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Post by ashlea on Jul 18, 2006 15:31:59 GMT -5
Dallas mouthed the bit, ears flicking back and forth as Natalie grabbed a handful of the gelding’s mane and rested her hands on his withers. She slid her left foot into the stirrup and then sprang up lightly onto Dallas's back, finding her seat and shortening the reins. The gelding stood obediently beneath her, waiting for Natalie's aids to move off. However although Dallas appeared relaxed, Natalie could feel the mare’s muscles were tense, like a coil ready to spring. Natalie loved this horse, that he could seem so contained and yet hold so much power and spunk. "Come on boy," she said and squeezed her calves around the gelding's barrel, urging him into a trot. Dallas sidestepped, tossing up his head and swinging his hindquarters around as Natalie firmly applied her legs, driving the gelding forwards with her seat and sheer determination. Dallas skittered on the gravel of the stableyard and then deciding that he had enough,obeyed Natalie's repeated aids and broke into a spanking trot. Natalie used the pressure of both the bit and reins to turn the gelding onto the dirt path of the trails, posting with ease to the two-time beat...a smile upon her face as she imagined how much fun it would be to ride Lucy along these trails when she grew older. She would make a super jumper with that slightly high croup and long legs, Natalie thought as Dallas moved out onto the trail, ears pricked and nostrils flared.
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Post by kelsey on Jul 18, 2006 15:47:42 GMT -5
Vicki decided to go to Hidden Valley to visit Nicole. She brought the horses to show her, along with Summer and Chloe. She pulled up to HV with the trailer on the back. She parked and unloaded Classy, Cameron, and Jack. Vicki saw Ashlea and waved. Hey!! Wait for us!! We'll ride with you!! Vicki, Summer, and Chloe quickly tacked up their horses and trotted up to Ashlea. Hi!!! Chloe said as she waved excitedly.
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Post by Amery on Jul 18, 2006 15:50:16 GMT -5
Amery had been cooling Hershey out when she saw this girl and he horse having a little 'arguement' in the gravel. She watched as the determined girl took control and ensured that the horse was listening. That was the best thing she could've done and Amery was quite pleased with the knowledgeable crowd she would be sharing a barn with.
She watched as the pair trotted down the trail and an idea sprung to Amery's mind. She didn't know anyone around here and Hershey hadn't been worked very hard. A good trail ride would be something they both would enjoy. Her thoughts were like an open invite and Amery drove Hershey forward with her seat and legs until he floated into a working trot in the direction of the girl and her horse. As she approached them, she slowed to a walk as to not spook the horse, and rode up along side them. A smile creased Amery's sun worn face as she introduced herself.
Hey, I'm Amery. I'm new around here.
Amery stated politely, loosening her reins and letting Hershey stretch his neck as they walked. She heard voices behind her and turned quickly to see more people trotting up on their horses. Good, this would be an experience to meet people. She smiled but didn't say anything to the newcomers because they weren't quite in earshot.
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Post by ashlea on Jul 18, 2006 15:56:21 GMT -5
Dallas propped and shied when the girl and her horse pulled up beside him, and Natalie turned him in a circle to collect him, swearing through gritted teeth. The gelding flicked back his ears and she could see the mischief that gleamed in his eyes, and Natalie sighed, her arms already aching from holding Dallas back. "Hi, I'm Natalie and this is Dallas." Her words came out slightly breathless, and her face was a little flushed with indignation and embarrassment. "I'm sorry about Dallas, he hasn't been exercised for a while as I have been focusing on a filly I'm training and he is just telling me how he feels." Even as she spoke, Natalie felt Dallas's back hollow as he readied for a buck, and she pulled his head up and muttered, "No you don't."
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Post by Amery on Jul 18, 2006 16:28:38 GMT -5
Amery watched as the girls horse shied and a wave of guilt washed over her. Her cheeks took on a reddish tone as the girl gritted her teeth. It was obvious Amery hadn't made the best first impression.
I apologize for that. I should've let you know I was coming. Nice to meet you Natalie. This is my boy Hershey.
The guilt was removed from her face as Hershey's name reached her lips. He was that special to her. As she spoke his name, she reached down and patted his muscular neck. Amery always showered him in attention and it was obvious, he was a spoiled horse. However, he was very well mannered with no major vices. Of course, horses are unpredictable and there was the odd occasion he decided that Amery should no longer be sitting on him. Other than those little hissy fits, he was a wonderful horse and a top eventer.
I can see your horse is a handful. He's a beauty though, and I can see that you have a lot of skill.
Amery stopped in her sentence as Dallas tried to buck once again. She couldn't help but laugh, it was like he was thanking Amery for complimenting him. She stifled her laughter and looked back to Natalie.
I'm sorry, I couldn't help it. He's got so much attitude and you've got the wits to match.
Her instructor roots were coming back and she sounded all teacher like. It wasn't a bad stereotype for her, just one she hadn't brought out in a while and Amery wanted to rekindle it more than anything.
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Post by ashlea on Jul 18, 2006 16:40:10 GMT -5
"Ha, I'll take that as a compliment," Natalie said as she brought Dallas back under control and slowed him to a walk. She watched the other woman and noticed that she was blushing slightly, and Natalie tried to stifle a giggle, but it was too late. "Probably not the best first impressions," she said, giggles elapsing into loud bursts of laughter. Dallas laid back his ears and took a step backwards, and Natalie quickly shortened the reins and kept the gelding steady by sitting more deeply in the saddle and following Dallas's movements. "How about if we go for a gallop? This boy is about to explode and I think that maybe we might just wither up from embarrassment if we keep talking," Natalie teased as she nudged Dallas with her heels and clicked her tongue, crouching over his withers like a jockey.
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Post by Amery on Jul 18, 2006 16:50:47 GMT -5
Amery's giggled slowed to a small croak before a small smile lay on her features. She looked somewhat confused as Natalie burst out into somewhat uncontrollable laughter but she grinned and watched as the younger girl had her fun. It was obvious her horse had other ideas and he 'told' her that it wasn't funny. Amery watched as Natalie used her seat and subtly her hands to bring the gelding back to his wits. She smiled and nodded, as if approving how she handled the situation. Talk of a gallop sounded pretty good at this point because as Dallas had his little fits, Hershey began prancing slightly as if asking to go for a run. The dirt path was straight and long and there was room for both horses. This was the ideal opportunity so Amery took advantage of it. She looked back to Natalie and nodded subtly, tightening up her reins as she did so.
Let's go then, what are you waiting for!
Amery grinned as she took her weight out of the saddle, gave a small cluck, and kicked Hershey's sides softly. Hershey knew what to do and he didn't go threw any other paces as he exploded from a walk to a flat-out gallop. He collected speed quickly as he lowered his neck and used his entire body to propel them forward. Amery couldn't help but smile as the afternoon wind stung her eyes and her hair whipped out the back of her helmet. She glanced backwards to see if Natalie was close behind...
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Post by ashlea on Jul 18, 2006 17:00:17 GMT -5
As Amery and Hershey shot off at a gallop, Dallas danced impatiently beneath Natalie, finally focusing on the job at hand. "Let's show them how Quarter Horses run," she murmured as the gelding shot forward, powerful muscles in his hindquarters allowing him to gain on the leading pair. Dallas flattened his ears and Natalie's face was full of pleasure as she urged Dallas to find a faster pace with both her legs and voice. The paint grew equal with Hershey and Amery, and Natalie smiled as she simply enjoyed the thrill of racing with nothing but the horse beneath her.
((Sorry a little short))
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Post by ashlea on Jul 18, 2006 17:01:45 GMT -5
((Oops I didn't see your post Kelsey ...maybe when we stop you can come riding up?))
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Post by Amery on Jul 18, 2006 17:09:16 GMT -5
Amery saw the pair gaining on them but a lather already covered Hershey's neck and a pulled ligament was something she didn't need. She looked over to Natalie as they matched their pace and grinned as the thrill of competition was rising. Dallas was definitely fast, definitely faster than Hershey. He wasn't bred for running as Dallas was, but boy, he could sure pick up a lot of speed. Pleased with the joy of it all, she pulled and released on the reins until Hershey moved into a fast canter and down into relaxed 'lope'. Hershey then decided that he was having so much fun, he had to show his approval. He lowered his head and before Amery had time to register what he was doing, he let out a huge corkscrew buck. Man, did she fly. Alteast 10 feet from the ground, Amery prepared herself for the dirt. She hit the ground, hard, but managed to roll on her shoulder and finish on her butt. She looked up at Hershey, who had stopped as was looking at Amery as if to say 'Hey, I warned you.' She looked up at him, somewhat angry but she stayed composed and muttered, 'That's not funny, Hershey.' Amery was embarassed that on her first ride with a new person, she got bucked off. He could've bucked any other day but today. Although, there was still the ride home so Amery climbed aboard and gave her sore shoulder a rub before walking forward. Hershey acted as if nothing had happened as he walked forward with ease.
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Post by ashlea on Jul 18, 2006 17:15:59 GMT -5
((Oh poor Amery )) Natalie saw Amery pull up Hershey who was breathing a little heavy and slightly lathered, and she quickly followed suit, using half-halts to slow Dallas from a gallop and back down to a trot and then a halt. "Steady boy," she said as Dallas tossed his head and fought against the bit for several seconds as he tried to keep going. Natalie was so focused on getting Dallas settled and back under control, that she didn't notice that Hershey had tossed Amery off, until the woman lay in the dirt, striving to keep her composure. Dallas snorted and rubbed his head on his foreleg, thoroughly bored with all this standing around. As Amery remounted, Natalie walked Dallas slowly over to the woman and her gelding, a small frown crinkling her brow. "Are you alright? We can walk the horses back to the stables if you want?" Natalie hesitated, unsure if she was making a fuss and only drawing unwanted attention to the fall.
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Post by Amery on Jul 18, 2006 17:28:12 GMT -5
(( We needed some excitement )) Amery nodded quickly, avoided Natalie's stare. Her face was flushed with scarlet and she looked at her hands. She was acted like a child, although she was 24, but falling off was embarassing. Nope, I'm fine. It's happened before and it will happen again.Amery answered sharply, but lowered her tone as she realized how rude she sounded. She turned Hershey in a circle, and made sure he was still responsive and listening. He, of course, was. He just had a little excess energy to dispell. She looked up to Natalie once again and smiled, reassuring her. Amery could see that Dallas wanted to get going so she pushed Hershey into a fast-paced walk and let him extended his sweat coated neck. Hoping Natalie would follow suit, she continued forward. We can do whatever you like. Maybe a bit of jumping on the trail. Or we can head home, whatever you like.
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Post by ashlea on Jul 18, 2006 17:34:58 GMT -5
Natalie could feel that Dallas was still wanting to go on and so she grinned, "Sure. Let's just go at a trot, I really don't feel like collecting Dallas when he gets bored at a walk." Natalie rolled her eyes and sighed as she asked with her hands and seat for the gelding to move into a trot. As he changed gait, she began to post, her muscles long use to the exercise and strength that this simple movement needed. The silence of the day was punctuated by the droning of cicadas, the thud of hooves upon the dirt and the occasional jingle of the bit, and Natalie gazed about her surroundings with appreciative eyes. "It sure is beautiful here," she murmured, half to herself and half to Amery. "I am so glad I moved here and found this stable," Natalie said although louder this time...
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Post by Amery on Jul 18, 2006 17:42:23 GMT -5
Amery nodded and without words, she too urged Hershey into a trot with the firm pressure of her muscled calves. Hardly any pressure was needed as Hershey made a quick and smooth transition into his floaty and smooth Warmblood trot. It looked as though he wasn't even touching the ground and Amery could feel his muscles working to drive them on. His neck rounded naturally as he accepted and rounded onto the bit. Amery's hands were light and giving, her legs strong and supportive. Her seat was light as she posted gracefully to this two-beated gait. She looked over to Natalie and smiled as she spoke. She could hear her although Amery wasn't sure if she was supposed to. When the second sentence emerged from Natalie, it was obvious that Amery was inclined to listen.
It sure is. I've been here 1 day and I love it already. I'm glad I'm here too. This is the kind of place Hershey and I need to be to advance our eventing. I also want to get back into teaching, it's my first love. It doesn't get much better than teaching horse and rider to work in unison. What are you going to be up to around here?
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Post by ashlea on Jul 18, 2006 17:50:16 GMT -5
Natalie smiled and took a minute before answering the question, "My sisters also board at the Stables. I hope to further in the field of eventing and train my horses for the elite competitions that I will be eligible for once I turn sixteen." Dallas was beginning to respond to Natalie and a flicked back ear told her that he was listening for her aids. "Good boy," she praised as she loosened her reins slightly as a reward for his good manners. Dallas lowered his head and his neck and shoulders were rounded as he began working on the bit instead of fighting against it. "I really need to work on his focus and discipline, and I am working with his half-sister to hopefully turn her into an eventer," Natalie explained and she laughed as she added, "She's a lot quieter than this boy."
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