Post by Kayla Mackenzie Tucker on Mar 12, 2013 0:27:30 GMT -8
Kayla led in the grey mare from the indoor arena after she had dismounted, both looking exhausted, but Kayla had never felt happier in her life. It felt as if she had finally clicked with Jaded, and that lesson with Beth had been amazing. For what felt like the first time since she received the mare, that they finally had a bond, a real bond, and if it was possible, she would love to compete the mare to the highest levels. Clipping the tired mare into the cross ties, she quickly untacked her, and then put on the soft leather halter, leading the mare to the wash bays.
She was thankful that the wash bays were in the barn, and Kayla got the warm water spray ready, she washed the sweat off the mare, humming softly and smiling when Jaded stretched out and almost groaned in contentment. Once the mare was completely washed, and her grey coat had turned almost black, Kayla took the sweat scraper and took out the extra moisture in the mare’s coat before drying her off with towels.
Jaded was the picture of health, and her temperament was something that Kayla often didn’t find in a mare. Calm and relaxed most of the time, Jaded close to perfect. Well, until she decided to throw a fit and then the fun was trying to stay in the saddle. Once Kayla was happy with the mare, she put the mare’s outdoor rug on, checking the straps and then led the mare out to the paddock. The snow that had fallen the previous night hadn’t really stuck to the ground, and there was only mud in some areas. The racing season had slowed down because of the winter, so Kayla could spend more time conditioning her competition horses, and much to her annoyance, more time on her college work.
Leaning against the fence, Kayla watched as Jaded kicked up her heels in the pure pleasure of being outside. Kayla was content with her life as it was now. She was competing some of the best ponies and horse, she was riding in races all over the country, and she was doing pretty well in University. Jaded ambled over, sniffing her pockets eagerly. Oh okay you greedy guts, she said fondly to the mare and pulled a few carrots from her jacket, feeding them slowly to the grey mare who arched her neck and lipped them up daintily. Once those were done, Jaded nudged her again, but the only carrots Kayla had left were back in the barn, and those were for the ponies.
I’ll be back for you later, she said, kissing the mare on the muzzle and going back to the barn, gathering her tack and settling outside Magic’s stall. The black pony stuck his head over the stall door, whoofed in her hair and then promptly went back to eating. Kayla started cleaning Jaded’s tack, separating the numnah from the saddle and then slowly, she settled into the task of cleaning her tack.
It took a while, but when it was finally done, Kayla was relieved. She headed down to the racing barn, keen to see some of the horses that she jockeyed. One of her favourites was Ghost, a grey horse and very sensitive, but an absolute sweetheart. Whistling to him softly, she grinned as the colt stuck his head over his stall door, munching contentedly on his hay.
