Post by Caroline Taylor Grever on Apr 18, 2013 15:48:39 GMT -8
Caroline Taylor Grevers
I ran my outside down to Manders shoulder, balancing his shoulder, then squeezed with my right calf encouraging a stretch in stride. My hair was pulled back into a tight pony tail, now kissing my back with every post. He swished his tail in protest, insisting he was done.
I again squeezed my calf, this time pulling a little tighter on my outside rein all the while flexing him to the inside, though instead of stretching out his step, he tossed his head in protest; escaping the pressure.
There really was no middle ground with him though this should not surprise me as Manders had never been the type of stud to negotiate. I let out a hiss, the sharp noise escaping my teeth. To others, I would probably look like I was imitating a cats snarl, however to Manders it meant he was about to get a boot if he didn't move up into the bridle.
I noticed his ears flick back in my direction, noticing my threat and graciously lowering his head in thanks, as if to acknowledge that I had warned him this time instead of just punishing him. When we clicked, we really worked well. His stride extended and I felt my body get more and more pushed out of the saddle. His neck was round and his back end was powering his front, giving him momentum with each stride.
At the next corner I slide my right leg back, flexing his head to the inside and giving a soft kissing noise to him. His tail swished as it always did on this cue, and his body powered into a collected canter. Each stride I squeezed my legs, encouraging him to increase his speed.
Though, our moment of equality was quickly ended a bird retreated from a tree and broke Manders concentration. His body flew sideways nearly four feet and my hands went white from gripping onto his mane. "Commander!" I yelled yanking my bit back and sitting deep in the saddle waiting for his body to halt.
He stopped, bending his neck towards my pressure but pushing his body away from the monsterous bird. I was half way between smacking him as hard as I could on the rump for letting a bird wreck the only moment of tranquility we had ever had in an outdoor arena, and hugging him for not rearing and trying to kill me. "Whoa" I said calmly, running my hand down his shoulder in reassurance.
I hadn't noticed how bright the sun had been, and how hot the air was. I was starting to sweat along my forehead, and I was thankful I had decided to wear my pink tank top instead of a vest. My breeches were already dirty, and my polished black leather boots had a coating of dust beginning to form. Aside from my now dirty attire, foam was forming on Manders chest.
"Almost done pretty boy" I clicked at him, encouraging him to walk on. Though he made no move to please me. "Come on Mister, lets go" I gave a light squeeze around his belly.
He shot his head up in defiance, flicking his tail and stomping his front foot. Manders always had the idea we would be done early, this fight happened every time. "Manders, walk on." I gritted through my teeth, adjusting my reins and giving him a light kick with my English spurs.
After another little hissy fit, I bent him to the inside of my rein and gave him a boot, making sure he at least made one step forward. However, instead of a calm step it was more of a jolt forward. Beggers cannot be choosers.
"Good boy" I gave him a pat and turned him back towards the rail, letting his head hang loose and deciding to walk him out, or at least for now.
I missed my mom, who would come watch me every lesson. I also missed my sister who would ride Manders while I cleaned my tack. She was the only one other than me who was able to mount him bareback and canter with no fear in the world of his hissy fits. Manders really knew how to take care of her, and I was thankful for that.
I leaned back and took a deep breath of fresh air, cleansing my lungs. For the first time I felt relaxed in a new place. I gave my arms a good stretch and observed my surroundings, excited for whatever was next to come.