Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2012 12:36:33 GMT -5
Sierra Nevada and Beth Harvey
It was my first day of riding for Serendipity Hills, and I was nervous, but also excited. The tension was rising as I walked into the barn, my hat and crop by my side. My grey jodphurs carried no stains, and my blonde highlighted hair was tied back, with my full fringe laying perfectly on my forehead. As I entered, I looked at the notice board, with the training rota on it. Scrolling down the list, I found my name, next to a two-year-old filly for an 8am workout. 'Veda' was her name. I checked my watch and it was seven thirty five. Smiling, I followed the stables until I got to the stable with the gold engraved name plaque which stated 'Sierra Nevada', or 'Veda'. I smiled and entered her stall, to see her tack already on the rack waiting for me. The grey filly perked her ears and nickered to me, nudging my arm. I stroked her soft nose. Hi Veda, I said, the words slipping from my lips in a soft-spoken tone.
I smiled and carried her saddle over, placing it on her back. She didn't batter an eyelid. I reached down to do her girth up and the filly twitched. It was obvious she was a little bit ticklish. I finally managed to do it, and I got the bridge with an eggbutt bit and carried it over. I placed the reins over her neck and she accepted the bit with ease. I finished putting the bridle on. Making sure it was secure, I walked her out of the stable, picking up my hat and my crop along the way. I placed my crop in the belt of my jodphurs, and placed my hat firmly on my head. Walking her into the yard, I ra her stirrups down on either side. I walked her into the entrance of the track, to see Ivana stood there, a grin covering her face from side to side. Hello stranger, She said. My jaw dropped. Ivana? I said, pinching myself. You don't need to do that, silly. You aren't dreaming. She laughed, and came over, giving me a leg up onto the fifteen hands and three inch tall filly. We'll catch up after this, She said, as we walked onto the track. Beth smiled. What distance do you want me to do today? I said, walking the filly in circles to warm her up. She chomped on her bit and flickered her ears from side to side. I smiled and continued to listen to Ivana.
Ivana had been one of my best friends since the age of thirteen. She was fourteen, almost fifteen at the time, when we were working together at a riding school. I was her 'apprentice', if you put it that way. You're going to go over four furlongs today, Ivana said, smiling at me. I nodded and turned, trotting the filly up the track and around the bend at the Wire's dirt track. She snorted and held her head in nicely, her paces were energetic and lively. I stood in my stirrups and the filly rocked into a canter. I giggled and felt like I was flying. She continued round the bend and along the backstretch, and as we passed the five furlong pole, I leant forward and let the filly spring into an energetic gallop. I relaxed and let her run, and before I knew it we were powering down the back stretch. I grinned and pushed her forward, my arms beginning to work. I began to felt the burn but I pushed through it. I bit my lip and closed my eyes as we entered the bend, flying at thirty miles an hour. This was it, I was finally doing it - defying gravity on a half ton animal. As I flew down the stretch, Veda pulled me, and I pushed her. She picked up the pace and her hooves hit the dirt in canon. We flew under the wire and suddenly all tension was relieved. I pulled her up and cooled her off. Wow girl, you still got it, Ivana said. I watched you closely then, and for an 'apprentice', she giggled sarcastically between words, You've certainly shown me a glimpse of Serendipity Hills' future. She said. I smiled and patted Veda's warm neck. Well, thanks boss. I winked, dismounting and walking along side Veda and Ivana, chatting as we did so.
