where he was he brightened up. I told him about your yard and the horses and he sounded very keen to meet you and your team. I know that you do not advocate violence as a method of training – one of Nikolai’s strongest principles - and I also know that you are always in need of some more help around the yard so I gave him directions and I hope you do not mind, but I told him to go and see you about a job. If nothing else, he will be able to see Jaconelli one last time before he leaves for another job somewhere.</em><br />
<br />
<em>Yours always,</em><br />
<br />
<em>Jarek Janelli’</em><br />
<br />
David folded the letter up again and replaced it in the envelope. So that’s who he was and why he seemed so familiar – he’d worked for the circus where they’d got Jac from! Now that he knew his name and a little more about him, Nikolai didn’t seem quite so haughty. From the way he looked at the horses, David could tell that he was much more at ease in their company than that of people.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3159.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3159.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="405" /></a></p><br />
David was just about to apologise for snapping at him when Nikolai approached him.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3137.jpg" alt="" width="559" height="400" /></p><br />
‘I am sorry if I dismissed you earlier, I eh…well, let’s just say I’m not too good with other people. I wanted to make a good impression on the yard owner but I seem to have made a bad one on the rest of the staff!’ His English was flawless, yet heavily accented, with the Russian, Polish and Ukrainian inflections that he had picked up through the years of being in the company of people from varying parts of eastern Europe. David shook his head. ‘Nah, it’s ok. I wasn’t exactly all that welcoming either to be honest.’<br />
Nikolai smiled. ‘It is nice here. I have very good feelings about this place.’<br />
He turned to Abigail and gestured towards the Knabstrupper. ‘May I?’<br />
‘Oh, certainly! If everything works out well, he’ll be more or less yours from now on anyway’<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3104.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3104.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
David frowned until he remembered the part of the letter which mentioned employment. Abigail must have offered him a job and if, like she said, it worked out well, Jaconelli would be his staff horse, just as Tamarind was his.<br />
<br />
‘You know something?’ he said thoughtfully. ‘I don’t need any of this stuff.’ He unbuckled the girth and took off Jac’s saddle, followed closely with the bridle. Instead he produced a headcollar and put it on him, whispering to him in Russian and giving him a pat at the same time. Suddenly, Nikolai vaulted on from a standstill. David stared. He hadn’t been able to do that ever – not even as a kid.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3746.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3746.jpg" alt="" width="559" height="459" /></a></p><br />
Marian, who had only recently started taking lessons at the yard, admired the pair from a distance, although it was not obvious which of the two she seemed to be taking the most interest in…<br />
<br />
Nikolai laughed and clapped Jac on the neck affectionately. ‘Nice horse, ah? Do you want to see what he can do?’<br />
Marian nodded. She’d ridden Jac once before and loved him instantly, although she felt that her lack of riding ability rather undermined his talent.<br />
‘Ok then, Jac? Hup!’<br />
The stallion arched his neck and danced on his toes for the briefest of seconds before he reared, kicking his forelegs out in front of him, all the while Nikolai sat perfectly balanced over his withers.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3751.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3751.jpg" alt="" width="559" height="375" /></a></p><br />
Marian let out a faint scream as the Knabstrupper pranced about, mere feet in front of her.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3755.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></p><br />
‘Ok, easy boy, caaaaaalm, caalm…’<br />
Almost as soon as he heard his rider’s voice, Jac dropped back down to the floor. ‘Good boy, <em>gooood</em>’ Nikolai said softly, rubbing his neck and ruffling his multicoloured mane. He glanced up at Marian who still looked a little shocked. Perhaps a rear wasn’t quite the best start…<br />
<br />
‘Trust me, this horse is as safe as how do you say? Homes? See, look!’<br />
He let go of the leadropes and shifted position until he was sitting back to front. With a grin, he clicked to Jac, who broke into a steady trot. Nikolai crossed his arms, seemingly steering with nothing more than his seat and proceeded to tell her more about his horse.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3785.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3785.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="356" /></a></p><br />
When they reached the end of the yard he turned and in one fluid movement, was facing the normal way and urging Jac on into a gallop.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3774.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="362" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3766.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3766.jpg" alt="" width="493" height="559" /></a></p><br />
Marian looked positively terrified but she needn’t have worried. At a simple word from Nikolai, Jac stopped dead, barely showing any exertion. No sooner had the stallion come to a halt, Nikolai swung his legs over and got off, praising his mount in what sounded like a mixture of Polish and Russian.<br />
<br />
He turned to look at the small group of people and smiled.<br />
<br />
‘Oh yes, I think I am going to like it here very much.’<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_3787.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></p>Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-78094977147552560642011-05-01T19:37:00.003-07:002011-05-01T19:37:35.286-07:0023. Archipelago<p style="text-align:left;"><em>Beep, beep, beep</em>.</p><p style="text-align:left;">Abigail gestured wildly as the horsebox reversed slowly into the back yard. Making sure there was enough space to unload, she held out her hand - palm raised and the driver cut the engine. “Thanks John!” she smiled and the elderly farmer chuckled. “This is getting fair regular in’t it? She should get her own effin’ transport – A’m no even getting’ paid for this!” The red haired girl in the passenger seat grinned and hugged him as she opened the door to get out. “Yeah I love you too grandpa, I’ll see you later!” John rolled his eyes theatrically and looked at his watch before picking up the local paper and turning to the sport pages.</p><p style="text-align:left;">“So, what’s on the cards today then Ailie?” queried Abigail as they started to unload the horse. “Another schooling session or some hacking? It’s a nice day for it if you do.” The girl nodded. “Schooling again please. There’s loads of good places to hack at home; we’ve got the Hollowwood right on our doorstep but nowhere decent to do anything else. We don’t even have much of a field anymore since the planning permission thing for the houses came through.” She frowned. “What do they need more for anyway? There’s loads in the village!” A loud snort reverberated in the horsebox and Ailie smiled. “Alright Archie, we’re coming for you, don’t get grumpy!” The yard manager chuckled as they walked the gelding down the ramp, his feet clattering on the uneven surface. “Just take him into the school and I’ll get his saddle for you, ok?”</p><p style="text-align:left;">For the past fortnight, Ailie had brought her horse to the yard for some riding tuition from Abigail. She was a very keen rider and longed to compete Archie in cross country and endurance rides, yet the lack of schooling since her instructor friend had moved away had left them both a little worse for wear. Since it was only a ten minute drive from the village, Archie needed only a little bit of warming up before he was ridden. Ailie led him into the school and walked him around for a couple of minutes to stretch his legs before she tacked him up.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9740.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9740.jpg" alt="" width="503" height="341" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;">David arrived a minute or two later with his saddle, which he draped over the fence. “Hello again – Abi’ll be back in a minute or two, she just popped into the office to make your grandpa a cup of tea. Here, I’ll give you a hand with that”</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9747.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="336" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">“Oh no, don’t bother, I’m fine.” she replied, already starting to unbuckle the rug. “He’s dead quiet, so he’ll just stand there without anyone holding him” To illustrate the point she let go of the straps and held up her hands, leaving Archie standing perfectly happily, resting one hind foot.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9755.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="336" /> David nodded. “Fair enough, but at least let me put the rug out the way?” “Oh go on then!” laughed Ailie, starting to undo his headcollar.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9785.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9785.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="358" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9767.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="375" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">“I’ll do the rest in a minute once Abigail gets ba- Oh, here she is now!”</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9780.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="336" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">“Sorry about that, I thought your grandpa looked a bit cold so I brought him a cuppa. Er, David? Could you go and bring Jac, Tully and Banksy in for me? Oh and Kerry too if he's out – you know how he hates being on his own.” He nodded and smiled a goodbye to Ailie before heading out of the school. “Have fun!” “Oh he is a lovely chap isn’t he?” said Abigail, running her fingers through the gelding’s gloriously scruffy mane. “I’ve always had a thing for coloured cobs – I really ought to get some more for the school – one is definetly not enough!” Ailie laughed. “Oh I’m with you on that! You can’t beat a good bit of cobbyness.”</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9789.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="348" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">A couple of minutes later and Archie was tacked. Abigail spent most of the time stroking his warm, velvety nose while Ailie dealt with the saddle.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9805.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="336" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9823.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9823.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="370" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;">“Right, just warm him up and have a trot and canter on both reins and I’ll put some poles and a jump up for you”</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9827.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="366" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">“Ok, sounds good to me! Come on Archie!”</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9835.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="355" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_0058.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_0058.jpg" alt="" width="503" height="374" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;">The lesson passed quickly, with Abigail spouting forth advice from her showjumping days of old. “…and just remember <em>never</em> to look down. I did that once in a jumpoff and ended up being the ‘off’ rather than the ‘jump’! As I always say – ‘<em>never look at the floor unless you want to end up there yourself</em>!’.”</p><p style="text-align:left;">Ailie chuckled. It was nice to have an instructor who both knew what she was talking about and how to have a good laugh. When the first jump was put up, Archie pricked his ears immediately and bolted towards it with Ailie clinging on for dear life.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9881.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9881.jpg" alt="" width="495" height="378" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;">He cleared it easily but needed a little calming down before Abigail raised the jump.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9884.jpg" alt="" width="438" height="378" /> “When was the last time he jumped?”</p><p style="text-align:left;">“Almost a month ago – like I said, we don’t really have anywhere decent to school anymore.”</p><p style="text-align:left;">“Hmmm, yes I see. Well bring him round again but in <em>trot </em>this time! I think we need to work on keeping him calm – he seems to see jumping as something he can just bomb at and hope he clears it.”</p><p style="text-align:left;">“Yeah, he doesn’t like taking them slowly does he?!”</p><p style="text-align:left;">This time he fought with Ailie as she struggled to keep him steady, resulting in a knocked pole and bad landing. “Right, bring him back to trot and do some twenty metre circles up at A. He needs to be listening to you at all times. I’ll just put these poles out of the way…”</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_0083.jpg" alt="" width="503" height="374" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">"Oh very nice, but I noticed that you tend to hunch up and go all wooden when you feel nervous. <em>Hmmm</em> how can we fix that...<em>aha</em>! Stirrups away please!"</p><p style="text-align:left;">Ailie groaned. She hated working without stirrups.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_0075.jpg" alt="" width="503" height="452" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_0081.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="476" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">After a few minutes of quietly trotting around the school in circles and serpentines, Abigail finally let her take her stirrups back , set up some raised poles and motioned to Ailie to trot over them. "Hopefully this'll teach him to stop rushing whenever he sees some poles"</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_0065.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_0065.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="443" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;">Once satisfied that Archie was in a much calmer frame of mind, Abigail finally let them jump again. This time round the gelding was much more responsive and shortened his stride when Ailie asked him to do so.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9896.jpg" alt="" width="464" height="378" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9891.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9891.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="365" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;">“Oh MUCH better!” cried Abigail. “Now, give him a pat and bring him round again – see how much he’s concentrating now?”</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9948.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9948.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="325" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9934.jpg" alt="" width="474" height="378" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">It was clear after just a couple of jumps that he <em>was</em> listening now and Ailie looked like she couldn’t be happier. “This is brilliant! He hasn’t jumped like this since Amy left – I just wish I didn’t have to keep bringing him backwards and forwards all the time.” She brought the cob back to walk and gave him a long rein as they walked around the track to cool off.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_9964.jpg" alt="" width="455" height="378" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">“Well you could keep him here if it was any easier for you. We’ve got a couple of free stables and plenty of field space for him.” Ailie gawped. “Are you serious? That would be brilliant but…oh, I don’t think I could afford it. I’ve got him stabled at the moment as there’s no real turnout where I am but to be honest I think he’d be much happier out.” Abigail frowned and pondered for a moment as she replaced the blocks and poles back in their normal place by the fence. “Well…” she said finally “How would you feel about working livery? We always need good reliable horses for lessons and hacks and Archie would be perfect. That way he’d earn his keep and you’d only pay for the essentials and turnout.”</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_0089.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="383" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">Ailie pulled a face. “But wouldn’t he get kinda…ruined? No offence, your horses are all brilliant - I just don’t want him getting hauled at by little kids all day.” Abigail nodded. “I understand but never fear – we wouldn’t stick just anyone on him – only the regulars we know and trust and we’d always consult you beforehand.” Ailie nodded slowly and swung herself out of the saddle, running up the stirrups as she thought of her next words. "If I did agree to it, how would I know he'd settle? He hasn't been out with other horses for months and I wouldn't want him getting bullied."</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_0095.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="336" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">Abigail nodded. "That's a fair question...and one that can be answered quite quickly, hold on - David! Is that you?!" "Yeah!" said a voice from beyond the fence at the other side of the school.</p><p style="text-align:left;">"I couldn't get Jac - he was caprioling in my face again so I had to leave him out"</p><p style="text-align:left;">"No matter, I'll be hacking him out after this anyway so I'll bring him in myself. Anyway, could you bring the other two in here please? We might have a new livery and I want to see how they'd all get on."</p><p style="text-align:left;">"Righto!"</p><p style="text-align:left;">"Tully and Banksy are nice and quiet so there shouldn't be any problems...hopefully." Ailie laughed. "You don't sound so sure but I'll take your word on it." She gave her faithful mount a pat and untacked him just as David jogged into the school, half dragged by a large piebald and much less pushy grey. "Here we are then. Do you want them all turned loose?"</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_0160.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_0160.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="366" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;">"Er, yeah, I think that would be the best option. None of them are shod so if they kick they shouldn't cause too much damage." Ailie picked up the tack and Abigail the rug and the three of them left the school, David holding all the leadropes. To begin with, Banksy paid the new horse no notice and stood quietly next to Tully, who looked close to dozing off.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_0168.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="336" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">Suddenly, as if on some unspoken signal he shot forward and nipped at Archie's quarters, sending him off into a wild canter.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_0209.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="344" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">Ailie gasped as Archie bucked in his face, sending clods of dirt and sand flying.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_0201.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="470" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">David patted her reassuringly on the shoulder. "Don't worry, they're just establishing the pecking order. He's not going to eat him...well, not much anyway."</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_0198.jpg" alt="" width="503" height="397" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">Tully, who had been staying out of it, ended up right in the middle as he tried to trot through the middle of the arena right when Archie and Banksy started chasing each other.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_0187.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="378" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">He let out a shrill and high pitched squeal and bit Banksy on the neck before trotting off to the watching humans for a fuss. After another few minutes of this, everything suddenly stopped. Banksy came to a halt in the middle and both he and Archie flicked their ears forward, finally satisfied that neither was a threat. Tully snuck back to the group and started to groom Archie, who nuzzled back affectionally.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Archie/_mg_0218.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="336" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">"Well..." said Ailie, slightly bemused by the whole event. "That was...<em>interesting</em>."</p><p style="text-align:left;">"So do you think you'll be keeping him here then?"</p><p style="text-align:left;">She smiled and nodded. "Well, Archie seems to like it and that's always the most important thing!"</p>Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-72183223246404223912011-05-01T19:37:00.001-07:002011-05-01T19:37:12.498-07:0022. Dancing With Shadows“They’re late”<br />
<br />
David grumbled as he stood, hands in pockets with his scarf wrapped snugly around his neck under the arched entrance to the yard. It was a dull sort of day with a murky grey-white sky and erratic spurts of drizzle which coated everything in a greasy layer of damp. Shrugging his jacket into a more comfortable position, he leaned back against the cold bricks of the wall and sighed. The new livery was supposed to have arrived at quarter past two and it was already almost three o’clock. Opposite him, wrapped up in jumpers up to her eyes, stood Abigail. “I know, I know! Give them five more minutes and then we’ll give them a ring. I’m sure they won’t be too much longer.”<br />
<br />
David rolled his eyes and shivered. It was just typical that they had to arrive (or not, as the case might be) on one of the coldest and most inhospitable days of the year. Abigail tutted at him and pulled her fleece in tighter. “What is it now?” David shrugged. “Nothing…I just…”<br />
<br />
“Just what?”<br />
<br />
“Nothing really. I just…well… I don’t like her.”<br />
<br />
Now it was Abigail’s turn to roll her eyes. “Oh for goodness sake, you’ve only met her the once! Don’t be so judgemental!” “Yeah, I know, but there’s just <em>something</em> about her…”<br />
<br />
A week before, on a similarly cold and miserable day, a new face had arrived on the yard…<br />
<br />
“Hello and welcome to EAE! I’m Abigail as you know and you must be Miss Paterson.”<br />
<br />
The girl nodded stiffly and took in her surroundings with a look of slight distaste on her face.<br />
<br />
“Sorry about the mess – all this frost has been causing problems and everyone keeps slipping! Anyway, I’ll show you around before we both freeze.”<br />
<br />
The newcomer nodded again and followed her into the office and tackroom before they made their way back onto the main yard. “…as you can see, we have a large selection of stabling. These ones are quite modern but we have some more traditionally designed ones at the other side if you’d like to…David! Will you keep that animal under control!?”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_3167.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_3167.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="321" /></a></p><br />
The girl stared as a chunky grey horse shot past her at a gallop, reins flying behind him and an exhausted looking man in a suit following at a sprint.<br />
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“TAMARIND! Get…back…here…NOW!”<br />
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The stallion bucked and leapt around the yard, his hooves clattering along the cobbles. David chased him round several times until he eventually managed to trap him in his stable. The girl, who still hadn’t spoken, surveyed the scene with passive interest as Abigail lectured her at length about the fantastic quality of the hinges on all the doors.<br />
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She raised her eyebrows in surprise at the squeals and yelps coming from the neighbouring stable and couldn’t conceal a smile when David leapt out, threw the bridle onto the hook at the side and stood, panting, in front of the door. It sounded like he’d barely managed to escape with his life as he muttered something that sounded suspiciously like ‘I’ll bite <em>you</em> next time’.<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_3208.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /><br />
<br />
“David! What happened? Tam’s not usually like that!” Abigail said with a meaningful glare.<br />
<br />
“Eh? What are you on about? He’s <em>always</em> like this!”<br />
<br />
Abigail sighed and rolled her eyes at him.<br />
<br />
“No he isn’t…he, like the rest of our horses, is completely <em>bombproof</em>!”<br />
<br />
David finally got the message and nodded hastily. “Er…yeah, so he is. Heh, this was totally out of character for him” he said, reaching over the door to give him a pat, retracting his arm quickly when the stallion bared his teeth at him.<br />
<br />
“You don’t have to pretend. I’m perfectly capable of dealing with difficult horses you know!”<br />
<br />
David blinked in surprise and Abigail looked embarrassed as the new girl snapped at them. “I’m sorry Miss Paterson, I just assumed that this place wouldn’t be good enough for you, what with your…er…history.” “Oh for goodness sake, call me Jenny!” she cried irritably. “I’m not <em>that</em> posh. Anyway, this place seems fine, so I’ll bring him round next week once we’ve sorted out all the details.” She gave them both a quick nod and left the yard without so much as a second glance… <br />
<br />
“That’s them now!” said Abigail, rubbing her hands together to keep warm. Sure enough, a large, expensive looking horsebox was approaching from the main road. She waved and pointed them down towards her house at the far end of the yard. They always unloaded horses at the back, just in case there was an escape attempt. As she pottered over, rehearsing her greeting, David retreated to the office. He needed a cuppa. Five minutes and a teabag later, a small crowd had gathered by the box - eager to see the new horse. Jenny didn’t seem so keen, and frowned when David arrived. As the daughter of a rich local hotelier, she had always had ‘the best’, whether it be toys or clothes or indeed, horses. Her first pony had been a two time winner at POYS and her second, a purebred Eriskay with very good bloodlines. So it came as some surprise when, out of all the well bred eventers she could have bought for her 18th birthday, she returned from a horse-hunting trip in Ireland with a very green and scruffy looking three year old in tow. As she scowled and rushed around the box, David introduced himself to Jenny’s boyfriend, who was standing by looking slightly lost.<br />
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“Something tells me you’re not a horse person” He laughed. “No, that’s ‘her’ thing, though she’s determined to get me on a horse one of these days. I just get dragged along to hold things and tell her how good she looks in jodhpurs!” David chuckled and held out a hand which he shook enthusiastically.<br />
<br />
“David”<br />
<br />
“Baz. Unfortunately short for…”<br />
<br />
“<em>Sebastian</em>! Can you give me a hand please!?”<br />
<br />
He laughed and looked at David. “<em>See what I mean</em>? I’m coming Jen, what’s the problem?”<br />
<br />
“The leadrope knot, it’s too tight, can you give it a go?” After a minute or two of frustration, the knot eventually unravelled normally and Jenny brought out the horse.<br />
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He slipped on his way down and reared but Jenny didn’t seem fazed at all, even with almost 17hh of Irish Sporthorse looming over her.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_6055.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_6055.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="387" /></a></p><br />
“Mitchell! Calm down, it’s ok…<em>o…k</em>…you’re alright, come on”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_6071.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_6071.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="375" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_6069.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="491" /></p><br />
At the sound of her soothing voice, the gelding snorted and returned all four of his legs to the ground, ears pricked apologetically.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_6096.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="364" /></p><br />
She smiled and gave him a pat before turning to the slightly stunned audience.<br />
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Satisfied that he wasn’t going to spook again, the small group of spectators closed in to say hello and stroke his gleaming coat. “Oh he’s beautiful!” “What’s his name?” “How old is he?” Jenny gave him a pat and grinned. “<em>Dancing With Shadows</em>, to give him his full title. I call him Mitchell though.” “Does he bite?” asked one of the kids, gawping at him from several feet below. Jenny laughed and shook her head. “He used to, when I first got him but he’s over that now, although he has the odd relapse every now and again!”<br />
<br />
David and Abigail exchanged glances. “Oh I think we know what that’s like!” “So, what are you intending to do with him? Compete? Hack?” asked Lisa, running her fingers through his glossy raven mane. “Oh compete, definitely! I backed him just after I bought him with my…hmm…‘ex’ trainer and I’ve been working on his jumping and flatwork ever since. He’s six now and I’d like to take him to his first proper event this year.” She turned to look up at him and Mitchell looked back at her with his big expressive brown eyes, whickering softly. David looked on, bemused. It was like she was a completely different person – as far removed from the sharp and tetchy individual that had greeted them seven days before as was possible to be. “Right, where’ll I put him now?” Abigail stepped forward and stroked his nose. “Oh he is rather lovely isn’t he? We’ve got a stable set up for him over there, come on” David leaned against the horsebox, shaking his head as the three of them made their way to the main yard, chatting animatedly about horses and stabling.<br />
<br />
Later that day, once he’d settled in a bit, Jenny brought him into the school to give him some exercise.<br />
<br />
“Trrrrrrrrrrrrot!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_7535.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_7535.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_7518.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="382" /></p><br />
“…and can-ter!”<br />
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Once he’d been lunged and warmed up, she fetched his tack and started schooling.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_7461.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_7461.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_6816.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_6816.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="330" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_7266.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_7266.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
David, Baz and Abigail watched from the fence as Jenny put the bay though his paces, oohing and ahhing at all the relevant moments. “He’s a nice one isn’t he?” said Baz, proudly. “Oh yes, without a doubt” replied Abigail. “If she ever wants to sell him, look no further!” He chuckled. “Oh I don’t think that’s ever going to be an option. She loves that horse to bits and would rather starve herself than let him do the same!”<br />
<br />
“Hmmm, that reminds me, why did she leave her last yard?” asked David. “I looked it up on the internet – it was huge, with all the mod cons and loads of really talented trainers – a competition yard! Surely that would have been perfect for an aspiring eventer?”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_7274.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_7274.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="420" /></a></p><br />
Baz pondered for a moment as Jenny cantered past. “Well you see, Jen doesn’t like people who treat her differently because she has money. To begin with, everything was great – everyone got on and Mitchell was coming on leaps and bounds. Then, after almost three years of keeping him there, we discovered that they’d been charging her almost double the normal livery and training fees just because she could afford it. We confronted them about it but they denied the whole thing and started spreading nasty rumours so in the end we just packed up and left.” Abigail was shocked and shook her head angrily. “Some people…I mean that’s just common theft!” David nodded. Now he knew why she’d been so cross with them to begin with.<br />
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“Baz? Could you put some jumps up please?” Jenny called out to him from the middle of the school. “He hasn’t jumped in a week or two so I’d like to refresh his memory” “No rest for the wicked eh?” he said with a wink, as he vaulted over the fence and made his way into the middle. “Right, ok, how big?”<br />
<br />
<a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_7336.jpg"><img class="alignleft" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_7336.jpg" alt="" width="488" height="420" /></a><br />
<br />
“Oh not big at all, full block should do it. Thanks, I don’t know what I’d do without you!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_7321.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_7321.jpg" alt="" width="483" height="420" /></a></p><br />
Once the jump was up and Baz was safely out of the way, Jenny brought Mitchell around. His ears shot forwards and he shortened his stride, taking off at the perfect point and clearing it with ease.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_7326.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_7326.jpg" alt="" width="543" height="420" /></a></p><br />
Gradually, more jumps were put up and he flew over them.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_6863.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_6863.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="529" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_6365.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_6365.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
Finally, after one final canter, Jenny brought him back to a walk and halted him in the middle of the school. She dismounted and untacked him, draping the saddle and bridle carefully over the fence and retrieved his headcollar from the fencepost she’d left it on when she came in. She ruffled his forelock and gently adjusted the noseband so that it sat perfectly on his noble face. She got the feeling that this place would be permanent.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_7034.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Dancing%20With%20Shadows/_mg_7034.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="407" /></a></p>Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-55038084505380999702011-05-01T19:36:00.003-07:002011-05-01T19:36:52.111-07:0021. Totully Perfect“David! Hurry UP! They’ll be here any minute!”<br />
<br />
Abigail’s deafening roar boomed across the yard, waking a woodpigeon from its mid morning doze and sending David into a mild panic.<br />
<br />
“I know, I <em>KNOW</em>!”<br />
<br />
Jenny and Sophie from Harecroft Farm would be arriving soon with a horse that Abigail had agreed to buy from them. As usual before a new horse arrived, they were woefully unorganised and the yard was a complete mess. Buckets were strewn across the cobbles, the snow still hadn’t been properly swept up and spare headcollars and leadropes were soaking in the resulting melt water. Abigail strode through the slush indomitably, and almost fell when she lost her footing on a patch of ice just outside the tackroom door.<br />
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“Will someone <em>please</em> put some grit down! It’s a health and safety nightmare over here! David? Daaaavid!? Where is that bucket of grit? I put it in the tackroom but it isn’t there anymore!”<br />
<br />
“It’s still there! Try looking under the numnahs!”<br />
<br />
David rolled his eyes when Abigail grumpily charged into the room and, still grumbling about the state of the place, emerged a minute later with a loaded bucket of grit.<br />
<br />
“CHILDREN! Gather round please, I’ve got a job for you!”<br />
<br />
Izzy and Rosie crept out of the office warily. When Abigail was in a panic, things tended to get shouted at…<br />
<br />
“Right! I want this yard swept up and gritted by the time I’ve put Callisto out. If it’s done to my satisfaction there might be a free ride at the end of it…”<br />
<br />
The girls beamed and snatched the bucket out of Abigail’s hands before she had time to react. Unperturbed, she continued to race around the yard, stacking buckets and re-tying quick release knots in an attempt to appear industrious. Suddenly the phone rang and she sprinted across the cobbles, narrowly missing a loose headcollar and disappeared into the office. David stopped arranging haynets and eavesdropped.<br />
<br />
“<em>EA Equestrian, Abigail speaking</em>. Oh hi Jenny! We were wondering where you’d got to…I …oh, oh I <em>see</em>. Oh that’s awful! Where?...and you say it won’t move at all? Yes, yes I agree…”<br />
<br />
David frowned. This didn’t sound positive.<br />
<br />
“We’ll have to come and collect you then, I think I know whereabouts you are. No don’t worry, it’s no trouble! Right ok then, keep your phone on, we’ll be with you soon!”<br />
<br />
The phone beeped as Abigail ended the call and David lunged wildly for another net so he didn’t look suspicious.<br />
<br />
“Change of plan” said Abigail as she stepped out of the office, her expression fixed. “The horsebox has broken down on the back road from Hollowcroft. They hired it and well…it’s died on them, although Jenny did put it down to the huge snowdrifts that they were ploughing through for the last couple of miles.” David nodded. They rarely had gritters that came up this far and the recent snowfall had overwhelmed most forms of transportation.<br />
<br />
“So what do we do then?”<br />
<br />
She turned to him and grinned. “We go and get them of course! I’ll ride Rhona over there and you can take…er…”<br />
David shook his head and smiled. “I’m not taking Tam, before you say it. I’d end up headfirst in a snowdrift with him! I’ll walk behind you. After all, someone has to take the shovels!”<br />
<br />
Suddenly, Lisa arrived, leading a very fresh looking Kerry.<br />
<br />
“What’s happened? I know that look Abigail!”<br />
<br />
David explained the situation and she beamed. “Oh this is perfect! I’ve been meaning to do this for AGES!” She trailed off and after tying Kerry to the wall, disappeared into the car park, muttering something about long enough reins…<br />
<br />
Ten minutes later, David, Abigail and Rhona were at the top of the hill behind the yard, taking in the view.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4761.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4761.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“It really does look lovely out there doesn’t it? You’d never think snow could cause so many problems when you see it like this.”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4767.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4767.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
David nodded. “It certainly does look photogenic, I…<em>arrrgh</em>!”<br />
He leapt out of the way just in time to avoid a large chestnut blur passing him at speed. “Kerry? I…<em>oh</em>!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4734.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4734.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“<em>Yeeehaaaaaa</em>!” Lisa bellowed, flicking the reins at Kerry and urging him on.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4724.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4724.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="344" /></a></p><br />
“Skijoring!” Abigail breathed. “In all my days…she’s got guts, that’s all I’m saying!”<br />
<br />
The snow was deep and the gelding struggled to navigate his way through some of it but where it was firm he almost flew.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4741.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4741.jpg" alt="" width="544" height="420" /></a></p><br />
“Well, she seems to be enjoying herself! Lets get a move on….BE CAREFUL LISA!” she boomed, inadvertantly deafening her colleague. David stepped back, hoping that his hearing would return to him eventually.<br />
<br />
Twenty minutes later they reached the stranded travellers who were in a much worse state than originally anticipated.<br />
<br />
“…I hope they get here soon, it’s freezing out here! Oh wait, I think I see them! Wait…is she…on <em>skis</em>?!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4781.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4781.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4791.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4791.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“Hi guys, Abi and David’ll be along in a minute. I’d love to stay and chat but Kerry is enjoying this a bit too much and I…<em>weeeeugh</em>!” She grinned apologetically as Kerry took off with her and cantered into the distance.<br />
<br />
Sophie shook her head incredulously. “Mad, completely mad…Oh, here’s the rest of them – hello everyone!” She squeaked when she saw David and Jenny rolled her eyes at her.<br />
<br />
Abigail waved and David raised a spade in greeting. “Need a hand?”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4800.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4800.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
Jenny laughed and nodded. “Just a bit! I’m Jenny by the way and this is Sophie, we spoke on the phone.” Abigail smiled and shook hands with both of them. “Sophie? That name seems familiar – did you leave a message on our site’s email or something?” asked David, his brow furrowed in thought. Sophie giggled and nodded.<br />
“Right, lets see if we can get you out of here then!” Abigail said loudly, relieving David of the chance to change the subject. “David, you give Jenny a hand – see if you can’t shift some of this snow. I’m going to have a look at the horse and see if he's alright.”<br />
He nodded and handed her a spade. “It’s going to take some time – it’s a lot deeper than I thought it would be…”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4801.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4801.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
Leaving them to it, Abigail and Sophie trudged through the snow to the back of the horsebox, Sophie looking a little put out.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4817.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4817.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“Do you want me to bring him out?” Sophie asked. “Only I really don’t think we’re going to be able to get this thing running again and it would be good for him to stretch his legs.” Abigail nodded. “I quite agree, let’s unload him.”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4811.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4811.jpg" alt="" width="379" height="420" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4806.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4806.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
It took them a few minutes to lower the ramp as the hinges had frozen in place and proved difficult to open, but eventually he was ready to go…<br />
<br />
<em>Meanwhile…</em><br />
<br />
“Hey, stop it!” David groaned as yet another snowball bounced off his shoulder. “Isn’t there enough snow here? I’m trying to get this…<em>weuargh</em>!” He slipped and lost his balance, waving his arms frantically to try and stay standing but it was not to be. He was going down…<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4825.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4825.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“Here he is!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4822.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4822.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
Abigail smiled appreciatively. It was cold and wet and miserable and he was in a new country, but the gelding looked positively delighted to be here.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4836.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4836.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“Abigail, meet Tully” said Sophie, stroking his velvety nose gently. “Eight years old and he’s never put a foot out of place. I think he’ll really like it here. He loves his hacking and he’s fantastic with kids.”<br />
<br />
Abigail smiled. “I bet he’s a popular chap – he’s got such a lovely face.”<br />
<br />
A few minutes later it was decided that the horsebox was a non starter and that it would be best to head back to the yard on foot and ask the local farmer if he could help tow it out the next day. Lisa (who had finally managed to stop Kerry) had agreed to lead Rhona back with him to the yard. This was helpful for two reasons: One, it meant Abigail didn’t have to lead her and two: Rhona’s average speed was around 5mph which would prove an active deterrent for Kerry in case he felt like bolting again.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4843.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4843.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="305" /></a></p><br />
David resisted the urge to enact his revenge and shove Jenny in a snowdrift, for the simple reason that he’d have ended up in one himself when Abigail found out.<br />
As they plodded into the main yard, brushing lumps of melting snow off their clothes, Izzy and Rosie rushed over, practically bubbling over with excitement.<br />
<br />
“We gritted the yard for you Abigail!”<br />
<br />
“Yeah! AND! We brought Cally and Arkas and Kestral and Axel in…and…and…Ooooooh, he’s GORGEOUS! Can I ride him first?!”<br />
<br />
“No! I want first go!”<br />
<br />
“You had first go LAST time!”<br />
<br />
Abigail chuckled.<br />
<br />
“Well you’ve done a smashing job and I think you both deserve a free ride…and…” she paused for dramatic effect. “…and…a half price hack for next week. What do you think?”<br />
<br />
Izzy grinned. “Thanks Abi!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4855.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4855.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="351" /></a></p><br />
“Oooh, who’s this?!” Sophie gasped.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4880.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4880.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
David smiled and pointed each foal out. “That’s Arkas – he’s Callisto’s colt, that’s Bambi – we don’t know where he came from – we found him in the woods –<em> long story</em>– and this… Well, this is Axel.”<br />
<br />
“Axel? Unusual name for a foal…where’d that come from?”<br />
<br />
David squirmed. It was such an embarrassing admission to make. “Well, I…”<br />
“Oh spit it out David! It’s not that bad!” Abigail said, a wry smile on her face.<br />
With Jenny and Sophie looking interestedly on, he finally spoke.<br />
“Oh alright then! ” He shuffled his feet and muttered something incoherent. “What was that David?” Abigail probed. “<em>What</em> film?”<br />
<br />
“He’s named after the lead character in Beverly Hills Cop, ok?”<br />
<br />
Jenny stifled a laugh and Sophie chuckled.<br />
<br />
“It wasn’t intentional! I’d watched it on TV the night before and then Lisa asked what we were going to call ‘foaly’ and it just popped into my head and well…it stuck.”<br />
<br />
Everyone laughed this time and Axel stretched his neck out as much as he could and tried to nibble Sophie’s fingers.<br />
<br />
A loud snort and a low nicker from the next stable alerted them to the presence of the resident Lusitano. David laughed. “Now you get to meet foalie senior – Tamarind!<br />
Jenny rushed over and gave him a fuss. “Oh he’s beautiful, I can see where Axel gets his good looks from!” David rolled his eyes. “Great. More praise – his head is going to explode one of these days, it’s <em>that </em>big”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4914.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4914.jpg" alt="" width="516" height="420" /></a></p><br />
“Awww! Don’t say that!” said Sophie, joining Jenny by the Lusi’s stable. “Don’t you listen to him Tam, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about!”<br />
<br />
David groaned.<br />
<br />
Tamarind had a fan club.<br />
<br />
The next day, they decided to try Tully out under saddle. He didn’t seem to be put out by his long journey and greeted everyone with a lively nicker and a maneful of haylage.<br />
<br />
“Daft horse” said Abigail. “Let’s get him groomed then.”<br />
As ever, Izzy and Rosie volunteered and within minutes, Tully was immaculate.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4911.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4911.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
After they had stabled him the night before, David had gone back to the horsebox with Sophie for his tack and other effects. He had a personalised saddlecloth and a rather nice bridle with multicoloured reins which set off his fleabitten coat beautifully.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4942.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4942.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="362" /></a></p><br />
True to form, Izzy had managed to wrangle her way into getting the first ride.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4954.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4954.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="361" /></a></p><br />
Jenny and Sophie had been offered free rides as well. Abigail had let them stay with her free of charge and wouldn’t hear of them paying for anything. “You brought him all the way up here – you owe me nothing!”<br />
<br />
Sophie chose Callisto, on the basis that she looked so much like her own horse Custard that she was bound to like her.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4919.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></p><br />
Jenny had requested Tamarind but swiftly reconsidered when David showed her the Accident Book – nine out of ten pages of which had ‘Tam <em>again</em>’ scrawled across it. Abigail recommended Rhona for her quiet nature and comfortable paces, and also to show off the new treeless saddle and the fact that she could be ridden completely bitless.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4927.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4927.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="400" /></a></p><br />
The sun had come out by the time they reached the arena, and it hardly felt like winter anymore.<br />
<br />
“Right, once you’ve warmed them up, start off with some bending I think – then we can move on to trotting poles”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4955.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4955.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="395" /></a></p><br />
Tully shone. He stepped over the poles as easy as pie and trotted over the raised poles without stumbling once.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4971.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4971.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="396" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4979.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4979.jpg" alt="" width="557" height="420" /></a></p><br />
“Wow Abigail! He’s so comfy! I can’t feel his strides at all!”<br />
<br />
“Good! He's got lovely paces. Ok then, what about a jump? Anyone up for that?”<br />
<br />
There was unanimous support for this, so she put up a small cross and stood well back to let everyone have a go.<br />
<br />
Sophie and Callisto popped over it fine and Jenny and Rhona practically flew.<br />
<br />
“Whoops! I forgot to warn you about that – she really does enjoy her jumping!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_5005.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_5005.jpg" alt="" width="489" height="420" /></a></p><br />
“So I see!” laughed Jenny as she got totally left behind by the Highland’s massive leap.<br />
<br />
Tully pricked his ears on the approach and shortened his stride, taking off in the optimum position and clearing it beautifully.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4985.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4985.jpg" alt="" width="543" height="420" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4988.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4988.jpg" alt="" width="427" height="420" /></a></p><br />
They had a few canters and another couple of jumps before finishing off.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_5030.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_5030.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“Oh that was great fun” Jenny said, ruffling Rhona’s mane affectionately.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_5035.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_5035.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“Any chance of taking Callisto back with us? We’ll have room in the box!” Sophie joked. “Haha, I’m afraid not!” laughed Abigail. “I think you’d have half the village children out to complain!”<br />
“Pity, she and Custard would make a good couple”<br />
<br />
Jenny and Sophie stayed for another couple of days as the horsebox was still out of order and the mechanic needed more time to work on it. They didn’t mind much - seeing the sights, buying souvenir pencils from the gift shop in the village and hacking out every day was a perfect little home from home. Abigail appreciated the help around the yard too, especially after discovering a kindred spirit in Jenny when it came to getting things done.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_5080.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_5080.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
<p style="text-align:center;">Tully slotted into the yard routine perfectly and proved himself to be a very happy hacker – refusing to spook at scary hedgemonsters and the fearsome pheasants that ran out in front of him on the road.<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4348.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4415.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4415.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“So what do we think then?” said David one evening, as they all relaxed in the office with a cup of tea. “A good investment?”<br />
<br />
“Fantastic”<br />
<br />
“Brilliant!”<br />
<br />
“Totally and utterly <em>perfect</em>.”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4363.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Totully%20Perfect/_mg_4363.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p>Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-89949047118434524072011-05-01T19:36:00.001-07:002011-05-01T19:36:28.499-07:0020. The Newbies<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>The Newbies</strong></p><br />
“Uh huh…right, yes. So you’ll be here in how long? That’s brilliant, thanks. Ok, see you then, byeee!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0881.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0881.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
Abigail ended the call and placed the phone back on the table. In only a matter of minutes she’d be welcoming the latest members of the herd to the yard. With Kestral out of action until she had her foal and Tamarind only suitable for seriously advanced riders, they were severely underhorsed. After making enquiries at several yards and even travelling long distance to a well known sale, they had finally found two that were just right. One, a big piebald cob known as Banksy would be perfect for intermediate and beginner riders alike. He was still young, only five, but completely bombproof and just the sort of horse they had been looking for. The other, Rhona, was an older mare, just past her prime, but as laidback as they come and perfect for beginners. Both had come from a trekking centre a few miles away which had a reputation for improving confidence and skills.<br />
Abigail smiled and glanced at the trophy cabinet at the other side of the room. Rhona had allegedly been champion Highland mare at the Royal Highland Show in her youth, and was a regular prize-winner at local shows and events; a trait that she hoped they'd be able to continue.<br />
Ten minutes later she heard the familiar sound of tyres on gravel. The horsebox had arrived. She had barely risen from her seat when David walked in.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0886.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0886.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="379" /></a></p><br />
“We’re just bringing them out, want to come and help?”<br />
<br />
“Need you ask?”<br />
<br />
David smiled and the two of them made their way to the unloading area behind the main part of the yard. Abigail took the cob and David the Highland, and after a couple of chaotic minutes when Banksy got his foot tangled in the haynet and Rhona spotted a half empty feed bucket by the fence, they managed to get them into the main yard.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0897.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0897.jpg" alt="" width="484" height="420" /></a></p><br />
Finally able to see them in the light, Abigail looked over her new charges. “Oh they <em>are</em> lovely aren’t they?” David nodded. They looked like good, dependable mounts – exactly what they were lacking.<br />
<br />
A few days later, once they had settled into their new routine, Abigail brought them out ready for their first lesson.<br />
<br />
“Right Iz, are you ok getting on by yourself or do you need a leggie?”<br />
<br />
“I’m fine with the block thanks Abigail”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0911.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0911.jpg" alt="" width="514" height="420" /></a></p><br />
Rhona was proving to be more problematic than they had anticipated. The trekking centre had used a treeless saddle with her as ordinary saddles gave her back pain, but they weren’t willing to sell it with her as they needed it for another horse and they were expensive to replace. Her reins had snapped as well so they had to make do with two leadropes tied together. Luckily, Lisa had volunteered to ride her bareback in her first few lessons until they could get a new one.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0916.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0916.jpg" alt="" width="522" height="420" /></a></p><br />
“Are you sure you’ll be alright like that?”<br />
<br />
“Yes Abi, I’m fine. Don’t worry! I ride Kerry like this in the school all the time!”<br />
<br />
“Alright, just as long as you’re sure…”<br />
<br />
Once they were both on and sorted, they headed out to the arena, Banksy’s ears pricked in anticipation. They walked into the middle and rechecked their girths, and in Izzy’s case, stirrups.<br />
<br />
“Right then!” boomed Abigail. “Forwards to working walk!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0918.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0918.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="392" /></a></p><br />
Izzy beamed. Banksy was much more responsive than the other horses that she had ridden and he was fast becoming her new favourite.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0924.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="394" /></p><br />
After a brief warm-up, Abigail laid out some trotting poles. “Let’s see what they make of them!”<br />
Rhona was up first. She took short choppy strides on the approach and Lisa held on tightly to the mane to keep her balance. She was a little 'dead to the leg' after years of beginners kicking her but she could tell that she had been well schooled in the past.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0930.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0930.jpg" alt="" width="543" height="420" /></a></p><br />
“Not bad, not bad, could be better though! You need to keep up the impulsion! Ok Izzy, bring Banksy up now.”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0925.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0925.jpg" alt="" width="542" height="420" /></a></p><br />
The gelding proved to be a natural. Taking large, even strides, he trotted over the poles with ease.<br />
<br />
“Good, <em>good</em>! Ok you two, have a trot at the top end on both reins for a minute while I change these poles…” She heaved some of the blocks over and set up some raised poles before signalling to Lisa to bring Rhona over them.<br />
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The mare sped up and tried to canter, tipping Lisa off balance and almost knocking over the poles. “Oh dear, that didn’t go very well now did it?” said Abigail, shaking her head. “Bring her over again. She’s probably not used to this sort of thing, she was a trekkie after all I suppose” The second time round she popped over them properly and Lisa gave her a well deserved pat. “Oh well done! I knew you could do it! Right Izzy, your turn.”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0942.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0942.jpg" alt="" width="490" height="420" /></a></p><br />
Yet again Banksy came into his own, lifting his feet right up and hopping over each pole. The girl leaned over and gave him a hug. “Good lad!” She turned to Abigail, eyes twinkling gleefully. “Can we jump? <em>Pleeeeeease</em>?”<br />
Abigail rolled her eyes. “Oh alright then, but nothing too big. I don’t know how much jumping he’s done… Oh hi David!” David stepped into the arena and jogged over to the instructor. “I wanted to see how they get on in the school. I hope I’m not in the way!”<br />
“Oh don’t worry, you’re fine. Right Iz, take it away!”<br />
<br />
The girl clicked her tongue and closed her legs around the horse’s sides, urging him forward towards the fence. He pricked his ears as he got within a few strides, quickened his pace and then…<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_1048.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_1048.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="367" /></a></p><br />
…slammed on the brakes and stopped.<br />
Izzy managed to cling on and regain her seat but the cob clearly wasn’t going anywhere.<br />
<br />
“Hmmm” said Abigail thoughtfully. “They told me that he had definitely jumped before. Maybe it’s just too big. David? Could you go and put the jump down a bit and stand next to it when Banksy jumps, just in case?”<br />
<br />
The groom nodded, lowered it to a full block cross and stood well back. This time, Izzy was more prepared. She circled past the jump and gave Banksy plenty of time to see it and take off. He almost ran out, but spotted David and kept on the right line, popping over it with perhaps less style than they would have liked.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0950.jpg" alt="" width="466" height="420" /></p><br />
As soon as he landed, he took off at a mad canter, throwing in a quick buck and a fart before going back to a sedate trot and getting into line behind Rhona.<br />
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Everybody laughed and Izzy gave him another pat, wrapping her arms around his great muscular neck.<br />
<br />
“That'll do! It was a jump after all! Right, Lisa your turn if you want to try it. I’m not expecting her to fly over this so just concentrate on keeping her going. <em>Don’t let her stop</em>!”<br />
<br />
She really needn’t have worried for no sooner had Lisa had pointed her at the fence, Rhona burst into canter, automatically shortened her stride and took off, basculing like a puissance showjumper and touching down as softly as a landing bird.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0960.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0960.jpg" alt="" width="473" height="420" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0963.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0963.jpg" alt="" width="493" height="378" /></a></p><br />
Abigail was stunned. “But, but, she’s so<em> old</em>! They said she could pop the odd log out on a hack but I didn’t think she could actually<em> jump</em>!”<br />
<br />
Lisa was just as flabbergasted and had to stop for a couple of minutes to get over it. “I’ve jumped Kerry bareback loads of times but he just canters over it and never really puts much effort in but Rhona…wow. Not what I was expecting at all!”<br />
Izzy looked a tad put out. She loved to jump and it now looked like her new favourite horse wasn’t quite as keen as this one. She would have to book another lesson with Rhona the next time she fancied doing some jumping practice…<br />
<br />
A few minutes later, after a canter on both reins, Abigail, at Lisa’s request, set up a bounce combination.<br />
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Rhona flew over them again and even Banksy managed to leap over without any problems.<br />
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They both had another canter and as it was nearing the end, they really went for it. Izzy kicked Banksy into a couple of strides of gallop up the long side, but a stern look from Abigail slowed them back to a lope.<br />
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Rhona followed on behind at her own pace. When there were no jumps around, she really didn’t see the point in going particularly fast.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0987.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_0987.jpg" alt="" width="531" height="420" /></a></p><br />
“Right, I think we’ll end there for the day.” said Abigail. “Give them a long rein and do a couple of circuits then bring them into the middle to finish off.”<br />
<br />
“You both did incredibly well today and I’m very happy with how you’ve handled these two, especially seeing as they have completely different experience levels.”<br />
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“Now” she said, an impish grin on her face. “Seeing as one of you decided to be a little rebellious towards the end…” She nodded towards Izzy, who pretended that nothing had happened. “…I think you need to do some <em>exercises</em>!” The groaning that followed told her that neither was particularly happy about this.<br />
<br />
“Ok!” she rubbed her hands together and motioned to David to hold Rhona. "'Around The World’ please, both ways.” Lisa groaned. She hadn’t done this since she was about twelve and was now woefully inflexible.<br />
<br />
“Come on Lisa, you can do it!” said David, grinning roguishly. Lisa glared at him and turned to face the other way. Oh he was going to pay for that…<br />
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When she had finally got back in the right position (several seconds after the much more flexible Izzy) she looked to Abigail beseechingly. “Can we get off now? <em>Please</em>? I don't think my legs can take any more!”<br />
Abigail laughed and nodded. “Off you get then. I’ll give you a hand with the tack”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_1009.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/The%20Newbies/_mg_1009.jpg" alt="" width="535" height="420" /></a></p><br />
They walked back to the yard quietly. Izzy tied up Banksy and untacked him, while Lisa led the Highland into a spare stable and took off her girth and numnah.<br />
<br />
Yes, thought Abigail. She had picked well.Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-28414606333994751012011-05-01T19:35:00.002-07:002011-05-01T19:35:26.676-07:0019. Oh Foaly Night<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Oh Foaly Night</strong></p><br />
T’was the day before Christmas and all was a rush. The donkeys had just been brought back from the village where they had been loaned to the local primary school for use in their nativity play and the last of the lessons had finished. Abigail smiled as she put the past week’s takings in the cash box. She was pleasantly surprised to see that they’d made more than she’d anticipated. Clearly the winter weather hadn’t put anyone off going for a ride.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2718.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2718.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="365" /></a></p><br />
Shutting and locking the box securely, she pushed the low seat over and stood on it; stretching to reach the high shelf that kept the valuables away from prying fingers.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2723.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2723.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="379" /></a></p><br />
She had just replaced the stool in its normal position in front of the desk when David came in, muttering under his breath about the awful weather.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2720.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="382" /></p><br />
“Afternoon David, are the ponies alright in the field? I was a bit worried it was going to be too cold for them - the forecast is for snow this weekend.”<br />
<br />
David nodded and dropped the leadrope he was carrying into the basket with all the other spare headcollars.<br />
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“Yeah, everyone’s fine. I thought Banksy might need a rug but as he’s systematically destroyed every one I’ve put on him this week, I think its safe to say that he’ll be perfectly ok without one” He chuckled and hung up his jacket on the peg beside the door. “I on the other hand…”<br />
Suddenly Bob, Lisa’s dog, bounded across the room towards him, his little stump of a tail waggling madly as it tried to keep up with his frenzied pace. “Hello!” cried David, peering down at the hairy lump of a terrier. “What are you doing, eh?” Bob jumped up at him, trying vainly to lick his face and only managing to reach his knee.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2729.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">David ruffled his fur and shook his head. “Mad dog, what are you like?” He turned, about to advise Abigail on the vast differences in intelligence between dogs and cats when he hesitated, an expression of repugnance on his face.</p><br />
“Abigail, what on earth is <em>that</em>?” David hissed, pointing at a slightly lethargic looking tree in front of the saddle racks. Abigail’s brow furrowed and she adopted her familiar ‘<em>I’m not in a good mood so don’t mess with me’</em> stance - hands on hips, one eyebrow raised and her lips pursed.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2738.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2738.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“<strong>That</strong> is our Christmas tree David. I thought it was fairly obvious myself…”<br />
He frowned and pinged one of the branches, sending bits of cheap tinsel floating to the floor in a flurry of glitter. “That’s not a tree – it’s a glorified <em>bush</em>! I’ve seen Bonsai that look more authentic!”<br />
Abigail looked like she was going to say something but apparently thought better of it and just closed her eyes. From the way her mouth twitched at the edges, it looked as though she was trying to count to ten.<br />
<br />
Finally, after what seemed like an age, she spoke.<br />
<br />
“Well then…what do you intend to do about it?” To her great surprise, David grinned. “I was hoping you’d say that. I’ll be right back…”<br />
…and with that, he strode out of the building, dragging the unfortunate piece of shrubbery behind him; barely pausing to greet Lisa, who had just arrived from mucking out Kerry.<br />
“Er, Abi? What is David doing with that tree?”<br />
“Replacing it apparently”<br />
“Oh.”<br />
“Hmmmm…exactly.”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2742.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="382" /></p><br />
A few minutes and a stiff cup of tea later, a series of muffled grunts and swearing from outside heralded the reappearance of David.<br />
<br />
“Give us a hand with the door will ya?”<br />
<br />
Lisa tried to stifle a giggle at the sight of a Nordmann Fir with legs struggling to navigate its way into the room. Eventually, both of them helped deposit it in the middle of the tackroom with Abigail looking on incredulously.<br />
<br />
“David, how on <em>earth</em> did you get that thing in <em>your</em> car?!”<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2744.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /><br />
<br />
An hour or so later the tree was decorated and the presents for the rest of the clients and each other were placed under its lower branches.<br />
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Lisa looked at her watch and stood up suddenly. “Oh god it’s late and I’m supposed to be doing the meal for the family tomorrow!” She frowned at the thought. “I burned everything last year – even the starter which isn’t even supposed to be cooked!”<br />
Abigail chuckled and gave her a quick hug before heading out the door. “I’m just off to check on the horses before I turn in – have a good Christmas you two!” She left with a wry smile on her face which no one except perhaps Lisa noticed.<br />
<br />
David smiled. “Yeah, I’ll probably be off in a few minutes as well. Merry Christmas!” They hugged and as they broke apart, Lisa smiled dryly and looked up at the ceiling. “Oh would you look at that. Mistletoe.”<br />
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There was a rather uncomfortable silence for a moment until the penny dropped.<br />
<br />
“<strong>What</strong>? I err…<em>oh</em>.”<br />
Abigail re-entered the office ten minutes later and grimaced. David, who was leaning against the wall, a little overwhelmed, barely heeded her and only awoke from his musing when a certain word caught his attention.<br />
<br />
“Foal?! What?”<br />
<br />
“I said, I’ve just been to check up on Kestral and she’s showing all the signs of going into foal!”<br />
<br />
David blanched. “But, but but, she isn’t due for at least another week right? Lowe said that she’d foal in January!”<br />
Abigail nodded grimly. “True, but we don’t have an exact date of ‘conception’ or whatever so it could be perfectly on time.”<br />
David stifled a grin. The last time he had been into the village, almost everyone in the post office had passed some kind of comment on their slightly ruttish stallion. Luckily Abigail didn’t know this, or she’d have been on a rampage throughout the local area, trying desperately to disprove it.<br />
<br />
“Anyway” she said “I’m going to stay here tonight to keep an eye on her just in case. You can go home if you like David, I’ll be checking in on her every few hours and you’ll probably want to get back sooner rather than later”<br />
<br />
He shook his head. “Nah, it’s ok. Its not like I’m in any rush – it’ll just be me and the cat tomorrow morning so I don’t mind staying. Besides, you’ll need me to help you get the hang of <em>this</em>…”<br />
He leaned over and opened a minimised window on the laptop and Abigail started. “But that’s…! How? What?”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/webcam2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/webcam2.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
Chuckling at Abigail’s technophobic response, he explained.<br />
“I installed a camera in Kes’ stable a couple of weeks ago when you were out. I didn’t think you’d mind as it would make the foaling process easier for both parties.” He gestured at the still of Kestral standing to the side of her box. “No interference you see? It refreshes the image every thirty seconds or so, so we can keep track of her movements without disturbing her”<br />
<br />
Abigail laughed and clapped him heartily on the shoulder. “I’m not going to pretend that I know how you managed that, but very well done indeed!”<br />
<br />
To begin with, all was peaceful. Abigail sat on a bucket with a couple of back issues of Horse Deals and David played solitaire on the laptop - checking the webcam every few minutes to make sure that Kestral was alright.<br />
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Finally though, the comfortable silence was broken by a loud rumbling from someone’s stomach. Abigail rolled her eyes and motioned to the phone and the assortment of menus that were blue-tacked to the side of the table. “Go on then, there’s bound to be a takeaway in Hollowcroft that’s still open at this hour.” David smiled and selected a menu. “Chinese ok for you? Right, ok then.” He punched in the number and ordered. “Yes, I’ll have a number nine, ten, six and an eight please. Prawn crackers?”<br />
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He looked questioningly at Abigail, who waved her hand at him dismissively. “I don’t mind, just make the blimmin’ order!”<br />
<br />
Seconds turned into minutes and minutes to hours and before they knew it, it was quarter to twelve. Abigail yawned. She had been up since five in the morning and desperately craved sleep. “Could you…you…you…keep an eye on things for me David? I’m just going to rest my eyes for a couple of…minutes…” She settled herself down on the padded stool at the desk and closed her eyes. “I’ll be up in a minute or…two…”<br />
David nodded, stifling a yawn himself and sat on the floor, finishing off the last of the prawn crackers. He was normally good at staying up late – he’d have no problems…<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2850.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2850.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="369" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/webcam.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/webcam.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
Soon, the soothing sound of quiet breathing (coupled with Abigail's enormous snores) filled the room. As the light faded and the stars began to shine, no one noticed Kestral’s pixellated form dropping to the floor and lying still.<br />
<br />
---------------------------------------------<br />
The sound of birdsong woke them both early the next morning. Whereas Abigail had got up by the time the blackbirds joined the chorus and made herself some breakfast, David had to be prodded with the end of a lunge whip and shouted at to rouse him from his semi-conscious state.<br />
<br />
“Come on, come on, get UP! I need you to fix the computer!”<br />
“Wha? What?”<br />
“Its not coming on – the screen is all black and I can’t find the rat!”<br />
“<strong><em>Rat?</em></strong> What? Oh…you mean a <em>mouse</em>! It doesn’t have one, you have to use…oh, forget it, I’ll sort it…”<br />
<br />
After a moment’s pondering and a groan, it was established that the power cable had become dislodged and the battery had run down during the night. “Don’t worry, its fixable” he said. “It just means that we can’t see what’s going on anymore – we’ll just have to go and check on her the old fashioned way.”<br />
They had a cup of tea and Abigail fetched her warm fleece from the tackroom. There had been a hard frost that night and it was very cold.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2891.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2891.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="361" /></a></p><br />
“Come on then Kes, let’s have a look at you” Abigail opened the door and they peered in…<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2894.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2894.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
…only to see someone else peering out at them…<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2897.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></p><br />
“Oh my goodness! She <em>foaled</em>! David, get her out, I want to see!” Barely pausing, David snatched Tam’s headcollar and put it on the mare, patting her gently as he led her out of her warm stable and out into the cold.<br />
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The foal followed closely, stepping lightly over the sparkling crystals of ice. “A colt” Abigail breathed. “Oh he’s just perfect!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2908.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2908.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="365" /></a></p><br />
“Let them go for a little run around the yard – it’s all closed off so they can’t go anywhere” David did as he was told and unclipped Kestral’s leadrope. The mare tossed her mane and trotted round past the stables, the little colt shadowing her at a canter.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2913.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2913.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="360" /></a></p><br />
After a few minutes of this, shrill squeals from Tamarind’s stable reminded them that they weren’t the only ones eager to meet the new arrival. Abigail reattached the leadrope and held onto Kestral. “Bring him out then David, but use the bridle, I don’t know how he’ll react to this” David nodded and rushed over to the tack room, returning a minute later with a brand new bridle and a leadrope. “This was going to be his Christmas present as his old one is getting a bit worn but I might as well break it in now” he said as he put it on him. “No reins yet, but a leadrope will probably give me just as much control today”<br />
<br />
Almost as soon as he opened the door, Tam reared. He stood his ground, throwing an arm back to steady the horse when he landed.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2958.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="345" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">“I’m not so sure about this anymore David” Abigail said, her voice a little hesitant. “What if he hurts the foal?” David shook his head. “I know him, he’ll be fine. Trust me” He led the stallion forward a bit and let him sniff Kestral to reassure him that it was the same horse.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2962.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2962.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="387" /></a></p><br />
The squealing abruptly stopped and everyone relaxed.<br />
<br />
“Time to meet your son now...<em>dad</em>” David said, smiling.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2963.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="365" /></p><br />
<p style="text-align:left;">The stallion lowered his head and snuffled at the strangely tiny horse shaped object in front of him. There was something very familiar about it that he just couldn’t place…<br />
His ears pricked and the little colt stood up on his hind legs to greet him. Tam nickered and followed suit, his dark mane billowing in the chilly winter air.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2966.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="356" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">“Ah, typical” said Abigail, rolling her eyes as David started laughing.</p><p style="text-align:left;">“Like father like son…”</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2971.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Christmas/_mg_2967.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="285" /></a></p>Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-19166717982515974062011-05-01T19:35:00.000-07:002011-05-01T19:35:05.988-07:0018. Diagnosis: Mare<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Diagnosis: Mare</strong></p><br />
“Brrrr” Abigail rubbed her hands together in a vain attempt to warm them up as she made her way from the office to the stables. Although glorious sunshine was pouring from the sky, it was decidedly deceptive. There had been a hard frost that morning and she’d already been out with a kettle of boiling water to melt the ice on the water trough in the Donkey paddock. It was as if summer had quickly skipped ahead to winter, bypassing autumn altogether.<br />
<br />
“Ah, Rosie, there you are” she said, smiling at the girl’s apparent resistance to the cold. “You’re on Kestral today.”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9732.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9732.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="378" /></a></p><br />
Rosie beamed. Although Callisto was her favourite, she loved riding Kestral almost as much. “Are we going on a hack?” Abigail shook her head. “No, it’s a bit chilly for that today – you’ll be doing some jumping I think.”<br />
The girl punched the air excitedly. She loved jumping almost as much as Abigail had at her age, and that was saying something. “If it warms up then you can go out with Lisa but don’t quote me on that!”<br />
She called out to David, who was in the process of tacking up Kestral in the stable next door.<br />
<br />
“David? Is she ready yet?”<br />
<br />
“No, not yet. Hold still Kes, oh <em>come on</em>!”<br />
<br />
“Having problems?”<br />
<br />
“No, everything’s fine!”<br />
<br />
Almost as soon as he had spoken, Kestral squealed and Abigail heard a painful sounding crack and some choice cursing from David.<br />
<br />
“What’s happened then?” she said, taking a step towards the door.<br />
<br />
“Nothing! She just kicked me that’s all” came a hurt sounding voice from the stable.<br />
<br />
“She kicked you? Whatever were you doing?”<br />
<br />
“I was doing up her girth and she just kept going for my fingers and trying to kick – hold on, I’ll bring her out.”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9736.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9736.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“Well that’s very unlike her” Abigail remarked, casting a worried look over the mare. “Is her saddle damaged at all?”<br />
David shook his head. “I already checked. Twice.”<br />
“Hmmm” She pondered for a moment before coming to a decision. “Right, try and do it up again and I’ll see what’s going on.”<br />
David nodded and gently started to buckle the girth but Kestral was having none of it. Ducking and diving about the place she snatched at David’s fingers with her teeth and jumped around skittishly.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9740.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9740.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="399" /></a></p><br />
“Woah girl, wooooah!”<br />
<br />
Abigail grabbed her noseband and brought her back to earth, stroking her nose soothingly. “Well something is most definitely not right David. She never acts up like this!”<br />
David looked at his feet shiftily. “Well, she does actually.”<br />
<br />
“What?!”<br />
<br />
“The last couple of weeks I'e noticed that she’s been getting a bit bolshy. She doesn’t like anyone touching her back and gets quite aggressive when you try to tack her up. At first I thought it was maybe just a bad week – it did rain every day remember and we know she hates the rain but now I’m beginning to think there’s something else in it.” Rosie approached gingerly and patted the mare fondly.<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9742.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9742.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="396" /></a></p><br />
“Right” Abigail sighed. “Looks like you won’t be riding her after all Rosie. Go and get Todd’s tack out and I’ll help you catch him in a minute”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9749.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9749.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“David, untack her and put her back in her box – I’ll go and phone the vet, we need to get this sorted out”<br />
<br />
“Come on girl” he said softly, giving her a reassuring pat. “Let’s get you back inside” He took the unbuckled saddle from her back and draped it over the door before taking her bridle off and leaving her to her haynet.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9754.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9754.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
He had just come back from the tack room when he heard hoofbeats on the cobbles. It was Lisa and Kerry.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9762.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9762.jpg" alt="" width="515" height="420" /></a></p><br />
“Oh hi David! Up to much?”<br />
“Ha, not now anyway. Abigail’s phoning Dr Lowe – we think there’s something wrong with Kestral.”<br />
<br />
“Oh no!” she wheeled round to look at the mare who was silently munching on her haylage. “Will she be ok?”<br />
<br />
“Yeah, I’m sure she will be, it’s probably just…hey!”<br />
<br />
He yelped in surprise as something bumped into his leg. “What the?! Who’s this then?”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9776.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9776.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="347" /></a></p><br />
A small, scruffy looking dog gazed up at him, wagging its stumpy tail happily.<br />
<br />
“Ah” said Lisa “That would be Bob. Say hello Bob!”<br />
<br />
Bob leapt up and licked David’s hand, almost overbalancing in excitement.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9785.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9785.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“Daft dog…is he yours?”<br />
<br />
She nodded. “ I’d always wanted a dog so I went to that rescue centre in Cairbre and fell in love with him. He’d been abandoned, poor thing.”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9791.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9791.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“Anyway” she said finally, giving Bob a pat. “I’ll need to get Kerry sorted now or we won’t have enough time for a hack!”<br />
<br />
Ten minutes later, everyone was ready to go. Spurred on by a recent Road Safety course, both Lisa and Rosie were kitted out in their hi-viz gear and as the weather had improved slightly, they were now going for a short hack through the fields, coming back to the school for a few jumps before they finished off.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9803.jpg"><img class="alignnone" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9803.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="358" /></a><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9813.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9813.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
Once the sound of hoofsteps had died down, David brought Tamarind out and tied him up outside. His stable was a mess (as usual) but it would only take a couple of minutes to sort out.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9815.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9815.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="416" /></a></p><br />
“I’ve just phoned” said Abigail, patting Tamarind on the nose absentmindedly. “He says he’ll be along as quick as he can.”<br />
<br />
“Righto, I’ll probably only be five minutes here anyway”<br />
<br />
“Ok, I’ll leave you to it then”<br />
<br />
While David struggled with mountains of shavings and goodness knows what else, Tam had more pressing concerns. He edged along as far as his leadrope would allow him and nuzzled gently at Kestral’s nose, whickering quietly. Something was different about her…<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9823.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></p><br />
Shortly afterwards Abigail reappeared at the door. “He’s here, I’ll just go and see him in”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9821.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9821.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“That was well timed, I’ve just finished. Come on monster, back in you go...”<br />
<br />
After a typically gruff ‘hello’, Dr Lowe got to work and gave Kestral a thorough check-up, including blood work which he would analyse when he got back to the surgery.<br />
<br />
“Trot her up for me please” he said without emotion. “Just once both ways should do.”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9833-edit.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9833-edit.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="305" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9840.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9840.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="383" /></a></p><br />
He stroked his chin thoughtfully for a couple of minutes before taking the horse from David and leading her back into her stable.<br />
<br />
“Hmmm, it’s exactly as I suspected. Of course I’ll have to confirm it with the blood test but I’m pretty certain I have made the correct diagnosis…”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9846.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9846.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
He frowned. “I am rather disappointed that you didn’t inform me earlier though – so many things can go wrong with these things if they aren’t monitored you know…”<br />
<br />
“What on <em>earth</em> are you talking about?” said David who was immediately shushed by Abigail. “I think what David is trying to say is well…” she paused and smiled sheepishly. “Well…what <em>are</em> you saying?”<br />
<br />
Dr Lowe looked at them incredulously. “You mean you don’t KNOW? My, my, I thought it would be perfectly obvious, especially with a stallion as, dare I say it, <em>roguish</em> as this one on the premises.” He stroked the Lusitano’s nose affectionately, looking at Abigail whose face had drained of colour.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9851.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9851.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
Finally, after what seemed like an age, she spoke; her voice hoarse. “You don’t mean…?”<br />
<br />
“Indeed I do!” Lowe chuckled. He hadn’t had this much fun in ages.<br />
<br />
“Your mare is in foal, and fairly far along too.”<br />
<br />
“Well, I…I…” Abigail was speechless.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9853.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Diagnosis%20Mare/_mg_9853.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="393" /></a></p><br />
“That was...unexpected.”Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-68376167716555787022011-05-01T19:34:00.001-07:002011-05-01T19:34:36.865-07:0017. Bambiguous<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Bambiguous</strong></p><br />
It was a surprisingly mild day for the time of year and Lisa had seized the rare opportunity to have a rain-free hack. Deciding that the castle field was too muddy and the moor still too bleak, she and Kerry headed for the small area of woodland behind the donkey paddock. The leaves had been turning the last few weeks and the sight of so many orange and yellow leaves, when mounted on a bright chestnut horse, made her feel as though she was in a furnace. (Albeit a soggy, damp and very slightly squelchy one)<br />
After several long trots through the carpet of rust coloured leaves they made it to the clearing, just in time for a good canter. Touching her heels to him, Lisa clicked her tongue and Kerry took off, mane and tail streaming in the breeze.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9019.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9019.jpg" alt="" width="428" height="420" /></a></p><br />
Suddenly, and without warning, Kerry skidded to an unsteady stop, legs going one way, Lisa threatening to go another.<br />
<br />
“Whoa boy, what is it?!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9027.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9027.jpg" alt="" width="469" height="420" /></a></p><br />
He skittered around for a second, ears twitching anxiously and snorting fearfully, his breath turning to mist as he inhaled and exhaled quickly. Lisa clung onto his mane as he reared in fright, spotting a dark shape bolting out of the undergrowth in front of them. What was it, she wondered, a deer?<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9028.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="409" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9035.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9035.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="382" /></a></p><br />
Suddenly, Kerry hesitated and dropped back down to earth as he realised with a start what it was. Lisa dismounted and gave him a reassuring pat as she approached the creature.<br />
<br />
“A <em>foal</em>!” she breathed, hardly daring to believe what her eyes were telling her. “But how did you get here?”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9037.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9037.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="391" /></a></p><br />
The only foal at the yard was Arkas, and as he was more than a year old now, he didn’t even really count. She stroked the colt’s velvety nose as she tried to work out where he could have come from. There were no other stables in the area, unless you counted the ones up at the ‘big house’, but they were purely decorative now as there hadn’t been horses there since the war. Wherever he had come from, Lisa knew he wasn’t safe alone in the woods. She took her mobile out of her pocket and dialled the office.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9040.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9040.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="398" /></a></p><br />
“Hi, Abigail? Yeah, it’s me…no, no, there’s no problem, we’re fine, it’s just well…I’ve found something you might want to take a look at…”<br />
<br />
Ten minutes later Abigail arrived on a hastily tacked Kestral.<br />
“It’s just typical isn’t it?” she said as she dismounted. “Poor Sue was just about to get on for her hack when you phoned and I had no spare horses, so that’s another free lesson we owe her!” She smiled when she saw the foal.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9044.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9044.jpg" alt="" width="478" height="420" /></a></p><br />
“Oh he’s beautiful isn’t he? I wonder where on earth he came from! I know the McGann’s up the road had a foal recently but that one was piebald – I saw it myself when I went over there to drop off that old stone sink I found in the back garden”<br />
<br />
Lisa nodded. The McGanns were very keen on gardening and when Abigail had mentioned the grotty old sink to them in the village, they had jumped at the opportunity of nabbing a good and more importantly, <em>free</em> planter for the front garden. Making low clicking sounds under her breath, Abigail stepped towards the foal and gently fastened up the headcollar, pushing Kerry’s inquisitive nose out of the way. Now that he was sure it wasn’t going to eat him, he seemed very interested to know exactly what it was.<br />
<br />
“Hmmm” Abigail pondered the situation for a moment. “I’ve got an idea. Lisa, you take Kestral back to the yard and I’ll take Kerry back with our little friend. With any luck we’ll be back in time for Sue to have a bit of a hack, at least to the castle and back anyway.”<br />
Lisa nodded. As much as she loved her own horse, she had always liked riding Kestral and it would make a nice change – even if it was only for a few minutes. As the foal nibbled at Abigail’s sleeve, she got on and trotted out of the clearing, Abigail following suit a minute or so later. She looked down at him, smiling absentmindedly.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9054.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9054.jpg" alt="" width="426" height="420" /></a></p><br />
The foal had an enormous length of stride for one so young and she wondered how a horse of such quality had magically appeared in their little bit of woodland.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9062.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9062.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="367" /></a></p><br />
A dark thought stole over her mind as she was reminded of the events of the week before. What if he was stolen? He seemed friendly and docile enough for someone to take – indeed, they were taking him somewhere now and he hadn’t put up a fight. She glanced at him again and a smile broke. No, he couldn’t have been stolen – anyone with a foal like this would keep him safe from thieves, she was certain.<br />
Finally, Kerry’s muffled footsteps turned to loud clops as they arrived on the cobbled surface of the yard.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9066.jpg" alt="" width="484" height="420" />Lisa and Kestral had arrived only minutes before and she could see that David was being filled in on all the details.</p><br />
“…and then Abigail arrived and we, oh hi Abi!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9070.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="351" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">“I’ll just go and tie Kestral up shall I? Sue’s already gone home I’m afraid.”</p><br />
“No, untack her, give her a quick groom and stick her out in the field. We’ll need a stable for this little one and Tamarind’s whining has been giving me a headache.”<br />
<br />
Lisa stifled a grin and led Kestral away. Although he was sure he wasn’t showing it, Tamarind pined for the company of his mare whenever he went out to the field on his own.<br />
<br />
“So where do you think he came from then?” David asked, scrutinising the colt. “I certainly don’t recognise him, you?”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9077.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="407" /></p><br />
Abigail shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine! I’ll phone the vet and see if he can take a look at him this afternoon. You never know, he might know the owners”<br />
<br />
David smiled and took the leadrope from her. “Here’s hoping!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9081.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9081.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="381" /></a></p><br />
The day passed slowly and it seemed that every lesson and hack was delayed for several minutes as the clients jostled for the best spot to view the new arrival.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9083.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9083.jpg" alt="" width="512" height="420" /></a></p><br />
“Rosie McPherson! Get down from there at once!” Abigail barked. “You know it’s not safe!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9094.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9094.jpg" alt="" width="486" height="420" /></a></p><br />
The girl simply shrugged and with a broad grin on her face, said “Can I have him?” Abigail rolled her eyes and steered her towards her mount for the day. “Never mind that, you’re on Rocky today and I want you to work on your position a bit more, you’ve been slouching in your last few lessons!”<br />
Rocky, although a bombproof and gentle little pony, was a lot more forward going than the permanently laidback Callisto and would be much more of a challenge.<br />
<br />
Eventually, Dr Lowe the vet arrived and examined the colt.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9102.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9102.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“Well, he’s not one of mine, I can tell you that for a start” he said in his characteristically gruff voice. “I’ve been present at the births of most of the livestock in the area and I can say with definition that this wasn’t one of them.” He allowed himself a rare smile and shrugged. “He’s a nice little chap though and seems to be in good health considering where he’s been. I will put a notice up in the surgery to say that he’s safe…whoever <em>he</em> is”<br />
<br />
“Well that’s a relief” said Lisa, after Dr Lowe had left. “I was beginning to panic there – I thought he might know who he belonged to!”<br />
She knew it was a terrible thing to say – there might be a distraught owner out looking for him right at that moment but for once she didn’t care. The little leggy foal had her well and truly smitten.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9090.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9090.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
Abigail smiled and ruffled the colt’s forelock fondly. “No, it looks like we’re stuck with him, for now at least. He’ll need a name of course…”<br />
<br />
“Bambi” said Lisa, suddenly. “Bambi?” David raised an eyebrow. “Oh <em>come on</em>!” She scowled at him and rubbed the colt’s nose gently. “It suits him, I mean look at those legs! Besides, I honestly thought he was a deer at first – they’re one of the few things that Kerry will spook at.”<br />
<br />
“Well, Bambi it is then” laughed Abigail, chuckling at David’s horror-struck expression. He wasn’t a big fan of soppy films, Bambi being one of them. (She suspected that it was because they made him cry but she never dared to air this view.)<br />
<br />
“Care to put him out in the field with Arkas? It would do them both good to have a playmate; Arkas has been getting a little ‘bitey’ recently with all the kids feeding him things at lunchtime and I'm sure our little 'deer' would like a friend his own age”<br />
<br />
Lisa grinned and led out the colt, his long, spindly legs dancing through the shavings of the box and out onto the yard. She had always wanted to breed a foal but having a gelding had made this slightly impossible. Bambi was just adorable and she hoped that no one would ever come to claim him.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9108.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Bambiguous/_mg_9108.jpg"></a></p>Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-60401535852558378062011-05-01T19:33:00.003-07:002011-05-01T19:33:54.048-07:0016. In The Dark Of The Night<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>In The Dark Of The Night</strong></p><br />
<em>Autumn has definitely arrived</em> thought David, as he trudged through the damp grass of the schoolie field, headcollars and leadropes in hand. It was almost pitch black, and if it wasn’t for the automatic lights of the yard in the distance, he didn’t know if he’d have been able to find his way back.<br />
<br />
“Come on then guys, bedtime!” he called to the darkness. “It’s freezing out here, come on!” He shivered and rubbed his hands together to keep warm, smiling at the familiar sound of approaching hoofbeats.<br />
<br />
“<em>There</em> you are!” He held out his hand and stroked the velvety muzzles of Tam and Kestral who, like him, were getting very cold. Fumbling with the buckles, he eventually got their headcollars on and led them back to the yard.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8606.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8606.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="396" /></a></p><br />
Leaving Kestral outside her stable, knowing that she was far too good natured to actually go anywhere, he opened Tam’s door, draped the leadrope over his back and let him walk in. He’d take the headcollar off in a minute, once he’d dealt with Kestral.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8607.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8607.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8613.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8613.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8616.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8616.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
Bolting Tam’s shut securely, (as he <em>was</em> just daft enough to try to escape) he opened Kestral’s door and quietly led her in.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8625.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8625.jpg" alt="" width="542" height="560" /></a></p><br />
It was lovely and warm inside and David wished that his own home had heating to the same standard. He took off the headcollar, gave her a pat and shut the door behind him.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8631.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8631.jpg" alt="" width="559" height="390" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8635.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8635.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="560" /></a></p><br />
It had been a long day and he was looking forward to going home to his nice warm bed. He loved the yard - it felt much more like home than his own place did, but unfortunately he wasn't a horse and he couldn't stay there.<br />
<br />
"Alright lad, there you go" he said softly as he took Tam's headcollar off, sneaking him a surreptitious mint as he said goodnight.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8647.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8647.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
He had left their feeds in the stables before he brought them in, and he stifled a grin when Tam suddenly noticed the filled bucket and squealed. He wolfed it down and David edged around him, successfully managing to escape without getting covered in bran and sugarbeet. The stallion raised his head and sniffed at him, pricking his ears in the vain hope of getting more food.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8649.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></p><br />
<p style="text-align:left;">David chuckled and ruffled his ears. "Not today I'm afraid but I'll see if Lisa can spare a couple of polos tomorrow. I swear, that horse of hers is going to end up with fillings, the amount she feeds him!"<br />
He gave him one last pat and went to say goodnight to Kestral before heading for the car park.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8650.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8650.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="418" /></a></p><br />
Just as he was about to leave, he hesitated and looked down the yard.<br />
<p style="text-align:left;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8643.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="401" />"That's strange" he murmured. "I could have sworn I heard something out there" He took a step forward into the darkness before reconsidering. "I'm being daft - it's probably just a fox or something"<br />
Smiling at his paranoia, he flicked the big switch next to the entrance and the lights blinked out. "Night everyone. Sleep well!"<br />
Tucking his hands into his pockets, David jogged to the car park, cursing his luck at having an ancient car that took forever to start and heat up.<br />
<br />
Time passed and the yard was quiet. Most, if not all the horses were asleep and you'd have been forgiven for thinking that everything else was too.<br />
<br />
But, unbeknownst to horses and staff, trouble was brewing...<br />
"Right, you know what you're doing Mike?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah. I deal with the locks and you take the stuff."<br />
<br />
"Yeah, ok, what about you? Stevie?"<br />
<br />
"I'm fine, I'll keep an eye out for trouble and help you put stuff in the van."<br />
<br />
"Ok then, let's go."<br />
<br />
Silently, the three men made their way onto the yard, their heavy work boots making little noise on the cobbled surface of the ground. They had been doing this long enough to know how to stay quiet when they needed to. Talking only in whispers, they split up and surveyed the area, on the lookout for anything of value. One picked the lock of the tackroom and office and let the others in.<br />
<br />
"Hey!"<br />
<br />
"What is it <em>now</em> Mike?"<br />
<br />
"What about the horses? They'd be worth a few bob, right?"<br />
<br />
"Aye, but we've no transport for them. Tack and equipment only, just like we agreed."<br />
<br />
Mike shrugged and stood at Kestral's door, looking in.<br />
<br />
"It's just that their headcollar things are right outside the stable. We could just walk them out, no bother."<br />
<br />
"...and walk all the way back to Cairbre on foot, is that it? God, you really are dense sometimes..."<br />
<br />
"No Davie, he's got a point. They'd be used to all this and there's a horsebox parked right outside - we could take that. We'd get much more cash from selling these than we would from all the tack." interrupted Stevie. "Plus, we know that dealer, remember, the one who helped us shift all those sheep last year? I bet he'd have some contacts who'd buy them off us"<br />
<br />
Davie paused and considered their words.<br />
<br />
"Well, it's risky. Profitable, but risky. We'd have to keep the noise down and I doubt we'd be able to start the motor without someone hearing it. The owner's house is just over there as well" He motioned to the cottage only a short distance away from the stables with his thumb.<br />
"I'm no too sure about this lads, I think it's too dangerous"<br />
<br />
"Put it to the vote!" said Steve, raising a hand. "All in favour..."<br />
Mike lifted a hand too and Steve shrugged sadly. "Outvoted pal, sorry. I'll get this one out and you can get the box ready"<br />
<br />
Wedging his torch under one arm, he took Kestral's headcollar and opened the door, wincing as the hinge let out a long, drawn out creak. He gave the mare a rough pat and put on the headcollar, tugging the leadrope sharply to get her up. "Come on lass, nice and easy, nice and easy"<br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8703.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /><br />
<br />
Kestral stepped out onto the yard, her apprehension mounting. She didn't like this. It wasn't normal for David and Abigail to take her out at this time and these people certainly weren't known to her.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8709.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8709.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
"How many can we take?" Davie asked, two headcollars in one hand. "We can't take the mare and foal in that stable over there - every time I go in, she bares her teeth at me and won't let me near, but those ones seem alright." He gestured to Kerry and Jaconelli's boxes.<br />
<br />
"Only two" grumbled Stevie. "I checked. We could probably squeeze a third one in but they'd make too much noise"<br />
<br />
"Hmmm, we'll just have to choose the quietest ones then. What's in that one there?" he asked, waving his torch at the stable next to Kestral's.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8711.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8711.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
Mike shrugged. "No idea. Let's have a look then."<br />
He peered in and shook his head. "Nah, it's asleep. Take that quiet one from over there, the spotty one. Actually, forget that one - far too conspicuous - people might recognise it. Take that wee brown thing instead"<br />
<br />
As they waited for Davie to bring Kerry out, Tamarind stirred. He got to his feet and inhaled deeply, breathing in the men's unfamiliar scent.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8721.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8721.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
He snorted, loudly and the men swivelled round, fear suddenly showing in their eyes.<br />
<br />
"Damn, it's awake. We better hurry up before it starts making a noise,<em> come on</em>!" He yanked Kestral's leadrope and she nickered in pain as the clip caught the side of her head. The stallion whinnied sharply and kicked his door.<br />
"<em>Shut up</em>!" Mike hissed, and raised his hand to strike, but Kestral was quicker. She reared, knocking the would-be attacker to the ground, Tam's roars echoing into the night.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8728.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8728.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
"What the hell?!" Steve shouted, covering his mouth seconds later, remembering too late that they were supposed to be keeping a low profile. He swore and grabbed at the mare's leadrope, trying in vain to catch her. "Come on! Oh hell, the bloody lights are on, we've been rumbled!"<br />
<br />
Sure enough, the lights in Abigail's house had flicked on and they could hear the sound of the front door opening.<br />
<br />
"Let's get out of here!" cried Davie, dropping his torch and making a break for it. "I knew this was a bad idea, ya eejits!"<br />
<br />
By the time Abigail arrived they had already disappeared off down the road at top speed in their van.<br />
<br />
"Oh Kestral!" she cried, wrapping her arms around the chestnut's warm neck, tears flowing down her face. "Thank god you're alright!"<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8744.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8744.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
She looked towards the car park and shivered. They must have been lying in wait behind the wall of the stableblock- she could see most of the back of the stables from her house, but the car park side was hidden from her.<br />
She gave Kestral another enormous hug and put her back in her stable before running to the office and phoning the police, taking notice of the unplugged computer and messed up filing. She couldn't help smiling when she realised that they hadn't even bothered to take her mobile which she had left charging on the table. It was obviously just too many years out of fashion to even consider stealing. She phoned David as well. It was far too stressful to deal with on her own.<br />
<br />
Phone calls over, she raced back to the stables and went to see Tam. It was his screeches and door kicking that had woken her and she dreaded to think what would have happened if she hadn't heard.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8749.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/In%20The%20Dark/_mg_8749.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
"What would we do without you Tam, eh?" She stroked his nose gently and wiped away a tear. "Just what could we do?"Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-92091808747418132922011-05-01T19:33:00.001-07:002011-05-01T19:33:28.556-07:0015. Straight From The Horse's Mouth<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Straight from the Horse’s Mouth</strong></p><br />
*yaaaaaaaawn*<br />
<br />
<em>Eurgh, what a morning. Cold and miserable as usual and oooh, what’s that? Something interesting...?</em><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/01-1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/01-1.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="330" /></a></p><br />
<em> Humph, just the horsebox. Oh well, something’s bound to come along that’s more interesting than that…I er…ooooh <strong>hello</strong>! Is that…<strong>food</strong> I smell? Ah, it’s only David but <strong>OH</strong>! He’s brought a bucket! <strong>Gimmiethatyoustupidhumanpersongimmiegimmiegimmie!</strong></em><strong> </strong><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/03-1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/03-1.jpg" alt="" width="428" height="560" /></a></p><br />
<em>Wait a moment…it’s in the GREEN bucket. You know I NEVER eat out of that!</em><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6383.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6383.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
<em>You can have it back now as I’m not touching it.</em><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6385.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6385.jpg" alt="" width="559" height="421" /></a></p><br />
“Taaaaaaam!”<br />
<br />
*snort*<br />
<br />
<em>It’s not like I’m fussy or anything. I just have <strong>standards</strong>! Right, that’s good, he’s heading to the feedroom for MY bucket. I mean honestly, does he think I’m daft or something?</em><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/02-1.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></p><br />
<strong>Probably.</strong><br />
<br />
<em>Hey! That’s not fair Kes!</em><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6397.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="361" /></p><br />
<strong>Well you walked into that one I’m afraid</strong>.<br />
<br />
<em> Pffft, last time I lend you my stable rug!</em><br />
<br />
<strong>This is MY rug Tam, you don’t let <em>anyone</em> wear yours</strong>!<br />
<br />
<em>Yeah…well...I…I…I <strong>would </strong>let you borrow mine if you didn’t say I was daft...I mean I know that you know that I’m not and I know that you know that I don’t think you are either and I… </em><br />
<br />
<strong>Yeah, whatever Casanova!</strong><br />
<br />
<em>Love you.</em><br />
<br />
<strong>Yeah, I know.</strong><br />
<br />
“Right, second time lucky – here’s your breakfast Tam!”<br />
<br />
<em>FOOD!</em><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6387.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></p><br />
*nom nom nom*<br />
<br />
<em>Wait a minute! It’s got <strong>turnip</strong> in it! Why would you do that? You KNOW I don’t like turnip!</em><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6390.jpg[/img"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6390.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
<em>I don’t think I’m hungry any more thank you very much</em>.<br />
<br />
“Right then Kestral, let’s get you out and about!”<br />
<br />
<em>Abigail? What’s she doing in here? Is that a…<strong>headcollar</strong>?</em><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6402.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6402.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="374" /></a></p><br />
<strong>She’s taking me to the field, genius.</strong><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6399.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="416" /></p><br />
<em>Yeah, I knew that. <strong>What</strong>? I did!</em><br />
<br />
<strong>See you later hun! Byeeee!</strong><br />
<br />
*silence*<br />
<br />
<em>I hate being alone.</em><br />
<br />
*some time later*<br />
<br />
<em>KERRY! At last, some company!</em><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6415.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></p><br />
“I’ll be back soon to tack you up – just don’t you dare touch that rug. It’s only just been cleaned!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6417.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6417.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
<em>Hey Kerry?</em><br />
<br />
<strong>What?</strong><br />
<br />
<em>Are you up for a laugh?</em><br />
<br />
<strong>What sort of laugh…?</strong><br />
<br />
<em>Oh, you know…just a little bit of THIS!</em><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6420.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6420.jpg" alt="" width="559" height="347" /></a></p><br />
<strong>Don’t you dare!</strong><br />
<br />
<em>Too late!</em><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6424.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6424.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
<strong>I just can’t believe you sometimes, you know that?</strong><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6426.jpg" alt="" width="559" height="345" /></p><br />
“Kerry! What did you do?”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6428.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6428.jpg" alt="" width="559" height="392" /></a></p><br />
*snicker*<br />
<br />
<strong>Oh you’ll regret that Tam, just you wait. </strong><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6429.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></p><br />
<em>Sure, sure, I believe you.</em> <em>Have fun on your hack…in the rain! Hey! Stop glaring at me!</em><br />
<br />
“Right then monster…”<br />
<br />
<em>Is he talking to me?</em><br />
<br />
“…fed or not, you’re going to need groomed…”<br />
<br />
<em>Cleaned? Pah, I’m clean already, it’s not like I rolled in anythi…oh, never mind then, carry on. </em><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6413.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="432" /></p><br />
*some time later*<br />
<br />
“Come ON Tam! Get down!”<br />
<br />
<em>Noooo! I’m not going outside when it’s RAINING! You silly human – why would I want to do that!?</em><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6432.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></p><br />
“NOW!”<br />
<br />
*hushed silence*<br />
<br />
<em>ok.</em><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6441.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6441.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“See? That wasn’t so hard now was it?”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6442.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></p><br />
<em>You don’t know the half of it.</em><br />
<br />
“You can behave when you want toooooooooo!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6448.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6448.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
<em> ‘scuse me while I go back inside and get this blasted tack off…</em><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6451.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></p><br />
<em>What?</em><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6452.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6452.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
<em>See you later!</em><br />
<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6454.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /><br />
<br />
“Why do I even bother?”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6455.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6455.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
<em>Heh, now marvel at my amazingness! Come on guys, <strong>marvel</strong>! No ones looking. Hmm, I’ll sort that out…</em><br />
<br />
“TAM! Stop kicking the door!”<br />
<br />
<em> Nope.</em><br />
<br />
“JUST SHUT UP!”<br />
<br />
<em>Not gonna happen.</em><br />
<br />
“Shhhh, calm down Tamarind, eeeeasy”<br />
<br />
<em>Hmmmm? Is that Lisa coming towards me? It is. That’s not going to stop me kicking though, I’ll just carry on until…<strong>POLOS</strong>! Aaaaaaahgimmiegimmiegimmie</em>!<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6457.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="545" /> </p><br />
“Woah Lisa don’t!”<br />
<br />
<em>Damn, him again. When will he learn to stop <strong>fussing</strong>!?</em><br />
<br />
“What?”<br />
<br />
“We never give him treats when he’s misbehaving – he’s very easily influenced…”<br />
<br />
<em>I’ll give <strong>you</strong> easily influenced! </em><br />
<br />
“…so we don’t want to encourage him”<br />
<br />
“Ah right, ok then. Never mind eh? I'll just give these to Kerry instead"<br />
<br />
<em>Typical. He gets all the attention when he didn't even <strong>do</strong> anything</em>!<br />
<br />
"See you later Tam!”<br />
<br />
<em>Humph. I was looking forward to that. Right, onto Plan B. Let the kicking continue.</em><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6459.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /> </p><br />
“This is your final warning Tam. If I hear <em>one more</em> kick…”<br />
<br />
*kick*<br />
<br />
“…right, that’s it!”<br />
<br />
<em>What?</em><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6462.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /><em></em></p><p style="text-align:left;"><em>No! Don’t shut the top door on me! Nooooooo!</em></p><br />
“Finally, some peace and quiet!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6463.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6463.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
<em>Hello? Helloooooooooo? Oh god, this is SO undignified!</em><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6468.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></p><br />
<em>Is there anyone there? Helloooo? KERRY! I knew you’d help me, you being such a nice guy and all…</em><br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6472.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6472.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
<strong>What’s that Tam? You need MY help?</strong><br />
<br />
<em>Er…yeah.</em><br />
<br />
<strong>‘fraid not pal, not today!</strong><br />
<br />
<em>What? Oh come ON! Just open that little bolt, that’s all!</em><br />
<br />
<strong>It’s not happening mate, have fun in your little window! I’m going for a nice hack in the sunshine, yes Tam, <em>sunshine</em>! The rain went off ages ago! Byeeee</strong>!<br />
<br />
<em>Oh well that’s just <strong>great</strong>.</em><br />
<br />
*An hour later*<br />
<br />
“…so I shut him inside for a while to shut him up as he was freaking out the kids for the beginner lesson.”<br />
<br />
“It was a good idea David, don’t worry about it, although it’s nice and quiet now so I think we can let him out now”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6475.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6475.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“Yeah, I even brought a couple of mints with me just to let him know that it wasn’t us being mean deliberately”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6476.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6476.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="360" /></a></p><br />
“What a good idea! I’m sure he’ll appreciate that”<br />
<br />
“Come on Tam, out you get, come on…”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6477.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6477.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="348" /></a></p><br />
“Tam? Oh my god, he’s GONE!”<br />
<br />
“What?!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Lungeing%20To%20Say/_mg_6478.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="353" /></p><br />
<em> Bwahahahahahahaha. </em><br />
<br />
<em>Stupid humans.</em>Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-44748352169146217632011-05-01T19:32:00.005-07:002011-05-01T19:32:44.727-07:0014. Janelli's Menagerie<p style="text-align:center;"><strong> Janelli’s Menagerie</strong></p><br />
“…and I don’t even like circuses! Remind me again why I had to come?”<br />
<br />
David’s irritable voice reverberated around the large, brightly coloured canvas tent and a hush fell over the audience. “Shhhh! David, for goodness sake!” Abigail hissed, hunching her shoulders as she looked around trying to see if anyone had noticed. “You’ll have us thrown out! Now just shut up, sit down and enjoy yourself! <em>Or else</em>.”<br />
<br />
David scowled.<br />
<br />
Going to the circus was not his idea of a fun night out but he had to hand it to Abigail for managing to convince him to come. She had somehow been able to persuade him to go into Hollowcroft with her ‘to get some provisions for the show next week’ and the next thing he knew, he was waiting in line for tickets to ‘Janelli’s Menagerie’ in one of the fields at the edge of the village. He sighed, crossed his arms and slouched in his seat, muttering to himself.<br />
Suddenly, the lights dimmed and a single spotlight appeared in the middle of the sand covered arena. A tall, tanned, older man strode into the illuminated spot and bowed to the audience, shiny top hat in one hand and a long striped cane in the other. He wore a dark purple coat with tails, and a pair of red and gold striped breeches, all topped off with a pair of dark leather boots and a wonderfully old-fashioned looking moustache.<br />
<br />
David rolled his eyes. Clichéd or what?<br />
<br />
“Good evening ladies, gentlemen and children of all ages!” He held his arms out in a welcoming gesture and smiled. “…and welcome to Janelli’s Menagerie! Ze biggest, boldest and most spectacular of shows this side of Raba Niżna!”<br />
<br />
“That’s in Poland” whispered Abigail knowledgeably.<br />
“Whaaa?” David turned to her in surprise, eyebrows furrowed. “How did you know that? You’ve never even <em>been</em> to Poland!”<br />
She shushed him and kept looking at the ringmaster, an odd sort of smile on her face. David shrugged and crossed his arms irritably. If she wanted to be cryptic then that was fine with him.<br />
<br />
“…tonight you will witness magnificent acts; the like of which you have never before seen! Incredible acrobatics, majestic beasts and feats of such daring that your very souls will shake in wonder”<br />
<br />
David snorted, breaking the dramatic silence that followed the ringmaster’s statement. Abigail closed her eyes and silently counted to ten while the ringmaster scanned the front row for the culprit. Eventually sighting the unruly spectator, he smiled and cocked his head to one side, the top hat now perched on the side of his forehead at a jaunty angle.<br />
<br />
“You not fan of the circus, ah? Oh you will be, by end of night!” Turning to the entire audience he doffed his hat and raised his voice to a booming roar. “I am Mr Janelli and I hope you enjoy the show!” With that, he strode out of the ring, twirling his cane with every step and motioning to the brass band to play in the first act.<br />
<br />
David winced as Abigail hit him over the head with her programme and scowled at him. He knew he deserved it, but it still hurt and he still didn’t like the circus! Finally resigned to his fate, he looked over to see what was coming on and groaned.<br />
<br />
Clowns.<br />
<br />
Clowns dressed as pirates.<br />
<br />
It was going to be a long night.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6522.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6522.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
Several very long, and in David’s view, unnecessary acts (including the ‘Unforgettable’ Singing Foxes and the ‘Wondrous Dancing Snails of Slovenia’ ) later, Mr Janelli reappeared at the end of the ‘Cat Conductor’ act to introduce the next performance.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6508.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></p><br />
By this time David had nearly fallen asleep and it was only strategic prods from Abigail’s rolled up programme that kept him awake. (if rather annoyed)<br />
<br />
“…yes, yes, thank you, thank you! Now it is time for the final act and my most favourite of performance. My most prized of horses, the one, the only, the <em>incredible</em> Jaconelli and his fine-looking partner – Anya!”<br />
<br />
The audience clapped to introduce them and David noted that Abigail was applauding with much more enthusiasm than in the other acts. He was about to ask her why when he saw for himself. A young woman with bright red hair and a costume bright enough to be confused with a bottle of washing up liquid walked into the ring, leading a horse behind her. David felt his jaw drop and Abigail smiled. He had seen appaloosa coloured horses before, but nothing quite<em> that</em> loud!<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6519.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6519.jpg" alt="" width="559" height="410" /></a></p><br />
“Jaconelli!” Mr Janelli’s voice boomed “The horse of a thousand talents! See him jump, count, dance and perform!”<br />
<br />
Anya gave the horse a pat and vaulted onto his back as Mr Janelli took up the lunge line. As soon as she had got her balance she clicked to him with her tongue and he leapt forward into a high stepping trot.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6510.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="552" /></p><p style="text-align:left;">Dramatic choral music echoed from the tinny speakers at the sides of the stands and the acrobat began her routine, causing the audience to gasp at every opportunity.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6512.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6512.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="560" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6517.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6517.jpg" alt="" width="497" height="560" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6513.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6513.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="508" /></a></p><br />
The crowd cheered as Janelli unclipped the lunge line and, with the aid of another performer, set up a jump. Jaconelli cantered around the ring, ears pricked, and his polka-dotted coat seemed to shimmer under the lights. Finally the ringmaster gave the acrobat a signal and they turned for the jump. David gasped. Surely she wasn’t going to jump it like that?! It was [i]huge[/i] and the rider had nothing to hold onto!<br />
Jaconelli picked up the pace and took off, Anya leaning back to stay in balance with one hand gently touching his quarters as he landed.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6524.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6524.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="560" /></a></p><br />
The audience cheered and the pair cantered around, eager to do it again. This time Anya somersaulted off before he landed; touching down perfectly next to the fence.<br />
“How she manages it in those heels!” Abigail muttered, “It’s a miracle she hasn’t broken her ankles!”<br />
<br />
They followed up with a display of Jaconelli’s mathematical genius. Anya held up a board with simple equations and he gave her the answers by stamping his foot the required number of times.<br />
“One plus two, yes?” she asked, nodding once, twice, three times as Jaconelli stamped.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6527.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="393" /></p><br />
David noticed that she was always very slightly ahead of him, but for once he didn’t comment. The pair finished up with some traditional tricks – bowing, ‘dancing’ and a very impressive performance involving two matching Shetland ponies simultaneously jumping through hoops next to a rearing Jaconelli.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6530.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6530.jpg" alt="" width="559" height="427" /></a></p><br />
They got a standing ovation and when Mr Janelli walked on to finish the show, David could see that he had tears in his eyes as he spoke.<br />
<br />
“Thank you, thank you! That is truely the end of the show…forever and …always.” The crowd quietened down to let him speak. “Janelli’s Menagerie has been in my family since 1869 but now is our last performance.” He held up a white gloved hand to hush the now riotous crowd and continued. “It is not what we want, but times are hard and circus is not popular anymore.” Next to him, David could see Abigail’s face fall. She looked devastated.<br />
“It has been a pleasure to perform for you and we bid you farewell!” He bowed and in one sweeping motion, took off his top hat and held it by his side as the entire cast of performers walked into the ring. Some were crying and others were trying to keep a straight face. After several rounds of applause, one of the stewards came out and started ushering people outside as the performers left through their own flap in the tent.<br />
<br />
Abigail sighed and got out of her chair but walked not towards the exit, but to Mr Janelli.<br />
“You’re shutting down?!” she cried at last, when everyone else had left. “But why didn’t you tell me?”<br />
The ringmaster sighed and patted Jaconelli’s mottled muzzle gently. “I didn’t want to upset you – besides, it would have spoiled the final performance”<br />
David stared. How did Abigail know him?<br />
Remembering that she hadn’t come on her own, Abigail hastily introduced David.<br />
“Oh, sorry, Jarek, this is David. He works at my yard and I thought he needed a bit of entertainment”<br />
David held out a hand and Mr Janelli shook it, his eyes twinkling and with a roguish grin on his face.<br />
“The one who doesn’t like the circus, ah? You enjoyed it in the end though, eh?”<br />
David smiled sheepishly. “I suppose so – Jaconelli here definitely made it worthwhile”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6532.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></p><br />
Mr Janelli smiled and Abigail beamed. “See!” she whispered. “I told you you’d enjoy it!” David rolled his eyes. “So anyway, why are you shutting down?”<br />
The ringmaster shrugged. “Circus is not popular anymore, that is it. No one wants to pay to see people and animals perform when they can just switch on TV.”<br />
“But you’ve been going for so long!” moaned Abigail. “You’ve lasted this long, can’t you hold out a bit longer?”<br />
He shook his head sadly. “When we first came to Hollowcroft, people were suspicious of us and said that we would steal from them but then you came along and changed everything.”<br />
<br />
David looked at Abigail curiously. Just what was going on?<br />
<br />
“Oh that was nothing Jarek, I’ve told you!”<br />
<br />
He smiled and turned to David. “Back in 1950’s…err…[i]1970’s[/i]” he said, swiftly changing the date at a glare from Abigail<br />
“We arrived in village and performed. At first, no one came – they all thought bad things of us and didn’t want to ‘encourage’ us, but after a while we became a popular attraction – especially among the children of the village.”<br />
He grinned and Abigail continued.<br />
“I was quite young at the time, perhaps seven or eight years old and after an argument with my mother in town I decided to run away from home and join the circus.”<br />
<br />
David snorted. “You? Join the circus? You’ve got to be kidding me!”<br />
<br />
She frowned at him and he shut up.<br />
<br />
“ANYWAY, I marched up to the ringmaster at the time and demanded to be given a job. He humoured me by asking what qualifications I had and showed me around and introduced me to all the animals and things while he sent Jarek off into Hollowcroft to track down my mother”<br />
<br />
Jarek chuckled. “She was furious with her but thought great deal of the menagerie now that her daughter had been returned safe and sound.”<br />
<br />
Abigail laughed. “Yes, they got on very well after that and I was even allowed to take part in some of the performances! I used to help out with the horses every summer in the holidays as well as making posters to advertise their next visit. It was one of the most important things in my childhood.”<br />
<br />
“That is why we are giving Jaconelli to you, as a thank you for all that you have done over the years.” Jarek said solemnly. Abigail looked stunned. “But..but, why? I mean…I haven’t done anything, not really!”<br />
Jarek laughed and motioned for Anya to take off the horse’s harness.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6535.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6535.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“You and your mother showed everyone that we were trustworthy and not the dirty, thieving circus folk that the rest of the village assumed we were.”<br />
<br />
Abigail shrugged. “It was nothing really, there’s no need to do this...” Jarek held up his hand and silenced her. “Jac is spitting image of that little mare you used to like, remember?”<br />
Abigail nodded.<br />
<br />
“We always said that if she had a foal, we would give it to you but with one thing and another, she never did” He patted Jaconelli fondly and ruffled his messy forelock. “We were looking for new stock at polish horse fair and found him. The seller said that he was an ugly beast and wasn’t worth anything because of his deformity.” He pointed to Jac’s mouth and David could see that it looked much different to what it should.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6538.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6538.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“To be honest, I hadn’t noticed it” Jarek continued. “He had great spirit and a temperament most excellent so I bought him…and for considerably lower price than the seller wanted!” he said with a cheeky grin. “He was perfect for the show – flashy colour and very easily trainable. The fact that he couldn’t be bitted mattered not”<br />
He gave him a gentle slap on the neck and clicked to him with his tongue, sending him off around the track at a brisk trot.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6550.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/_mg_6550.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="401" /></a></p><br />
“All the other animals have found new homes already but we wanted to give him a special place to live. Somewhere we knew he would be loved as much as he is here.”<br />
<br />
Abigail’s eyes filled with tears and she flung her arms around the ringmaster. “Thank you so much, he will have a home for life and you know that you and everyone in the troupe are welcome at any time!”<br />
<br />
He nodded and pulled a camera from the pocket of his coat. “I just want couple of pictures to remember him by”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/Img_6581.jpg" alt="" width="559" height="468" /></p><br />
Jaconelli stopped at the sound of the shutter and his ears pricked when the flash went off.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/Img_6586.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/Img_6586.jpg" alt="" width="558" height="560" /></a></p><br />
“One more thing!” Jarek said, pulling one of the large laminated wooden banners over to the horse. “I’d like one of him with the name of the circus. That way, we will never be forgotten”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Jaconelli/Img_6570.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" />“Don’t worry” said Abigail gently. “No one will ever forget Janelli’s Menagerie – not as long as I’m around!”</p>Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-50105941498122996932011-05-01T19:32:00.003-07:002011-05-01T19:32:25.283-07:0013. Like Butter Wouldn't Melt<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Like Butter Wouldn’t Melt</strong></p><br />
It was a dull morning at EA Equestrian and although the sky threatened rain, there was a barely contained sense of anticipation in the air.<br />
Abigail had been up since before six, a time to which the rest of the staff and horses were usually blissfully unaware of. <br />
“Alright David, <em>wakey wakey</em>!” she had bellowed down the phone to him earlier, almost deafening him as he was jolted into consciousness with a shock. “We’ve got a lot of work to do before the new lot get here!”<br />
<br />
Suffice to say, David wasn’t entirely alert when he trudged into the yard and it was several minutes before he realised that he had put his hat on back to front.<br />
<br />
The two of them had already swept up the yard and fed the horses before Jill finally arrived at quarter past ten; her hair sticking up like she’d walked through a hedge backwards.<br />
“Sorry I’m late...I …I...was still half a..a..sleeeeep” she yawned, running her fingers through the messy tangle that was her hair and absent mindedly picking up a brush that was leaning against the wall. “Want me to muck out the boxes?”<br />
Abigail nodded and beamed. “We’ll need to have this place looking presentable before the new livery arrives.” She turned to David who was standing with his eyes closed beside Tamarind’s box. “As for you!” she said, thrusting a couple of buckets into his hands “You can put these away and make sure the feed room looks tidy – I don’t want anything to go wrong today, <em>ok</em>?”<br />
<br />
David sighed and gave her a mock salute (which failed spectacularly as he had an armful of buckets) and headed off to the feed room.<br />
<br />
Less than ten minutes later, the familiar sound of a horsebox pulling into the car park alerted them to the new arrivals. “Quick!” screeched Abigail “Someone hang those headcollars up before they see - <strong><em>go</em></strong>!”<br />
<br />
The next minute it was all smiles as a blonde haired girl with a broad grin dropped out of the cab and walked towards them. “Hi, er Abigail? We spoke on the phone – I’m Lisa and that” she gestured to the horsebox “is your new tenant!” Abigail nodded and laughed. “Don’t worry, you haven’t arrived at the wrong yard! Lets get him out then shall we?”<br />
<br />
Lisa nodded and with David’s help, pulled down the ramp of the trailer. She hopped inside, murmuring softly to her horse as she prepared to bring him out. Seconds later, she emerged from the box, leading a beautiful chestnut gelding behind her.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/01.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/01.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“This is Kerry, or Kerrygold as he is more formally known. He’s a partbred Arab and is the most gentle horse I have ever met!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/02.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></p><br />
Jill squeaked with delight. “He’s beautiful! I really love the name and he looks like a perfect gentleman.”<br />
<br />
“Yeah” David agreed “Like butter wouldn’t melt. Gettit? <em>Butter</em>? Kerrygold is a brand of butter?”<br />
He was met with one of Abigail’s infamous blank looks, so he quickly shut up and gave the new horse a pat.<br />
<br />
“Right” said Abigail, choosing to ignore David’s brave attempt at early morning hilarity. “I’ll leave Jill er, no actually…<em>David</em> to get him settled in and I’ll give you a quick tour of the yard. Jill, could you go and bring Cally, Spud and Todd in for me please? We’ll need them for the 11 o’clock, thanks.”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/03.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/03.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“Oh no it’s fine, I was just going to give him a quick groom and put him out in the field if that’s ok? He’s been in the lorry for ages and I think he’d appreciate some fresh air”<br />
<br />
“No problem!” Abigail cried “They can sort him out, no bother…now, as I was saying…”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/04.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="379" /></p><br />
While David led Kerry to the main stableblock, Abigail showed Lisa the feedroom, tackroom and office, finishing with the ‘secret’ passageway behind Tam and Kestral’s stables.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/_mg_5213.jpg" alt="" width="523" height="559" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/_mg_5191.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/_mg_5191.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/05.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="454" /></p><br />
“Wow, you really have got a brilliant setup here” Lisa remarked, trying to take it all in. Abigail smiled proudly and led her back to the main part of the yard.<br />
<br />
David waved as they approached. “Well, what do you think of the place?”<br />
She grinned. “Perfect, utterly perfect. I think Kerry will love it here! Ooh, who’s that?” She pointed to the chestnut mare in the stable.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/06.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/06.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“That’s Kestral” said Abigail “She’s one of our schoolies and oh, drat, that’s the phone – I’ll leave you to it shall I?”<br />
<br />
Lisa rubbed Kestral’s nose affectionately. “She’s lovely. I really have a thing for chestnut horses – not that you would have guessed or anything!”<br />
David nodded. “She’s really popular with the kids round here – never puts a foot wrong. Well…<em>almost</em> never. Hey, it looks like Kerry wants to say hello!”<br />
<br />
Sure enough, the gelding was sniffing Kestral and seemed to be very interested in what she had to say.<br />
<br />
Tamarind on the other hand…<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/07.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></p><br />
David and Lisa wheeled around as the stallion kicked at his door, roaring and snorting at the top of his lungs the equine equivalent of ‘<em>get your grubby hands off <strong>my</strong> bird</em>!'<br />
<br />
“What the…?” David rolled his eyes as Tam danced on the spot, tail swishing irritably and the whites of his eyes showing.<br />
“Hey, calm down boy, caaaaaaalm down”<br />
Lisa stepped over and stroked his nose softly.<br />
<br />
“Now <em>who</em> is this?”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/08.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/08.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“Ah…” said David, awkwardly “That would be Tam. He’s a bit er…<em>difficult</em> sometimes” Lisa smiled. “Well I think he’s gorgeous!” The grey stopped kicking and tossed his head proudly. He liked this girl already.<br />
<br />
With Tamarind satiated with compliments, they started to take Kerry’s rug off and groom him.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/09.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/09.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“Eurgh” said Lisa, frowning. “He’s all dusty from the travelling”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/10.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/10.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
Once he was clean and shiny, she fetched his bridle from her bag and put it on him. “I always ride to the field” she said, answering David’s unasked question. “He can get a bit strong when he sees the gate sometimes, plus it’s much more fun than walking!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/11.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/11.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="401" /></a></p><br />
She was just about to ask for a mounting block when Tamarind started screeching again. “Oh god, here he goes again, hold on – I know what’ll distract him” David said with a wink. He rushed off and returned a minute later with a bucketful of feed. “This never fails, trust me”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/12.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/12.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
No sooner had the door opened, than Tamarind burst out of it at full speed, reared and started waving his forelegs at Kerry.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/13.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/13.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="519" /></a></p><br />
Tamarind took a swipe at him and suddenly Kerry joined in, throwing his head up and boxing with him.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/14.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/14.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="358" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/15.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/15.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="532" /></a></p><br />
There followed a brief squealing match for all of thirty seconds and then the two of them dropped back to the ground, sniffing each other.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/16.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/16.jpg" alt="" width="559" height="389" /></a></p><br />
Satisfied that the gelding would leave his mare alone, Tamarind turned round, picked up the fallen bucket and returned to his box, leaving David watching in dumbfounded amazement.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/17.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/17.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></a></p><br />
“Well that was…eventful.” Lisa said thoughtfully. “Does this sort of thing happen often round here?”<br />
David shrugged awkwardly. “Er..yeah, sorry about that.”<br />
<br />
“<em>Sorry</em>? What on earth are you sorry for David?” Abigail’s voice cut through the tension like a knife. “Sue phoned. She won’t be able to make it for the hack today sadly, so it'll just be you, Jill and Rosie. Any problems here?”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/18.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/18.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="348" /></a></p><br />
“Problems?” David cringed. “No, none at all!”<br />
<br />
Lisa nodded and grinned. “Nope, no problems whatsoever!”<br />
“Hmmmm” said Abigail, her eyes narrowed, but the beginnings of a smile on her face. “I’m not so sure about that but I’ll let you off for today!”<br />
<br />
She fetched a mounting block for Lisa and went back to check on Jill.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/19.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/19.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="419" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/21.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/21.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="410" /></a></p><br />
“Thanks for that David” she said as she patted Kerry’s gleaming neck. “I really think I’m going to have fun here!” Kerry snorted and pawed at the ground; eager to set off, and they both laughed. “Yeah, but I think he’s going to enjoy it more!”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Kerrygold/20.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /></p>Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-920918741632311449.post-29483775990115316412011-05-01T19:32:00.001-07:002011-05-01T19:32:09.513-07:0012. The Own A Pone Day<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>The Own-A-Pone Day</strong></p><br />
In the back of the car Rosie McPherson practically bounced with excitement.<br />
“Oh Rosie! Would you stop fidgeting?” her mother Andrea cried. “I can’t concentrate with you jumping around in the back seat!”<br />
“Sorry mum…” the curly haired girl mumbled. She had been looking forward to this for weeks and the day had finally arrived. She ran the window down and poked her head out as the car rolled into the familiar car park of EA Equestrian.<br />
<br />
“We’re HERE!”<br />
<br />
The girl’s mother rolled her eyes and switched off the engine. Booking her daughter in for the yard’s ‘own-a-pone’ day had seemed like such a good idea at the time but now she wasn’t so sure… She didn’t have time to mention this however, as Rosie was already galloping up the drive towards the stables, her riding hat in hand and mass of curls bobbing along as she ran.<br />
<br />
Andrea sighed and followed her to the office, shaking the yard manager Abigail’s hand when she arrived.<br />
“I see Rosie’s looking forward to looking after Callisto today then” she laughed, eyes twinkling as she watched the girl race towards the tack room in search of the palomino’s headcollar.<br />
Andrea smiled and nodded. “I haven’t heard anything but Callisto <em>all week</em>! Are you sure you’ll be able to keep up with her?”<br />
<br />
Throwing back her head, Abigail laughed. “Oh I think we’ll manage. Jill will be looking after her today so not to worry”<br />
After paying for the day and chatting to Abigail for a while, Andrea waved Rosie goodbye and headed back to the car, smiling.<br />
It didn’t take much to keep some people amused…<br />
<br />
After fetching Callisto’s specially made headcollar from the tackroom, Rosie rushed over to her stable to find it empty and cold with no sign of bedding or indeed, horse.<br />
“Where is she?” she asked Jill, who had just arrived from the office.<br />
“Ha, I thought you’d notice that pretty quickly! She’s out in the field just now while her stable is being refurbished.”<br />
<br />
Rosie held up the headcollar hopefully. “Does that mean we’ll have to catch her?”<br />
Jill nodded and took it from her. “She’s in with Rocky and the donkeys so she should be pretty easy to catch” She gestured towards the end of the stables and Rosie could just make out some horse shaped objects in the smallish paddock behind the feedroom. <br />
“Well what are we waiting for? Let’s GO!” and with that she tore off into the distance, Jill following at a jog, laughing.<br />
Just as Jill had said, Callisto caught easily and trotted up to them as soon as they entered the field, snorting and whiffling at them in search of polos.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/01.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/01.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="439" /></a></p><br />
Rosie held out her hand and Callisto sniffed it eagerly before turning her attention back to Jill who was standing ready with the headcollar. “Right then Cally, let’s catch you properly”<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/03.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/03.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="353" /></a></p><br />
As Rosie was just a little too small to reach her head, Jill put on the headcollar and fastened the buckle so that it fitted snugly but not too tight. Smiling, she held out the leadrope. “Do you want to do the honours?”<br />
Rosie beamed and led the gentle mare out of the field, the other inhabitants watching on with interest.<br />
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As they walked into the yard they were surprised to see Abigail leading Kestral out of her stable. “What’s going on?” asked Jill “I didn’t think she was being used for the rest of the day?”<br />
Abigail nodded. “I’m just sticking her out in the field for a bit. It’s a nice day for it and she much prefers the great outdoors, unlike her pal here!” she said wryly, gesturing at Tamarind’s dark grey head just visible from behind the stable door. “For a horse from a hot climate he really has something against warm days!”<br />
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“Anyway, you can put Cally in Kestral's box for now if you like – it would save her being tied up outside all day” She smiled and gave Kes a pat before leading her away.<br />
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Rosie grinned happily and called after her. “Thanks Abigail! Come on Cally, let’s get you inside!” Jill kept a close eye on her as she led the palomino mare into Kestral’s large and roomy box, keeping well out of the way of her feet and turning her around before she unclipped the leadrope and closed the door behind her.<br />
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Tamarind by this time had realised that Kestral had vanished and snorted indignantly.<br />
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Jill rolled her eyes at him but Rosie rushed over to give him a pat.<br />
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“Don’t worry Tammy! Kestral’ll be back soon!”<br />
<br />
The stallion looked mortified. <em>Tammy</em>? He snorted loudly, swished his tail and stuck his head into his haynet. For once, being ignored was probably the best option.<br />
<br />
“Right!” said Jill. “What do you think we do next?”<br />
Rosie paused for a moment, her brow furrowed. “We…we…groom her, no, that’s later! We..um…feed her?”<br />
<br />
Jill nodded and they headed to the feedroom, explaining about cereals and mixes and the differences between concentrates to a slightly bemused Rosie. Ten minutes later the feed was made up and after adding some carrot flavoured treats, was ready to be given to Callisto. Rosie carried the bucket the whole way with no problems…until she passed Tam’s box.<br />
<br />
Smelling the freshly made up feed, he craned his neck over the door and kicked at it, banging on the wood with his hoof as if demanding to be fed himself. Rosie got a fright and the bucket slipped out of her hand, spilling its contents onto the ground.<br />
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She let out a small scream and clapped her hands to her mouth. “Oh I’m so sorry! What will she eat now!?”<br />
<br />
Jill shook her head and smiled at her. “Don’t worry, most of it is still in the bucket, we can salvage it!<br />
She helped her pick up the loose bits and, glaring at Tamarind, swept up the dregs that were too dirty to be put back in.<br />
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“There!” Rosie beamed as she shut the door, having given Callisto her breakfast at last. “Now what?”<br />
Jill nodded. She was impressed by how industrious little Rosie was and hoped that she’d enjoy the rest of the day as much as she hoped. “Well, now we leave Cally to her breakfast for an hour or two and go to the staff room and fill out some horsey quizzes!” Rosie grinned and hopped on the spot. “I’ll race you!”<br />
<br />
An hour or two later, once Rosie had been shown diagram after diagram on tack and parts of the horse it was time for the real work to begin.<br />
<br />
Grooming.<br />
<br />
She struggled across the yard with the large grooming kit that was almost as big as she was and eventually managed to deposit it next to the stable. Jill had already brought Callisto out and was waiting for Rosie to arrive.<br />
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“Ready?”<br />
<br />
The curly haired kid nodded excitedly and rummaged around in the box. She had learned a lot about grooming that morning and was keen to show off her new found skills. Picking up a dandy brush, she reached up and started to brush the palomino’s soft coat, drawing the brush backwards and forwards in long strokes. Eventually she realised that she wasn’t going to be able to reach the rest of her without help so she turned a bucket upside down and stood on it.<br />
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After wards came the body brush. “But just remember – only use it on her face and mane and tail because she’s a field-kept pony and needs to stay waterproof!” warned Jill. Rosie continued until she arrived at the last stage – the hoof picking.<br />
<br />
“Jill?” she asked warily “I’ve never done this before…what do I do?” The trainee instructor smiled and demonstrated the technique. “Here, start off with a foreleg – it’s much easier to do on them”<br />
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Once she was completely clean and tidy, Jill sent Rosie off to get her hat on and brought out Callisto’s tack. As Rosie was too small to tack her up, Jill did it for her, explaining how to do it as she went along.<br />
<br />
“…and if they don’t take the bit straight away, just stick your thumb inside and jiggle it about a bit…”<br />
<br />
“Ewwwww! That’s disgusting!”<br />
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"Always make sure the numnah isn’t squint when you put the saddle on and always smooth out any bumps or creases before you do anything or it might cause saddle sores.”<br />
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Finally ready to go, Jill tightened the girth and gave Rosie a leg up.<br />
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“Right then, how do your stirrups feel? Are they the right length?”<br />
<br />
“I think so! Can we jump today?!”<br />
<br />
“Perhaps, we’ll have to see what Abigail says”<br />
<br />
“Oh <em>go on</em>…can we?”<br />
<br />
“I just told you, you’ll have to ask Abigail!” Jill chuckled, rolling her eyes. “I should think so though, Abigail likes to get everyone jumping from a young age.”<br />
<br />
“I’m not young! I’m nearly <em>nine</em>!”<br />
<br />
Once stirrups and reins had been sorted out they headed to the outdoor arena where Abigail was already waiting for them. Although she hadn’t been riding all that long, Rosie was already confident in trot without a leader so Abigail suggested that she do some ‘steering’ exercises around some cones to get Callisto warmed up.<br />
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Once she had done that and had some trots and a short canter (with Jill running alongside) Rosie demanded to be allowed to jump.<br />
<br />
“Pleeeeeeeeeease?”<br />
<br />
“Oh alright then, but Jill will lead you”<br />
<br />
“But I can jump by myself! I really can you know!”<br />
<br />
“I’m sure you can but we’re just going to take it easy for now.”<br />
<br />
Sure enough, after a few small cross poles it became apparent that Rosie had done this before and Jill stepped aside to let her do it herself.<br />
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“Very nice!” said Abigail, clapping. “We’ll make a showjumper of you yet!”<br />
<br />
They finished the lesson on a high and put Callisto back in her box with a full haynet while they went off for lunch in the staffroom.<br />
Afterwards, Rosie went on a hack around the ruins of Duneachann castle with David and Sue, trotting along the ancient banks and popping over the remains of the old walls.<br />
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The ride lasted an hour and a half and by the time they got back to the yard Rosie was knackered.<br />
<br />
“Did you enjoy that?” Abigail asked as she held her horse steady while Rosie got off.<br />
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“Yeah! It was brilliant! I jumped a ditch and <em>everything</em>!”<br />
<br />
The yard manager threw a dark look at David. Ditches were strictly off limits to beginners.<br />
<br />
“It’s not my fault! Tam took a freaky at a rabbit and bombed off and everyone else followed suit!”<br />
<br />
“Hmmm….a likely story…anyway, Rosie, could you put Callisto away for me please?” Rosie nodded happily and led the palomino back into Kestral’s stable and started to untack, Jill coming to her aid when she found she couldn’t reach any of the straps.<br />
<br />
Shortly after she’d put Cally’s tack away, Rosie was surprised to see David approach her with a piece of paper in his hand.<br />
<br />
“This is for you"<br />
<br />
"What is it?"<br />
<br />
"It’s a certificate that states that you are a worthy part-time pony-owner and Abigail’s given you eight and three quarters out of ten for the whole day! Oh and as a special reward we've organised a free ride for you next week!”<br />
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Rosie jumped in delight and Callisto threw her head up in surprise.<br />
<br />
“For me? Really?”<br />
<br />
“<em>Really</em>. Abigail and Jill both said that you worked really hard today and we all agreed that you did very well indeed.”<br />
<br />
Rosie beamed and hugged Callisto tightly.<br />
<br />
Her mum was never going to hear the end of this.<br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/29.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" /><a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/Elrenia_Greenleaf/Own%20A%20Pone/29.jpg"></a></p>Last Alliance Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.com1