Post by grebe on Sept 15, 2012 6:40:07 GMT -5
The dark-haired girl walked into the cobbled yard, holding the strap of her messenger bag to her hip. The bag contained her almost new riding hat, her jodhpurs, her boots and chaps. Her hair was up, which was quite rare for the sixteen-year old, and in a low but fashionable ponytail, so her hair stretched down her back, curling slightly in waves. Horses poked theirs heads over the stable doors, dropping hay from their mouths as they chewed. A small little black pony whinnied to her. Smiling, she walked over and greeted him, stroking his velvety muzzle. [yellow]I'm afraid you're far to small for me to ride.[/yellow] Giving him one last pat, she turned and walked to an open door on the other side of the yard, seeing an office. She picked up the pen and gave her signature. The owner here knew her well, so she felt no need to be around to supervise.
Kate changed quickly, and glanced at the list again. Gillian. Gillian, it turned out, was a huge 18hh dark bay gelding with a bit of a mean streak, according to the paper, and in the far stable on the left of the office. Slipping on her hat, she took the gelding's tack and hung it over the stable door, and took her first look at the horse she was riding. He was a Danish Warmblood, and 9 years of age, the owner had asked if Kate could take him out on a hack and start de-spooking him a little. Entering the stable, she heaved the heavy saddle onto his back, slapping him lightly on the nose as he reached around to bite her. [yellow]No.[/yellow] She said firmly. His bridle went on no problem, and soon Kate was mounted and squeezing him out past the arena, which was empty. Allowing a little time to warm up, soon they were enjoying the spring sunshine and cantering down smooth tracks in the surrounding woods. It was so peaceful out here.