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Post by nicole-lynn tamers. on Mar 25, 2008 15:42:58 GMT -5
At first, she had thought this place was the worst thing that her mother could have made her do. It took her away from everyone and everything she knew, and she had never been good about change. But now - she had been assigned a lesson horse. Err... maybe horse wasn't quite the word.
The dappled grey pony jogged along behind Nicole eagerly at the end of the reins, shaking his head - all in good natured fun. Yes, the choice of any other horse, and she picks the smallest and the oldest. Why? Well... that's all she had ever done was ride the older, wilder little ponies. And discovering that she could still do that in this place... made her decide that maybe it wasn't as bad as she thought.
She led the pony into the outdoor ring, shutting the gate quietly behind her. It seemed quiet enough for a first ride - and thankfully, she was the only one there at the moment. She wouldn't mind if other riders showed up, as long as they kept their mouths shut about Streak. It was what she wanted, so it was what she requested.
After putting the reins over his head, she quickly checked the girth and ran down her stirrups. And another good thing about ponies - a mounting block was hardly ever required, a point that she made easily by putting her foot in the stirrup and swinging up into the saddle.
Nicole allowed the pony to walk around on a long rein, still trying to get a feel for the old man. He certainly had a brisk step, something that made him all the more enjoyable to her. After five minutes of walking around the ring, she gathered up her reins the tiniest bit and whispered the cue for a trot, still allowing him whatever brisk a pace he chose.
After deciding that the pony would behave enough to have his head, she put her hands forward and down with a slightly longer rein, keeping her body back enough for him to really move forward. She couldn't help but smile as she imagined what this pony must have been able to do in his golden years - maybe in the small pony hunter ring with a tiny rider holding his mane. It was a cute sight - one that she wished she could've seen.
She felt lucky now, to have been assigned Streak. She knew he was going to give her a run for her money, something that she needed right now. She also knew that he had quite a bit to offer her, and she could feel him giving his all right now, and they were just trotting around an empty ring.
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Post by blake williams on Mar 25, 2008 18:39:26 GMT -5
Once again, he felt himself drawn to the barn. He couldn't keep away, but he also didn't have anything else to do at the moment, unless unpacking counted. Sighing loudly, he strolled outside the main barn, feet kicking a few peebles, some dust landing on the bottom of his jeans, that fit him quite well. For once, he didn't have his hat with him, so his dark hair fell loosely on his head, no longer within the confines of the hats he often wore. He almost felt naked with out it, but he had clothes on, nice jeans and a loose fitting tee shirt that showed off the toned muscles in his arms.
As he strolled, he came to the outdoor ring, and something caught his attention, a flash of movement. Hazel green eyes looked out, interested. A girl, on a pony. Not often that you saw someone on a pony, at least willing. He was too big for most ponies, but he knew they offered a challenge that horse's usually didn't - immense stubborness. He chuckled as he thought about, the pony was cute, and a flashy mover. Intrigued, he moved over to the rail, arms resting on the top board, one leg bent as he rested, watching the girl trot him around the ring. He thought about speaking up, making himself known, but he withheld his voice, watching the pair in interest. She would notice soon enough, and she could come over, if she pleased. |
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Post by nicole-lynn tamers. on Mar 25, 2008 19:02:01 GMT -5
Out of the corner of her eye she saw somebody approach the fence, but she tried not to acknowledge him right away. Well, that idea was forgotten as soon as Streak turned his head and stopped dead from his trot.
Nicole was surprised, and almost fell sideways when he stopped, but thankfully, was able to sit back just in time. She put her hands forward and gave him a gentle nudge with her heels, but his forward movement now was sluggish, and all his attention was held on the stranger at the fence. Well, they were on the other side of the ring now, so it wouldn't hurt to atleast make Streak trot over, right?
She opened up her rein, steering the pony toward the object of fascination with a gently nudge. He tossed his head and picked up a timid trot. It was easy to tell that he wasn't afraid of the guy - just trying to be a goof and ham it up. Maybe get a carrot for facing his fears. News flash, Streaky boy - you don't get carrots for pretending to be afraid of people.
The pony was finally allowed to break and halt at the fence by the stranger, his act suddenly forgotten. Now, he stood quietly, happy not to be at work, even if it meant his only having to continue again from scratch.
She gave the pony a gentle pat on the neck before finally turning her attention to they guy who was standing at the fence.
"Well, he certainly put on a show for you."
She smiled brightly, letting her feet fall out of the stirrups now that there was no work to be done immediately.
"I'm Nicole."
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Post by blake williams on Mar 25, 2008 19:09:02 GMT -5
He chuckled as he watched the pony slid to a stop as if Blake was the most exciting thing in the world standing on the other side of the fence. He watched with interest as the horse pretended to be afraid, he wanted to chuckle but suppressed it for fear of accidentally hurting the girl's feeling, you just never knew with girls.
He stuck his hand over the fence as the pony came closer, holding it out for him to sniff, too bad he didn't have any treats, but even then it would only encourage his behavior, not that one should expect anything less from a spunky pony. Attention turned back from the dappled grey pony to the girl who rode him. The smile tugged at his mouth as she spoke, his head giving a small nod. It was a good show. Usually, he would reach his hand out and shake hands, but he figured he'd keep his hands to himself and not make the girl reach over and shake his hand. Calmly, he rubbed teh velvet nose of the pony as he spoke up again. And I'm Blake. Nice to meet you and... He let his voice fade away, an eyebrow raising as he looked from the pony back up to Nicole, hoping she would give him the pony's name. |
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Post by nicole-lynn tamers. on Mar 25, 2008 19:18:13 GMT -5
She couldn't help but shake her head as Streak reached his nose over the fence toward Blake's hand. Typical pony - food first, work never. She didn't mind though. She hadn't met too many people since she came here, and the more friends she had, the more comfortable she might be eventually.
"Streak. Streak of Lightning, if you happen to see a show career in this little guy."
She looked down at the pony's neck, running her hand up and down his crest. Maybe at one point, he would have been refered to as Streak of Lightning - maybe in the pony hunter ring, with that little girl holding his mane. She could see it now, actually, the bows waving in the wind over every fence.
She forced herself to return from the day dream, telling herself that this was what the little pony's future had in store for him. His pony hunter days were probably over by now, anyway.
She looked over toward Blake again as Streak began to rub his head against the fence. He looked like a pretty nice guy - and to be at the outdoor ring, he must know his way around horses, right? It couldn't hurt to ask.
"Do you ride at all?"
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Post by blake williams on Mar 25, 2008 19:26:58 GMT -5
He rubbed his hand against the cheek before withdrawing his hand from the pony and resuming his prior position of leaning and resting against the top rail of the fence. AS she spoke his name, he looked over the pony, he seemed like if he wanted to, he could move like a streak of lightning. A fitting name, and I could see him in a ring.. He wasn't thinking hunter, he was thinking games, or even polocrosse. Something that a lot of kids did at his barn in the local pony club. He had tried it once, and was good at it, but he would rather be on a horse, jumping.
Her next questions suprised him a bit, but then again he knew that he hated when people assumed, so he was glad she ahd asked rather than assume. Yeah, I've been riding for about 4 years, maybe a little more. Mostly 3 Day Eventing. He looked up the girl, his hand moving up and blocking the sun from his eyes. Obviously you ride, but how long have you been at it? Most people he met had ridden for a lot longer than he had, but he didn't care, he was just as good as some of them because of his determination. He then realized what she was doing, riding. Hey, am I interrupting? Obviously he was, but maybe she had been close to finishing? Like before, he didn't want to assume.. |
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Post by nicole-lynn tamers. on Mar 25, 2008 19:37:59 GMT -5
So he did ride - even better. Somebody that she could talk to at the barn. Usually, if she met somebody, they had no real interest in horses, and couldn't understand what she was talking about. And the friends she had previously made in a barn - well, very little of their time was actually spent talking about or in the barn. But she wouldn't go there - she couldn't. Not now. Not until she was in her dorm room. Hopefully alone.
"Maybe ten years. I wish I could have evented more at home than I did. I mostly did schooling stuff for the little kids."
Which explained why she longed to see this little pony in braids and showing his stuff. It's what she thrived on in the past - seeing her work in the ring with a clueless little girl who was just along for the ride.
She had just started riding when Blake had approached, but was glad for the interuption. Although, it really wasn't one.
"Oh no, not at all. I just wanted to get to know Streak a little better before I requested a lesson or took him out in the feild."
She didn't even really know who the trainer is. He probably wouldn't even want to give a lesson with Streak. He might break out with laughter and walk away. Should she even try? She was perfectly content in her own little world, doing it on her own. She could get along fine without taking lessons, couldn't she?
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Post by blake williams on Mar 25, 2008 19:45:31 GMT -5
He nodded as she spoke, lowering his hand, it was getting tiring hold it up there. The smile maintained when he thought about what she had said; it was sweet, teaching little kids. He had decent patience, but he didn't have the time, or enough patience, to do it regularly. If someone asked for help, he could give it but not all the time. That's cool. I never had enough patience, but I'd try... He chuckled slightly, hoping she would get what he would mean, he wasn't some jerk who didn't want to help, he just got flustered easily with younger kids.
So, unlike him, she had picked a horse before the lesson. I took a lesson, Kayden's a pretty cool guy. He'll probably suggest a different horse if you wanted to do Eventing, but if you just wanted to hone your skills, I'm sure he wouldn't mind. He shrugged his shoulders, personally, he didn't care what a person rode, as long as it got the job done. But, don't take my word for it. He flashed her another smile, his eyes brightening a bit. I haven't found a horse yet, but I think Kayden is purchasing a horse he'll want for me to use in lessons. Curiousity was taking over his mind, he didn't really understand her reasoning behind the pony. If you don't mind me asking...why did you pick a pony? |
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Post by nicole-lynn tamers. on Mar 25, 2008 20:14:32 GMT -5
So maybe this trainer wouldn't have too much to say about her choice in a mount. Maybe a lesson wouldn't hurt - not that she saw much of a point. She didn't think this pony could make it over a 2'6" in his age, not even considering his size.
So Blake had it good, it seemed. It sounded like he got along with the trainer, and he was even selecting a horse for him to ride.
"Wow, hand-selected by the trainer? That must mean he likes you."
She smiled at his question, but wasn't quite sure how to answer. In her mind, she knew exactly why she chose Streak. But trying to reiterate it... she wasn't sure she could do it in a coherant way.
"I don't really know. At home, all I did was ride ponies like this one. And, this may sound childish - but five minutes after getting here I was reidiculously home-sick. So, I figure he could be my little taste of home."
She gave the pony another pat as he continued to stand quite patiently.
"I know it sounds kinda dumb."
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Post by blake williams on Mar 25, 2008 21:04:32 GMT -5
Laugh echoed out of his throat as she mentioned hand-selected. He didn't think it that, he saw it as Kayden buying a horse for a lessons, and maybe the horse being right for him, maybe not. Well, we got to see if the new horse he wants to buy even gets along with me. Never in his 4 years had he had a horse that didn't get along with, some got along better than others, but none every truely disagreed. After he spoke, his shifted his weight, bending the opposite leg now, his Nike tennis shoe scuffing up a little cloud of dust.
Head looked back up to her, listening as she spoke. It didn't sound ridiculous, he missed his old home, but he wouldn't call it homesickness, and he liked the opportunities here much better. It's not ridiculous or dumb, I've done a lot of things out of habit here, even though it may seem...abnormal or weird to other people. He wasn't sure if he really had, but it may make her feel better, who knew. Where do you call home? |
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Post by nicole-lynn tamers. on Mar 25, 2008 21:21:15 GMT -5
That was a funny question - where did she call home? Well, she knew where, like literally. But she never really felt at home there. Unless she was riding, anyway. She would answer his question in the literal sense though, or maybe just about the barn.
"Just in eastern New York. It's no place special... but I spent more time at the barn than I ever did at home."
And oh, how she regreted that now. She had hardly gotten to know her little sister, who had just turned five years old. And her parents - well, lets not even get into them yet.
"How about you?"
She almost felt weird asking him that question, even though he had just asked her the same one. She knew it brought up weird feelings for her, so she imagined it would have the same effect on some other people as well. Hopefully Blake wasn't one of those people, and she wouldn't in any way offend him with her question.
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Post by blake williams on Mar 27, 2008 15:10:57 GMT -5
Hand reached out and gently knodded against his head, up towards his poll, giving him a good scratch. He felt bad that he had kind of ignored the pony, but the pony didn't seem to mind, yet. It was only a matter of time before he realized he wasn't getting any attention. Blake's attention, however, was focused on Nicole. Eastern New York, he had never been to the Eastern part, only the western part. He gave a nod. I've been to New York City, and Syracuse, but I don't think anywhere close to the eastern side. The city being the closest part.
He didn't like the city, any city really except for Chicago. He loved Chicago. Not sure why except that he could ride a train into it. I live in a suburb, close to Chicago, but far enough away. But, I like Chicago. He gave a small shrug of his shoulders. He wasn't close with his family, his friends were jerks, not him, but just jerks in general. He couldn't say he missed many people, only some of the horses he rode, and the people who owned him. Gaze shifted from the girl back to the horse..pony. Are you positive I'm not interrupting?
They had been talking for a few minutes, he was suprised the pony had been so good. |
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Post by nicole-lynn tamers. on Mar 27, 2008 19:33:28 GMT -5
"I've never been to Chicago... never been much of anyplace really."
The furtherest she'd ever been was Massachusetts, and that wasn't even too much of a hike. Just to see her dad after the divorce. She never went back.
Streak stepped to the side, tossing his head a little bit before moving back to where he had been standing. Nicole gave him a pat, knowing that standing with her weight on his back was probably hard for him.
"No, not interupting at all. I think Streak would just like for me to lose some weight before I get on him again."
She really wasn't overweight at all, but to the 13.1 hand pony, she might as well be the jolly green giant. She did feel a little bad, but knew that most of the pony's moving was him just being a ham, wanting to either be back in his stall or at least being admired.
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Post by blake williams on Mar 27, 2008 21:22:40 GMT -5
Chicago is nice, I'm biased, but I'm a firm believer that's it's the best. He let out a small laugh, his hand continuing to mindlessly play with the pony, hoping to keep him occupied, he was enjoying his conversation with Nicole. She was funny, enjoyable to talk with, and she had an interest in horses. He looked up at her as she spoke, lose weight? Her? He had to laugh out loud. You definitely don't need to loose weight. Like most girls here, she was skinny, so it seemed from her just sitting up there on Streak. Well, do you want to finish riding Streak? If she wanted him, he would wait till she was done, like he thought before, he enjoyed talking with her.
[eww, sorry, its a bad post] |
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Post by nicole-lynn tamers. on Mar 28, 2008 20:43:50 GMT -5
She let out a small laugh as well, now regreting her decisions not to travel. Of course there were pleanty oppurtunities to tag along on road trips with her older friends, but she never really found the idea appealing. Now, she wished she had at the least been to Chicago, so she'd have something to say about it.
She didn't need to lose weight? Well, Streak had a few opinions on that matter, she was sure. And luckily for her, she usually had the opposite problem - needing to gain it. She used so much energy during a normal day that most of the food she did eat was quickly burnt off, and the rest was simply devoured by her metabolism.
She glanced down at Streak, knowing he was about to reach his boiling point. She should finish him up and put him away, but she didn't want to make Blake feel like he had to leave or make him wait out by the ring. So she had an idea.
"Yeah, I guess I should finish up with him. Would it be easier to meet somewhere else afterward?"
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