Post by violet on Feb 5, 2013 16:31:14 GMT -8
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"Honey!" Violet exclaimed, dodging yet another nip the young Thoroughbred sent her way. The sorrel's temperament was by far desirable, but she had tons of prospect as a hunter. Honey snorted in what Violet could only describe as a wicked way. It was still snowing when Violet had pulled up in her beat up Silverado, but she wasn't worried. It was early in the morning on a Tuesday, and she doubted anyone would be in the indoor just yet. When she'd first seen the four year old, it was at an auction with her former trainer. They'd been looking for some new prospects for lesson horses, but they hadn't expected to really find anything. But Honeyblood was something else. Her bascule was almost perfect, which was fairly rare in young, untrained horses. The mare was originally bred to race, but hadn't done nearly as well as her owners expected or hoped. But, when Violet saw the young mare jump (admittedly over jump) a few small fences with her back perfectly rounded, knees snapped up, and ears perked forward, she knew she had to have her. Honey still had the habit of over jumping, but she was young, and as far as Violet was concerned, it was a good thing. It meant the mare was brave, but cautious and smart. All solid qualities for a good show horse. Violet wasn't planning on doing anything extensive that day, just some walk trot canter, and maybe a few small cross rails. She'd taken a clinic with a famous "retired racehorse" trainer with Honey, and knew what she was capable of. And as much as she would have loved to tackle an oxer (or two) with Honey, she didn't want to push the four year old. They would have plenty of time.
Luckily, Violet's hunch had been correct, and the indoor was empty. As she turned to close the gate behind them, Honey landed another nip squarely on her forearm. "I should call you Blood instead of Honey" Violet remarked more to herself than the horse, rubbing the small welt that she couldn't see, but assumed was already turning a lovely shade of blue. Honey tossed her head, her rust colored tail swishing. Keeping a close eye on her horse, Violet went to work with the sorrel in tow, setting up a small cross rail off of the wall, and then two small fences spaced apart so she could trot in and canter out if she felt Honey was up for it. The small mare fidgeted after she mounted and began walking her, tossing her head and shying at all the "scary" new objects. Violet wasn't entirely convinced Honey was afraid of anything, but she had a hunch that the mare would take any opportunity to run. But, she'd ridden Honey quite a few times, and she was used to it. She knew the sorrel would relax once they started to canter. She performed her best when being allowed to move forward. Sure, it was possible that a novice rider would find it intimidating to just let the horse go when she was all wound up, but Violet knew it was for the best. She barely put her leg on the Honey before the mare shot forward at an ungainly trot, but slowly settled into it. Once they found a good rhythm, Violet took her around the arena both ways, getting Honey acclimated to the indoor. Once they started to canter, she lowered her head and softened herself, just as Violet knew she would. Interestingly enough, Honey carried herself very well for an ex racehorse. She didn't fall on her forehand like most racehorses tended to do, and carried herself evenly on all four legs. Reluctantly, Violet slowed the horse to a walk. She didn't want to tire Honey out before they even started jumping.
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