To Jump Or Not To Jump?

[Kitty Kat]

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иυтмєg

A late afternoon is always a great time to sit and relax or maybe do something special for yourself or for someone close to you. In this case I'm doing something special for my horse, Sugarfoot, my true love even though he can be such a pain at times. I had been promising over and over to myself that I would by him a new jumping saddle that would fit better on him since his other one was a bit to small. I would have got it sooner but I just didn't have the money after I finished building the academy.

I was alone right now, most of the staff either working or out riding there horses will it was still nice out. I sat on the floor with my legs crossed staring at my laptop screen. I had been through four saddles already and I didn't like anyone of them so I just kept looking. I pulled up a HDR Show Jumping Saddle. I likes the hazlenut coloring but I didn't really like how the seat looks, it looked real flat and I liked the seat to sink in just a bit.

I pulled up a HDR Rivella Elysee Saddle. It was very nice another hazlenut but this time a combination of dark and light coloring. The seat fell in just a bit, just the way I like it. I started to read a bit; Special French leather, Easy to oil calf leather, Long lasting channel stitching, and Air cushion knee pads. I really liked his it looks and everything so I saved it under my favorites for later so I could compare them.

I clicked on Silver Fox All Purpose Saddle Padded Flap. It was a black saddle. The first thing I didn't like was how forward the saddle flat/knee roll was and how the skirt stood out and I knew that would bother me. I shook my head and clicked back so I could start looking at more saddles. There had to be one that I liked that would fit Sugarfoot.

I found another saddle, HDR Cesar Almeida Jumping Saddle(Flocked). It was a beautiful smooth havana color that I just loved. It had a 16.5 wide one just perfect for Sugarfoot and his wide body. It had a slightly deep seat just the way I like it and even though the Skirt stood out it was more in the front so it wouldn't bother me. Clocking my favorites I saved the saddle and smiled happily.

At the sound of a door I looked up from my laptop and looked around. "Hello?" I called out curious who it was. My blue eyes shawn softly as they switched around the living room.

Puppet.s. Marci Nutmeg ;; Reach To The Top &&
Tag.s. Totally Open &&
Moo.d. In search. Curious. Loving &&
Mus.e. Full &&
Outfi.t. &&
Note.s. I got bored and needed to do a little rp since I got tired of making boards... &&

[eclipse]

Leonardo Samuel Honeyset
romeo take me somewhere we can be alone,
i’ll be waiting all theres left to do is run.
you’ll be the prince and i’ll be the princess,
its a love story baby just say yes.

"Easy up boy. " the soft words escaped the young mans lips without concious thought as the stallion shifted his weight and pulled lightly against the cross-ties. Honestly, he was so impatient. The black coat already glistened deep ebony, the tails and mane soft as silk against his muscular neck, but still Leo continued to run the brush along his body. He knew it was something calming and relaxing to both human and horse.

Kalona tossed his crania and snorted, shifting his weight again. Seemed he'd had enough of this malarky and wanted to be back in his stall, or more likely, tearing it up in a field. He was a pretty wild chap when he wanted to be, and though Leo was a lot different, he still suited the animal undoubtably. Leo tossed the brush lightly into his grooming kit and picked up the hoofpick. This would be the most difficult part of grooming. Kalona could be a stubborn beast, and often refused to allow his feet to even be picked up, yet along picked out.

Leo strode confidently to his front left leg and slid his hand gently down the length until he reached his fetlocks. Lightly, Leo tugged at the foot and pushed his shoulder slightly against the stallions shoulder to encourage him to lift his hoof. Kalona snorted but obeyed, he was always a sucker for respect and gentle handling, and that was always what Leo did. But it was never easy, Leo being picking at the hoof and felt the sudden pressure of the stallion as he lent against him. This showed two things, one that it was a sign of trust, and secondly, that he was making it difficult for Leo. Once the hoof was done, Leo put down the hoof and stood up with a resigned sigh, already feeling the ache in his back for supporting the creatures weight.

He moved onto the other feet in the same fashion, and once the feet where done, Leo packed up his kit and untied the stallion, who now looked incredibly bored and restless. He took the lead and tugged him gently back down the isle to his stable led him inside, pulling off his halter. Leo shut the door as Kalona circled the stable and turned to face the door, and hung up the head collar on the hook by the door. Leo shut the door and slid the bolt home before picked a treat out of his pocked and offering it to the mighty stallion. His lips tickled as they lipped up the treat and with a last pat, Leo left the barn.

He hadn't have a chance to introduce himself to the head mistress yesterday, but had only had time to settle in Kalona before going to sleep. Now, however, was a more decent time, and he had seen the woman heading into the staff quarters earlier that morning. Now, he directed his feet toward the large brick building, and with a nervous sigh, he entered the main building. There was a long corridor of doors, each leading off into a different room. So far, Leo only knew him and Marci as the teachers here, and he wondered vaugely if anymore where hidden within the rooms. No time to find out. Leo found Marci's door and gave it a gentle knock, and it wasn't long before he heard a small and curious 'Hello?' within the room. Leo took the handle and gently pushed the door open, popping his head round curiously.

It was a little bit of a shock to see a young, beautiful girl sitting and balancing a laptop on her legs. Leo had never worked at a school before, but at his old boarding school, all the teachers had been old and strict. Marci here seemed much younger and carefree. Leo was suddenly concious of his messed hair, strands of mahogany, gold and honey, and was sure a few peices of hay stuck to his simple t-shirt and jeans. He was hoping, later, that he would be able to take Kalona out for a ride, for he was unsure if the head misstress wanted him to do anything.

" Hey there, I'm Leo Honeyset. The new instructor. " Leo introduced himself gently, his deep voice unsure as he hesitated in the doorway. He was confident, sure, but not overly-confident, and often had trouble speaking to high authoritive figures. Girls? sure no problems, he was a decent, honest guy and girls liked that. Boys? Yeah, he liked making new friends, and he was a bit of a joker anyway. But authority? Naw, he wasn't great at talking to people who where high in status.

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Muse ~ quite good
Puppet/s ~ Leo and Kalona
Comments ~ Done my post!

[Kitty Kat]

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Light blue orbs glanced up to meet vivid emerald green ones that were properly of a young mans. He was younger but not by to many years, maybe five or six years younger. He was a tall man looked around six foot one maybe six foot two. His body a nice light tan. Locks of golden blonde/ highlighted with mahogany, it was messy to but that didn't bother me much. My hair itself was messy up in a pony tail and I was just wearing my comfy clothing but I wasn't bothered by that I was a pretty relaxed person.

Now what people get wrong about me is they think because I'm young and pretty I always need help but thats not true at all. I've almost never taken the help from anyone since I'm that kind of person who likes to do it there self and have people do it may way. I'm what they call a perfectionist but a lot of people also label me boring since they think all perfectionists are boring but thats not true at all.

Clearing my head by blinking my eyes I took my laptop away from me and put it on my bed so I could get up. "It's nice to finally meet you Leo. How is Kalona settling in?" I guessed quickly that Leo knew who I was and I knew who he was and who his horse was since I had done night feed since we had no stable managers currently. I walked toward the door and stood a few feet away from him.

I didn't treat Leo like another teacher I treated him like he was a friend. I didn't like feeling like an authority figure, its why my students called my Marci instead of Ms. Nutmeg. And yes in one point of my young life I was married but I was seventeen and it only lasted two months. It was a long time ago so I didn't really talk about it. Shaking myself mentally I looked back at Leo focusing on him.

Puppet.s. Marci Nutmeg ;; Reach To The Top &&
Tag.s. Clipsy &&
Moo.d. Relaxed. &&
Mus.e. Full &&
Outfi.t. &&
Note.s. &&

[eclipse]

Leonardo Samuel Honeyset
romeo take me somewhere we can be alone,
i’ll be waiting all theres left to do is run.
you’ll be the prince and i’ll be the princess,
its a love story baby just say yes.

"Pretty well, he's eager to be out and tearing it up in the field. " Leo smiled his boyish grin, as he watched Marci put down her laptop and stand up. The room was light and airy, and led into several other rooms which Leo couldn't see from his place by the door.

Leo watched as the sunlight poured in through the glass window and dappled the carpet, dust motes playing in the light. It was a gorgeous autumn day, and Leo hoped Kalona wasn't going to be too nutty on his ride later. Leo was the best rider for Kalona, 'coz he suited him so perfectly, but the stallion still had his off-days, and at times, he could be a right devil to control. Infact, Leo was often known to have to change his three-ringed bit to something stronger, even the martingale didn't help at times. Leo knew that being couped up in the horsebox yesterday, and in his stable this morning was not going to improve his mood.

But Leo would worry about that later. Right now, Leo wondered what Marci was like. Sure, she was the head mistress, but she looked and seemed pretty nice compared to other headteachers. Leo knew he'd like to get to know her better, and he suddenly had a thought.

" Hey, i was thinking of riding Kalona out on one of the trails later, would you like to accompany me?" Leo asked politly. He knew it migth seem odd, two teachers riding out together, but to be honest, he liked to get to know the people he was working with and create bonds out of friendship and trust, much like with a horse and his rider, and he hoped he'd be able to do that with Marci.

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Muse ~ alright
Puppet/s ~ Leo
Comments ~ none

[Kitty Kat]

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A smile formed over Marci's red lips as she listened to Leo. She couldn't help but think of Sugarfoot when he was much younger and way more spunkier, not saying he is old but man did he has attitude when he was younger. "Reminds me of Sugarfoot when he was just a little colt. As soon as you let go he was gone and there was no stopping him until he tired himself out." Marci giggled with a bright friendly smile. She glanced around her large room that was warm and cozy, quiet and dying for a new animal to mess it up!

Marci Always wanted a dog she just never got around to buying one but maybe this year she would look around for a puppy, something like a blue heeler. She loved that breed it was very pretty, intelligent and everything she wanted but they cost a bit of money. Turning herself back to Leo Marci smiled.

The question that slapped Marci in the face made her pay more attention to her wandering mind. "Hmm.." She pondered tapping a finger on her check as she though about it. "Well Sugarfoot gets pretty up out on the trails but that little butt needs a good run." Marci paused, closed her eyes and took a breath. "Sure. Sugarfoot needs the work and I bet he will be a thousand times better with someone else there." She said, a smile moving from ear to ear as she looked down at her watch before glancing up at Leo.

"So, as you know I do almost every kind of riding imaginable since I'm crazy.... What do you do? I know you do eventing but that else?" Marci asked very curious. She was always fascinated on what others learned so she liked asking questions whether it was horse related or not.

Puppet.s. Marci Nutmeg ;; Reach To The Top &&
Tag.s. Clipsy &&
Moo.d. Relaxed. &&
Mus.e. Full &&
Outfi.t. &&
Note.s. &&

[eclipse]

Leonardo Samuel Honeyset
romeo take me somewhere we can be alone,
i’ll be waiting all theres left to do is run.
you’ll be the prince and i’ll be the princess,
its a love story baby just say yes.

Leo watched Marci curiously. She had that faraway look in her kind eyes that others usually got when they had other things on their mind. But what did he know? He barely knew Marci. He smiled lightly as she thought about riding with him, guessing that Sugarfoot was the only other horse he'd seen around which wasn't a riding school horse. Yeah, that cheeky animal was stabled beside Kalona, who didn't exactly seem to happy to be stabled beside him but, ah well, Kalona would have to get over it.

" Alright. Erm .. what time d'ya fancy going? " Leo asked, the timetable here was one he needed to get used to. For students had to come to him to book in for lessons rather than an automatic timetable, which meant his schedule would never be solid. Not that Leo minded that much, it just meant he wouldn't be able to plan ahead too much. Meh, there wasn't really anyone who knew who he could plan with! It just meant that any shows he wished to take Kalona too would need lotsa planning and all that.

" Well eventing is pretty much it really. I was taught dressage and showjumping specifically, but when i was assigned Kalona to ride, i found he loved to jump fallen logs and such on hacks, so i started riding cross-country too. I do know some basic western riding, but i've been focused on eventing for so long now. I know it's not really riding but back at my school they where strong believers in herbs, remedies and horse-whispering, so i guess i know quite a lot about the old ways, and trust excerises and such. But ... " Leo shrugged. He'd always been about eventing. The thrill, excitment, stress. Loved everything about every bit. But he hadn't evented proffessionally for about a year. Inbetween finnishing boarding school and working here, he'd done a bit of proffessional stuff, and it had been everything he'd dreamed .. that was until Kalona had tripped on the landing of a jump, pitched him off, and landing pretty damn hard on Leo's torso. Ouch! He hadn't done anything proffessional since, and now he didn't have the time. But who cared, this was what he wanted to do now. Kalona just got freaky excited at big events, it was a wonder Leo didn't get flung off before. But it was weird, becuase though people had seen him ride, and some recognised him vaugely, he never told his family about the accident, nor showed anyone the horrific scar that ran the length of his hip bone. The rest of the injuries where healed .. enough.

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Muse ~ alright
Puppet/s ~ Leo
Comments ~ none lol.

[Kitty Kat]

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Marci twitched her nose as she though. Light blue eyes drifted away from Leo glancing around the room at all her pictures of her riding horses. There was a picture of Licorice my others horse, then there was me jumping Chance competitively, she was one of my moms horses to, then a picture of my dad reining Thunder, then last a picture of Sugarfoot when he was just two years old. Marci glanced farther down the wall till she saw a picture of her and her sister being silly, it was amazing how much they looked alike.

Remembering Leo was there Marci turned and smiled. "I'm good for any time. I don't have anything planned for later, just seeing Perfection to make sure she is settling in well since she is a bit up and frightened by the new place. Marci explained, resting a hand on her hip as she smiled happily. She had just recently gotten Perfection and the mare was defiantly going to need some work. Marci got her because she knew the mare wouldn't sell unless it was a slaughter house and she knew once the mare had some basic ground work placed back into her life she would start her way back to recovery. Marci even put the mare up for lease since she knew some help would be needed.

A sweet smile spread across Marci's face as she listened to Leo talk. It was so interesting to know what other people where like, what they liked riding, the kind of horse they like. "Yeah. I do a lot of eventing to but just like you I originally trained in Show Jumping plus Dressage. Use to be undefeated when I was a little kid but then again the horse I rode was well behaved and listened all the time and Sugarfoot... He's a butt!" Marci laughed as she finished off talking and smiled happily.

Puppet.s. Marci Nutmeg ;; Reach To The Top &&
Tag.s. Clipsy &&
Moo.d. Happly! &&
Mus.e. Full &&
Outfi.t. &&
Note.s. &&