&& our first ride here ;; [open]

[jumpergurl78]

Brittany with her short stride; strolled into the barn- as the sweet smell of hay and horses filled her nostrils as she walked to the first stall in the barn- where Avanti, her young thoroughbred mare, hung her grey head from the stall and stuck out her nose awaiting treats. Brittany stiffled a small laugh; as the tall slender mare nudged at the pockets of her jeans; alright, alright; yes I've got treats The young mare always knew. Brittany lightly shook her head while another laugh escaped her lips. She pulled a peppermint from her front pocket and unwrapped the clear candy wrapped and held her hand out for the mare. Avanti lipped the treat off her hand and quickly crunched the tiny piece to slivers and swallowed it. Brittany bent over and lightly kissed the mares soft velvety nose; and inhaled a tiny smell of fresh minty breath.

I'll be back in just a minute girl, she said to her loving mare as she gave her a quick rub on the nose then strode off down the barn aisle to gather her grooming supplies and tack. She turned back a moment and saw the tall mare bobbing her head for more treats and more attention. Brittany smiled; she loved this mare with every inch of her body. She walked into the large spacious tack room; as her paddock boots clicked along the concrete floor. She scanned the room briefly before spotting her large dark blue tack trunk against the back wall. She strode over to it and kneeled over; she quickly spun the combonation lock and swiftly opened the padlock. She pulled her grooming box from the spacious trunk and set it on the floor; then pulled her saddle and Avanti's bridle out- and then she close and locked her trunk again.

She strode out in the aisle and saw the mare; and Avanti nickered seeing Brittany emerge from the tackroom. A smile lingered over the young teen's lips; as she walked down to her. She set her things down and hung ther bridle on the hook on the thoroughbred's door. She unlatched the door with the mare's leather halter in hand- and slipped in over her large head. Then walked her out into the aisle an attached her to the crossties that lay silent against the aisle walls; she picked up one and attached it the left side of her halter;; then the same on the other and attached it to her right side.

Avanti was on crossties and ready to be groomed. The young blonde began with her black rubber curry comb; she worked swiftly over the mare's light grey/ hinted with buckskin coat. She brought all the dust pieces to the surface of the young mare's coat. She tossed the curry comb back into the royal blue groom box and picked up her- matching royal blue hard brush. She worked in short quick strokes and removed the dirt and dust pieces off the mare's coat; she was looking sparkly already- and Brittany wasn't even finished yet. She worked on both sides of the mare and groomed her with the hard brush. She placed that one back and pulled out her pink bristeled finished brush. The soft brisles removed and shine the mares coat as she moved the brush over it. Alright, I'm almost done girl; then we'll head out into the ring- She continued grooming Avanti for a few moments; the thoughts of hoping to meet someone knew lingered through her head. Maybe someone would come along and want to ride with her.

[Kristina Richards]

Another pair of paddock boots clicked down an aisle; they were paired with the tink, tink of a shoed hooves. A grunt came from the large chestnut mass. The pair was headed down to the indoor arena for a dresage workout. A nice ride it woul be, although it was the first ride, so there was bound to be spasms of bad behaviour here and there. Rust red threads swished as the arena loomed ahead, a grunt came from the velvety lips of the chestnut gelding.

As the limbs of each being crunched on the softened floor of the building, the auburn headed girl one-handedly strapped on her helm. It was something she hated wearing but obliged by the rules so she could ride. She tsk[/]ed her tongue lightly to keep her gelding moving. Hesitation led to spooking with her horse, and spooking led to him being stupid about her riding. She positioned him to a parked stance and lowered her irons. She sighed and feverently rubbed her forehead. This was going to be something else; she knew they were doomed to a bad first ride but she had to try anyway.

Sucking in air she tightened the girth a little more and raised her flexible legs; once her foot was lodged in the stirrup she swung the rest of her body on, with this motion her gelding picked his way foreward slowly at first. Grasping the reins by habit, she moved her right foot slightly foreward to catch her other stirrup. Back striaght, hands unmoving, legs guiding invisibly, and sitting back, Kristina Anne Richards began her first ride at Maybell Academy. Her breath slowing and relaxing she lightly guided her Hanoverian to the wall to warmup.

Hesitation and tensing rose through the gelding's muscles and this alerted Kristina quickley. She slid the bit with unmoving hands and squeezed her calves, his attention was wandering adn she had to keep it on her. "Come on Vennie, you know better." Urging the gelding on past the doorway they enetered, Kristina looked out longingly, hoping for a newcomer to stop by and ride with her.

[jumpergurl78]

She threw her last grooming brush back into her groom box, then she bent over and picked up her purple hoof pick. She calmly walked around to Avanti- and gave her loving rub on her nose- before going to her shoulder and running her hand down her leg; and slowly clicking her tongue to have her pick up her front left hoof. The mare easily lifted her hoof and Brittany held her hoof in her hand and easily cleaned it of shavings and dirt. She repeated the same process of cleaning each hoof; with the other three; and cleaned them of their shavings and dirt. She finally finished the fourth hoof- and placed it back down on the ground.

She picked up her 16.5 sized brown leather saddle off the ground; and then held her lime green saddle pad in her hand and swiftly threw it up onto Avanti's back and adjusted it so it was just above her withers. She then gently sung her saddle up onto the tall mare's back. Avanti not even flinching; the mare had been so good to Brittany- even through her issues of being short. Brittany adjusted her saddle so it was set just perfectly on her back; then pulled her girth off the floor and went around to her right side and slipped the un-elastic side of the girth up about three holes.

She then; walked around the mare's left side and pulled the girth under her lean stomach- which wasn't fat- it was all muscle; she'd been working hard in her training with Avanti lately. Brittany pulled the girth up three holes on this side too; the girth just about perfect now. She'd check it and tighten again when she went out into the ring. Now her saddle was done; she'd had the girth, saddle pad etc.

She walked back to her groom box; and retrieved two lime green front leg polos. She bent down; and wrapping from the inside of her leg to the outer part. She put the left front wrap on first, and then secured in with the outer velcro. She did the same with her right front wrap then secured in with the outer velcro. Brittany then stood up and wiped some jeans off of her knees;; and adjusted her black suede half chaps that rested just under her knee bones.

She undid the crossties from Avanti's leather; name plated halter; then unclipped her halter and tossed it off to the side into her groom box; the mare was still unphased at the sounds; that's why she loved the mare so much, She was her pride and joy. She had Avanti's bridle in hand; and as soon as she slipped off her halter- she slid the bit into the large grey's mouth and then pulled the head piece over her ears. She did up the throat latch and then pulled the mare's reins over her head and was ready to head out. As she walked the mare down the barn aisle- she hand the reins entwined around her arm- while she slipped her all black velvet helmet on and buckled it up.

She walked the mare down the path to the outdoor jumping arena; It was set up for show jumping- but she'd just lower the jumps and make them hunter height- around her 2'6" and 2'9" heights. She walked in the gate to see another rider already out there on a large chestnut horse- who looked of some type of sport horse breed. She closed the gate and walked Avanti to the center of the ring. The light grey/ buckskin hinted mare- perked up her ears at the other horse. Brittany gave a light warning tug on the mare's to know that there wouldn't be any horse play today- they strictly need to work on their schooling.

Avanti brought her attention back the young blonde girl; and obeyed. Brittany went to the mare's right side and pulled the girth up one hole; then went around to the left and got it up another one hole- and she was set. She pulled down her stirrups and set the mounting block just under the left stirrup. She stuck her left foot in; and mounted up. She gathered her reins and began to walk the mare around.

Brittany shifted her eyes to the other rider on the chestnut horse- and gave a friendly greeting; Hey; I'm Brittany- and this is Avanti- she said patting the mare's grey neck and fixing her black mane. She let the mare walk on the rail to warm up before they'd push into any trotting work.

[Kristina Richards]

OOC:// We were in the indoor arena but no problem, we'll switch!

After the easy warm up in the indoor arena, Kristina decided that instead of dressage, the jumping arena called for some attention she guided the gelding to the middle and urged him to the door leading out. Her daring side urged her own and she clucked lightly keeping him moving to the door out of the arena. The gelding flared his nares and warned Kristina of the possible consequences of her daring action of testing. Some time or other the gelding would have to pass through these doorways with her on him, so why not test the first day?

Hooves crunching on the gravel toward the outdoor arena, the gelding swiveled his auds uncertain of his actions and the mind sitting atop of him. He let out a faint whinney of question; was his owner really thinking of how he could throw her in this situation, he was still young and he liked to play, the mere fun of bucking was the reactions of humans. His orbs of mocha flashed mischieviously. His pillars carried him to the entrace of the arena.

There sat the problem of Kristina's descion; there was a gate to the arena and it was not easily opened on top of a horse. Kristina sighed and gripped the reins tighter, the simplicity of the squeeze messanged the gelding to halt before the gate. Krisitna slid off irritated that her idea had come to actually getting off; the problem was that now, Ven would think they were done and try everything to get out of work now that she would have to remount and rid ehim harder than some of the dressage manuvers, after all, jumping wa shis second discipline, not the first.

Leading him through the gate, on the ground, Kristina urged him by pulling the bit a little foreward in his mouth. The chestnut twitched his audets but walked on sure footedly. Mocha orbs glancing at Kristina, the gelding moved on to the middle of the ring with the auburn haired child. He danced a little sideways but Kristina was ready for now. Her voice had a bark in it and she commanded he be still. "Veneticus! Stand still." Her voice was full of harshness, although there was still a tint of affection in the lyrics. The seventeen hand gelding stood still and eyed her with respect; knowing he was close to disappointing her, even though he was young he hated disappointment in Kristina's voice. His hanoverian breed urged him to do his utmost best.

Kristina nudged the mounting block with her toe and then stepped up to the gelding. "Easy, boy." She said lightly; her leg moved to the left iron and she swung herself snugly on. Gathering her reins she returned to a walk of the wall. A couple of rounds in here wouldn't hurt; especially if it was at a slight jog. Urging the horse up a slight prance erupted and motion surged through the masculine rusty body. Kristina kept him going and passed a wall which another walked up to. A grey mare -tinted with buckskin- was beside her.

The blonde's voice sounded, nice and welcoming. Kristina smiled at the company. As the seemingly thoroughbred and blonde entered and stood in the middle, Kristina watched; elegantly the rider swung into the saddle and set off infront of the first pair. "Hi, I am Krisitna, an my young gelding is Ven, his show name is pretty long so Ven is his name out of the curciut. It's nice to meet you, glad you joined the ride." Kristina had relief in her voice, even though practicing was nice alone, it was more fun with company. Hopefully Ven would be fine and the two could run the jumps together.

[jumpergurl78]

The grey mare beneath her easily moved forward onto the rail so they were a good length of strides in front of the other girl and her horse; who she'd found the girl's name was Kristina. Avanti had coming along such a long way since Brittany had bought her from her trianer; two years ago- when Avanti was only five years old. She knew that her mare; Avanti would be fine being here in the arena with another horse; but since she didn't know the other girl's horse well- she'd keep her distance between the other horse for now. As Brittany's vibrant green eyes; focused on Kristina as she spoke- she glanced down at Avanti every so often to make sure she was okay- when the girl finished speaking- Brittany added; It's nice to meet you- Ven looks like a spectacular horse, she said sweetly.

She hoped these to would in time end up being friends- as they both shared the amazing passion of riding horses. Obvious knowing that the two were in the jumping arena; but the question of wether Kristina and Ven did actually show jumping;; or hunter/ jumper- like Avanti and Brittany; would do while lowering the fences ;;; lingered around in her head. So she decided to not hold back and has ask away; So, do you an Ven compete in show jumping? Or are hunter// jumper? she asked smoothly; with the words rolling off her tounge. Brittany kept the mare walking as she then added to one of Kristina's previous responses; Yeah;; I'm glad I'm not riding by myself- although Brittany loved having alone time with Avanti to ride; and bond with her- right now being new to the school- and having some one to ride with and to make friends with- sounded like a good idea.

Brittany had now walked the mare almost 3 and a half laps at the walk; and she knew that the mare was more than warmed up and would have no problems working up at the trot now. Brittany used slight presure with her calves and pressed the mare up into a working trot. Avanti was very responsive to Brittany's leg;; and her voice too. So the young teen never really needed any artificial aids with this beautiful seven year old mare. As Avanti's strides took her around the ring at a floating pace;; Brittany posted effortlessly; with each of her strong powerful strides. Brittany turned her head over her shoulder to look over at Ven and Kristina; as she kept her pace at the trot- So; Kristina what grade are you in? she asked; the girl mounted upon the chestnut gelding looked as though she could be in the same grade or one higher or lower than Brittany.

The young teen's curly/wavy blonde hair flowed out of her helmet in her pony tail as she continued to trot around the arena- she used circles and serpentines; to avoid becoming to close with Ven and his rider. Another half time around the arena; and Brittany brought her barely blowing mare down to a walk and let her cool down for just a moment; on a long rein; and lovingly patted her neck with the palm of her hand.

[Kristina Richards]

Veneticus Ardor decided to have a bit of fun while in the arena with another horse. He nickered and gave a jump in his prance to pop Kristina foreward; this, however, was a failure. Kristina slid the bit through his mouth with the tiniest added pressure to her grip and urged him on to a full trot. She posted as well but it wasn't exactly normal for Venl because they did show jumping and dressage, posting wasn't really used but he was able to trot full and tolerate the posting for now. Kristina smiled slightly and nodded; the comment was complete truth, and Kristina already liked the girl, any comment to her horse was lovely. "Thank you! He's a good horse, spectacular but a big bratt!" She laughed and continued with her thoughts; "Your mare is a lovely color! And she is great looking through her gaits, well so far that I've seen." Kristina hadn't admitted she was jealous slightly of the lovely mare but she was happy with her man underneath her.

She squeezed her calves against the chestnut's girth and clucked, barely blowing she asked for a more extended trot than what he gave. A more lengthier stride would stretch him better than a regular trot. She kept her distance form the unkown mare and rider but allowed herself to pass or cut across when necessary; a couple of times she came close to the two, almost too close, but she was a flexible rider on a flexible mount and the two connected in the mind alot. "Oh we do a little show jumping, he's never done hunter/jumper but if that is what you need your jumps on, don't let us stop you. New things are best for Ven. But if he gets rowdy I'll slip out and watch you." Kristina smiled and stopped her equine in the middle. She stretched him out to a park which alot of saddle seat horses did; the only reason she did this with her warmblood was because it help alert a rider more easily if the horse was to move while you are dismounting or mounting.

Ven sighed and looked at the mare passing by he stretched his neck that way but dared not movce or he would face his loving owner's wrath. Kristina patted his neck and watched the other pair as well; she smirked and shook her head. "I think Ven has a crush on your mare, how cute." Kristina snickered and then licked her lips; a habit that left her using more and mroe chapstick than necessary. Her pink lips parted in a toothy, white smile. "I'm a senior this year, what about you?" Kristina looked around her; she thought about lowering the jumps but she wasn't sure what level or height Brittany needed.

Her own wavvy auburn hair was a mess under her helmet of ebon. She touched it lightly form the sides but the thick mass was hidden in the helm, little strands hung loosely in Krisitna's peripheal vision, though. She sighed, this would be fun and hoepfully she would make a new friend soon. "What height do you need the jumps on?" Kristina slid off and came to Ven's head. Under a whisper she addressed him; "Be good, just because I have gotten off twice doesn't mean you are done!" The chestnut perked his auds at her and gave what was percieved as an innocent look...with a devilish underside.

[jumpergurl78]

After Brittany had let the strong grey mare regain her breathe for just about half a lap; around the arena- she used a half turn and switched directions so that she could trot this way. She let Avanti check out her surroundings this direction for a just a moment; before squeezing lightly with her calves and pushing the lovely mare up into a trot. She moved her head over her shoulder to look at Kristina as she spoke momentairly. She heard her say how yeah; Ven was spectacular but he was a big brat. Brittany couldn't help but laugh- Avanti had her fair share of those days. As she commented on Avanti; She gave the mare a loving pat on her neck as she continued to post in her saddle; Thanks ; Although Avanti has her bratty days too though; she smiled then a small laugh escaped her lips. She'd trotted around with Avanti about 3 times now; and since she wasn't going to do to hardcore of a workout today- she'd go ahead and move up into the canter in a few moments.

She then moved Avanti up into the canter; when she did so- the young grey mare felt like she was floating, it was an amazing feeling. The pair moved around the arena as one; almost looking flawless; but Brittany always had a problem with her hands- whether it was keeping them to low; or putting them flat and instead of having her thumbs up towards the sky. When she heard Kristina say that she'd just hop off and watch; Brittany asked; Are you sure? I mean I don't want to kick you out or anything She said with a tiny laughed; then moved across the ring at a diagonal and completed a swift lead change; with the click of her rein; and the swish of Avanti's tail; they moved back out onto the wall this time in the opposite direction and other lead.

Brittany Avanti moved gracefully around the arena now in this direction; with swift four beat gaits. After a couple times around the arena in this direction; Brittany squeeze her legs; and sat deep in her saddle and slowly brought Avanti; the gorgeous grey mare; down to a smooth easy walk. When Kristina said that Ven had a crush on Avanti; she spoke; Awww- how sweet. Then she gave the mare another loving pat on her neck for being good so far.

The young blonde teen heard the other one say that she was a senior this year; and she nodded- I'm a Junior this year; she said with a small smile. So far she'd met two seniors. But no students in her own grade; oh well- she would meet some in time. As she asked what height she needed the jumps at- she thought if she wanted to work hard or not today; she thought she'd just go a little easy on Avanit; it only being there first ride together here. Can you put them up to like 2'3" or 2'6" ish, please she asked with a sweet smile on her face. Then picked up Avanti in a smooth sitting trot just to move her around a bit; before they went ahead and jumped.

[Kristina Richards]

Kristina laughed at the blonde’s words; it was ironic that horses were so similar to children, since Kristina wasn’t fond of kids; she was surprised she was intrigued by horses. Her white, toothy grin spread as she watched the other pair move as graceful as if they were merely floating and not punching the ground with sound hooves. Kristina patted her chestnut’s shoulder. Inwardly she addressed him; so very lovingly as well. “Aren’t you lucky? Perhaps you stall is next to the lovely Avanti?”

As the pair moved on to lead changes Kristina watched, almost regretting not doing dressage today, that was Ven’s best style. She sighed and moved over to one of the jumps; the large chestnut spooked and jerked himself from the small thing, compared to him. Kristina chuckled and shook her head, silly horse. “Chill, it’s just a jump, you know that!” She smoothed her hand down the gelding’s arched neck, his mocha orbs vibrant and attentive. Kristina smiled as Brittany confessed she didn’t want to kick them out; Kristina shook her head. “Well, I wouldn’t really let you,” She laughed and continued, “But if this big spook acts up I may leave you so I don’t cause trouble, although I doubt I’ll be out here long enough for that, I can’t work him too hard, at least for today, considering his trailer ride wasn’t exactly short.”

As the mare slowed and Brittany cooed at the suggestion of Ven’s crush, Kristina thought of how she had asked the owner to geld him… Well if that hadn’t have happened, perhaps the rare like colored mare and Ven could have had a brilliant foal, but then again, Vennie was too high strung already, it would be disaster if he were a stud. Kristina smiled again but kept her teeth hidden under her pink lips. “Maybe if Avanti ends up liking Ven back, they could go out to the pasture together, I mean, since he isn’t a stallion it wouldn’t be bad.” Kristina smiled and stroked her horse’s nares; so soft and velvety, she wished he was calm enough to ride without any tack, she wouldn’t take that risk though, not in a new place, and not while he was young and high on energy and lust. Her smooth hand fell form him and she trudged to the same jump, leading her horse behind her.

“We can go about 2”3, that will make it easy for Ven too, even though I think he may just step over them, or try to.” Kristina erupted in laughter, her horse’s legs were long, adding to his 17hh height, these jumps were too small for him to work hard but it was something new, and although he may get confused, it hopefully wouldn’t have too much of a bad affect on him, Kristina was sure he could do it though. She went from jump to jump adjusting them with Ven nosing about her and obviously bored with trying to spook and run off. Kristina smirked in victory; she enjoyed the fact that she had outlasted her rambunctious gelding.

After finishing up with the jumps, Kristina scrambled to position the box out of the way and over by the fence so they could jump without hazards. The chestnut Hanoverian stood still and patient; although he eyed the grey mare reverently. Kristina shook her helmed head and swung in the saddle lightly, she fixed her right stirrup; then she squeezed her calves and urged the chestnut forward. “Would you like to go first?” Kristina offered, knowing Ven would be eye balling the mare until the bit slid through his mouth, and really, Kristina found it cute that he had a crush on the mare, thank goodness he was a gelding.

[Annabelle Atwood]

ADMIN NOTE: This thread is very impressive. I've awarded each of you $50.

[jumpergurl78]

Brittany turned her head over her shoulder as she kept Avanti in an even sitting trot; that wasn't too bouncy. As she heard her Kristina say maybe that Ven and Avanti had stall next to each other; she added- I actually think they do! There was no horse in the stall next to her when I was at the barn earlier;; so you must've already been out here, Brittany said; with a smile stuck upon her face.

She shook her head lightly with a muffled laugh as Ven freaked at the jump- how horses could be so silly at things they encounter everyday. She brought the lovely mare back to a walk once agian; and waited a few feet away in the center of the ring as Kristina adjusted the fences. As she said she probably wouldn't have let Brittany and Avanti just kick them out of the arena. She just gave a nod; and then also heard her say that maybe Avanti and Ven could be pasture mates; she nodded again; then added- Yeah; I think that'd be great;; I'm sure Avanti would love that, she smiled. Then gave the large mare a loving pat on her neck; and flipped all of her black mane to one side.

The young blonde haired teen walked her mare in a small circle just to keep her mind occupied on something; while they gratefully waited for Kristina to finish setting the jumps up; to the 2'3" height. Yeah; 2'3" is fine; Besides I don't to work Avanti to hard on her first day here. As Kristina asked her if she wanted to go first or she wanted to let Ven go first; Sure; We'll go first; Brittany said ; nudging her heel lightly against Avanti's sides. She moved the mare up into a trot and heading out onto the rail; she then asked the mare up into a canter; and turned her head to find the distance to the first line of just two jumps; to warm up over. 4... 3... 2... 1... over;; Brittany told her self as the mare flew over the fence; and the young blonde teen moving into her jump position. Land; 1 .. 2 .. 3 .. 4.. over;; Brittany repeated to herself; the jump was set up as a four stride- and Avanti easily made it in that. The mare again soared gracefully over the fence; and landed with ease.

The pair cantered away from the fence; and Brittany rode slightly up in two point so it made it easier for the mare to move forward. She gave the mare a loving pat with each stride; until the happy mare tucked her head, and tripped over her own hooves. The mare quickly regained her composure but Brittany spoke; You goof; pick your head up as she gave a light jerk with the reins; and the mare quickly brought her attention back to Brittany.She came off the rail and pulled up beside Ven; and said Your turn- with a simple smile on her face. Ven you probably make those jumps look super easy.

[Kristina Richards]

OOc// Cool! Thanks Spunky!

Krisitna stroke'd her horse's shoulder while she waited for Brittany to start the round of jumps, surprisingly too few, only for warm ups... She smiled and chewed her lip; such a nasty habit she had to loose...what had she done before the habit, and why had she started it? Her mind was occupied and she didn't notice the horse fly that buzzed around her and the chestnut hanoverian. Krisitna hadn't kown that Ven's sideways jump had been coming; she had her hands low, almost touching his withers, and was looking out into space, when the mighty horse made the choppy lift, Krisitna was jolted and almost fell off from the unbalanced seat she had at that moment.

Nares were flared and a snort erupted from the chords of the gelding, Krisitna was wide eyed and looking aorund her for a clue to the reaction. When she lifted her foot and saw the ruffed hair, she knew something had bitten or stung the horse; what a baby he was. Krisitna giggled and squeezed her calves so he would focus on her now. Krisitna nodded at Brittany's comment about the pasturing; Krisitna bit her lip again and closed her eyes. "Don't let me push you in the mud!" Kristina laughed. "Just let me know if one of my ideas aren't to your liking, I won't mind." She said with laughter still ringing in her tone. Krisitna felt like a bully in a way; Brittany had gone along with everything she had said, hopefully she wasn't a big push over, Kristina knew bad only came form push-overs.

Re-focusing her mind, Kristina circled the gelding to keep him occupied and then watched as the other pair soared over the jumps beautifully; how Krisitna wished Ven looked that good jumping, he wasn't bad just not as experienced as he should be for a two-third three day eventer. Krisitna wouldn't deny it, she hated cross country so she refused for Ven to become a three day eventer. As the mare arched over the last jump, Krisitna sighed; they were too cute and awesome looking to deny them the props they deserved. AS they rode up, Kristina smiled; Now it's our turn... She wouldn't lie, she had nerves in a bundle becasue of the idiot Ven proved to be soemtimes, but he was very talented when he was focused, which was mainly in the real ring.

"That was awesome! Avanti is extremely talented, and so are you." Krisitna smiled and squinted at the jumps..."Well, Ven is good but not as experienced, so if he doesn't do well, he's not to blame, we just are more of the dressage pair than anyhting else." Krisitna urged the gelding on and held her breath. She straightened herself and breathed twice before urging the gelding to a lovely canter. SHe gave him his head, somewhat to let him flex a bit. As he neared the four-stride fence; two identical auds swiveled forward and locked onto the jump. 4...3...2...1! The pair soared over the obstacle easily; Krisitna grinning as she urged the chestnut on to the next, ever so encouragingly.

The gleding collected himself from the landing and pressed on to the next jump; his mocha orbs taking in every detail and his auds locating his next pop in the air. His mind was focused on Kristina and the jumps, he knew his job, but he kenw more of dressage, confusion of signals and unknown things were the only thing preventing his full potential; but he worked the jumps to his best just for his rider. Nearing the jump, the gelding gathered his back end and stretched into the air. The double oxer was low and he knew his land would be easy.

Kristina gave more rein as the gelding flexed out to the point of her hands possibly holding him too far back. She relaxed her grip and leaned forward. Her whole ride was going so very well, she thought nothing could happen, at all! She grinned as they soared over the last jump, a double oxer; how easy this would be. The jump was a bit early but nothing they couldn't handle. As the land neared and the horse's front end strained to the ground, the chestnut's back end pounded down; the force was surprising to both rider and horse. Having never felt this, the chestnut scrambled in the front, causing him to spread his legs in an awkward fashion; his neck stretched and it looked as if he was rooting for the bit. Krisitna was jolted to the side and lost her left stirrup; She desperately grabbed mane and lunged herself back straight. Her breath was sharp and her hands loose with the reins.

The horse regained his balance and stood, snorting and nervous. Krisitna was a tad nervous but more worried and confused; what had happened? The jump was small enough for the tiniest early jump to be fine, further more, was Ven alright? Question zoomed through her head and she tentively asked her horse to walk on. She murmured to him soothingly and directed him towards Brittany. Bewilered looks were obviously on the horse and human faces; Kristina blinked and stroked the gelding's should as far as she could reach; mean while the nares were furiously widening and his breaths were deep and unsure. Kristina stopped beside Brittany. "Did he look injured?" Her tone was serious but soft and worried. Nerves contracted in her body, her horse was her only concern, herself was fine, for now.