Post by ashlea on Aug 1, 2006 0:49:34 GMT -5
Danielle walked down the main aisle of the barn, her hair neatly braided and dressed in beige breeches and a black polo that sported the stable's logo. The lesson horses peered curiously through the grilles of the stalls and Danielle came to a stop about halfway down the aisle, smiling at the bay who regarded her with pricked ears and an impatient snort. "Hey boy," she said and the gelding whinnied and pawed the ground, his hoof making a loud clang as it connected with the cement floor of the stall. All the lesson horses had been left at Hideaway by the previous owners after much compromise and promises, and this would be Danielle's first ride on the feisty Warmblood. She slipped into the stall and patted the gelding's neck, sliding the nylon halter over his head and clipping on the lead rope. With a small tug, Salvador followed along willingly and she secured him in the cross ties, grabbing a soft body brush from the nearby grooming tote and giving him a quick going over, paying special attention to the areas that would be exposed to the tack. After picking out his hooves, Danielle lifted a Bevel close contact saddle from the fence and smoothing down the padded white saddle blanket, slid it onto his back. Salvador shifted at the weight of the saddle, and Danielle quickly adjusted the position so that it sat correctly, crouching down to tighten the girth to a secure hole. She slid the simple snaffle into the gelding's mouth and then the headpiece over his ears, buckling it up so that it was fitted comfortably before removing the halter and unclipping Salvador from the crossties. "Come on boy," Danielle murmured as she gave his neck an affectionate scratch, and then led him down the barn and towards the main arena.
Danielle unfurled the stirrup leathers and checked the girth for a final time, clicking the clasp of her helmet so that it sat securely on her head. She sprang nimbly into the saddle and gathered up the reins, allowing her body to adjust to the gelding's build and movement as she set him off at a working trot. Salvador held his head perfectly and he was responsive and supple as she applied pressure and asked him to bend around the corner.
To be continued....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Danielle unfurled the stirrup leathers and checked the girth for a final time, clicking the clasp of her helmet so that it sat securely on her head. She sprang nimbly into the saddle and gathered up the reins, allowing her body to adjust to the gelding's build and movement as she set him off at a working trot. Salvador held his head perfectly and he was responsive and supple as she applied pressure and asked him to bend around the corner.
To be continued....