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Post by Jazzi on Nov 30, 2006 12:20:00 GMT -5
Carefully, Cadence slipped between the fence rails of the North Hunter Ring and jogged over the arena sand to the center where a series of 3'4 - 3'6 jumps were set.
Working silently, she lowered each to around 2' - 2'3, then made her way to the eastern side of the ring. Climbing the fence, she sat on the top rail, gray gaze sweeping over the course.
It started with a small oxer that lead up to a three-stride double vertical, then made a sharp left onto a two-stride double cross-rail, which lead to a four-stride double oxer, which was basically the hardest, though it was not that challenging.
Basically, Cadence wanted to get to know the pair, Ally and Licorice, since she did not know them all too well. Silently, she waited for them. |
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Post by Sudsies on Dec 3, 2006 20:41:45 GMT -5
Ally led Licorice up to the ring entrance, halting the mare beside her as she stopped to open the gate. Licorice, whose energy had been restored due to the short rest she had recieved, shook her head and whinnied impatiently. The girl glared at her pony for a moment, then sighed and led the mare into the ring, closing the gate behind her. Her gaze swept briefly over the course that Cadence had set up, her mind already riding it. Licorice eyed the jumps as well, snorting with contempt. -You be good, you hear me?- Ally whispered into her pony's ear, before mounting the 14'hh mare with ease.
Nudging the pony forward, the pair walked over to where Cadence was sitting atop the fence. -Hey,- she greeted the older girl, suddenly very nervous. What if she messed up? What if Cadence thought she was so awful, she wouldn't want to be her coach. The fifteen-year old gulped back those thoughts and continued. -What would you like me to start out with?- |
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Post by Jazzi on Dec 4, 2006 22:06:01 GMT -5
Cadence smirked, well-mindfully, and brushed some sand off of her khaki breeches before letting her gaze sweep the course, contemplating it for a moment.
Slowly, she made her mind up, then turned and faced the pair of anxious riders.. erm, rider and horse.
Hmm, just warm her up really quick, then take the whole course, I suppose. No good holding you back on such an easy course, if I want to get to know your skill,
she said, shrugging slightly as she leaned back, bracing against the fence with her hands. |
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Post by Sudsies on Dec 6, 2006 19:11:28 GMT -5
Ally nodded, turning Licky away from the fence and pushing the mare into a trot. Licorice shook her head, lowering it and trying to snatch the reins from her riders grip. Ally tightened her hold on the mare slightly, using a half halt to try to get her mare to listen to her. She took a minute to warm her pony up, cantering and trotting circles in both directions until the mare began to listen. Then, feeling confident, Ally turned the dark bay towards their first jump, a small oxer.
Licorice cantered easily up to the jump, her ears pricked and alert. Ally counted strides, lifting slightly out of the saddle and giving the mare a release as the pair took the first jump. She collected her reins again, holding back to prevent her pony from rushing. "Three, two, one..." Ally counted under her breath and was taken off balence as Licorice chipped another half stride in before the vertical. Falling behind her horse, Ally caught Licorice in the mouth slightly as the mare jumped, though they landed fine, collecting and continuing their pace. Turning slightly late, Ally pointed Licorice towards the cross-rail, just having enough time for a pair of short strides. Ally breathed a sigh of relief, trying to calm her shaking hands. Eyes serious, she turned towards the last jump, a double oxer. Sensing her riders hesitation, Licorice slackened, her canter strides becoming uneven. Ally urged her on, feeling the mare preparing to run out. Supporting the pony with her leg, Ally kept her in a straight line and they got over the last jump in good style.
Ally cantered Licorice in a circle before letting the mare fall into a trot, then walk. "Good girl," she said, reaching down to give the mare a quick pat on the neck. They had been far from perfect, but at least they had gotten around the course. Then again, Ally thought grimly, If they had their problems with jumps of only this height, what would be the result when the jumps became higher. Shaking unwanted thoughs from her mind, Ally guided her pony over to Cadence, awaiting to hear what she thought. |
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