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Post by ghost on Oct 9, 2010 11:00:20 GMT -8
Tony's shabby and much loved pick up truck rattled down the gravel drive. He had just come come back from a visit from his Dads farm which was going down hill every day. What used to be a beautiful well kept and champion filled barn had fallen into disrepair. The paint off the white barn was pealing and the aisles hadn't been swept in forever. Dave, Ryan and Heather were doing there best to make sure all 150 horses that were no longer being trained were fed and watered. On top of that the mares were a season away from dropping there foals, the Last great champions of Willow Run stables. As much as it pained him he had to sell a lot of the 2 year old colts and filly's. That years crop was the one that showed so much promise and good temperament.That weekend he had finished the sale of 15 yearling's only 3 were still left. Among the ones he sold, there was Tom Cats 2 Daughters. Tom Cat, he thought about him a lot. Tom Cat had thrown and killed his mother though he was also the nicest stallion in the barn. He was deciding to keep the Stallion that had been the bane of his existence but also at the same time the money maker during those early years. He also had brought down 2 horses to bring his own heard to a total of 5 horses. The first was his Thoroughbred Top Quarter and the other an Hanoverian, Oldenburg cross. That Colt show so much potential that he could not bared to sell him with the other 2 year olds.
Tony shook his head swiftly and drove a little quicker down the drive before parking and stepping out of the shabby blue pick up truck. The Colt hadn't mad a sound the entire 6 hour trip back, besides nickering a little when he came about every other hour or so to take a break. Coming back to the present once again he lowered the ramp and stepped into the trailer. Backing the 2 year old who he had christened Missed Opportunities aka. Port out of the tailer and tied him to the side of the trailer while he backed Arty out of the Trailer. Untying Port from the side of the trailer he walked the horses towards the barn. Tony noticed a girl watching him from beside the barn. He knew he had seen her somewhere but just couldn't remember her name. Once he got close enough, tony called out in greeting. "Hello there, My names Anthony though everyone just calls me Tony. Whats your name?" he stood waiting for her to reply.
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Post by oceane on Oct 9, 2010 12:03:21 GMT -8
She had given her new mare time to settle, this may have been a dumb mistake but she had wanted to get her out of there. The poor mare it was hard to talk about what she had seen done to her so they could get what they wanted out of her. Oceane had worked with her early that morning and now it was moving on to Sunday and finally the racers. At the point of walking down to Sundays stall she got a call, from the race barn. Yes? She asked she did not even have to say hello any more, she was nice to her horses though if someone did something to piss her off enough well then they got the boot, um Lady broke from her stall and is running around now. What the hell I leave guys in charge just to get them ready and you go letting one of my horses out I will be up there in a minuet. [/b]She slid the stall shut, sorry boy I will be back. Running to the racing barn she entered shutting the gate behind her. She saw the mare running around and well needless to say when the mare saw her she stopped and that’s when one of the riders struck the mare with a whip. She ran over and grabbed the whip braking it in two, get the fuck out. Strike my horses with a whip your gone, only time they are to be used is in a race do you hear me? She hissed and looked the mare over, the mark was starting to welt. She sighed and stroked the mares neck, shh its ok she spoke and led the mare inside, taking the bridle off in exchange for a halter she washed the area and put the mare in her stall. None of them will be worked today. She turned and walked out and back to the other barn. Where a truck pulled up and she stopped to watch a man get out and take two horses out. Hmm she thought she knew him, his name sounded familiar too. Im Oceane Harris, nice to meet you Tony lovely horses you have there. She smiled and turned to go into the barn, Sundays coat was gleaming and so she slipped the bridle on over his face and led him out into the aisle. He turned and called out, oh hush the mares don’t seem to want anything to do with you. He snorted and she tightened the girth. Your mind better be out of the gutter by the time I get you into the outdoor arena. She knelt down and put boots on his legs before standing and grabbing her helmet and leading him down his aisle. If your not too busy you should come join us in the outdoor jumping arena she spoke and led the dark bay pass him. She went to the jumping arena and mounted warming him up first and then sending him over the jumps. The second go around was less then pretty. Sunday who normal didn’t freak over anything decided that this butterfly was a threat and ended up crashing through the jump, sending Oceane crashing to the ground. She stood and grabbed his reins before he could go anywhere. You ass it was a butterfly and what the hell got into you. She hissed, picking up the jump and setting it up as high as it was and then mounting. Her back was a little stiff her knee was also but other than that, she turned the horse around and sent him to the rail.[/blockquote][/size][/color]
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Post by ghost on Oct 9, 2010 13:00:41 GMT -8
Tony watched the Oceane flip out at the stable hand. He whistled rocking back on his heels, grinning, tony admired her that she gave the stable hand a piece of her mind, but then again he probably would have done the same exact thing. Leading the Colt into his stall first then Arty he turned back to the girl just in time to catch the jist of what she had said."I love your Bay..." he added as she lead it past him.
Tony was debating weather to ride Devi his little Devil mare or take out Very Classy. Finally after a few minutes Vaz (Very Classy) was hooked up in the aisle and basking in the attention. Grooming him till the Stallions Coat gleamed in the light. Taking up was done within 5 minutes and they both jogged out of the stable. It was a site to see, Vaz's tail was recently docked and his deep bay coat gleamed in the blazing sun the black bridle and saddle made for a clean cut and over all very eye pleasing look.
Walking over to the arena he arrived just in time to see Sunday collide head on with a jump. Tony winced a little knowing what it felt like to have that happen. Opening the gate to the jumping arena Tony led Vaz to the mounting block and climbed on. Walking around the arena Tony put him through his paces and a couple dressage steps before taking him into the collective canter and did a couple figure 8's before taking an oxer, which Vaz soared over with ease. Though he stopped right beside the girl who was putting the fence back together, "Need some help?" he asked as he slid down the side of Vaz who was now eying the other stallion with interest but nothing that would suggest dislike or violence. No Vaz was a pretty laid back gentleman.
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Post by oceane on Oct 9, 2010 18:38:45 GMT -8
She could go for some aspirin right now but she had to work through the pain and show the stallion he could not get away with such a shit move. She got distracted by Tony and his horse she smiled and nodded as he offered to help. Soon enough they had the jump back together and she was mounting Sunday again.Thank youshe spoke and adjusted her seat so she would be a little more comfortable she picked up a canter pretty easily and took him around the course getting to that jump again he was going to shy but she coxed him over it. Patting his neck she slowed him down and asked him to extend his trot then collected. She patted his neck and let him free walk, he dropped his head low and walked around. I haven’t seen you around so im guessing you just got here though you look very familiar I just cant put a finger on it. She smiled and stopped the stallion, lowering herself to rub her knuckles on his neck making his lip quiver and move back and forth.
She patted his neck and played with his mane out of habit, he just closed his eyes and began to doze. She tapped his sides and moved him over to the fence were she skillfully took the saddle off and set it on the fence. Oceane looked over at him, no im not going to jump im just going to lay her and bask in all your glory and watch you, plus im much to sore right now to ride. She laughed and laid back turning her head so she could watch him, proceed, she spoke smiling and looking at him she was really already warming up and taking a liking to him. She yawned and stretched out and then let her legs drop back down. Oh Chocolate Chip Sunday why do you have to prove me wrong sometimes? He whinnied and turned to nibble on her boot. You goof, she sat up and ruffled his forelock he snorted and shook his head. A soft tisk left her as he turned away and raised his head has if putting his nose in the air to her. Just to think I was about to give you a treat. The mere word made him change his mind and look at her. She dismounted and took the bit out of his mouth for a moment allowing him his treat when he was finished he kindly accepted the bit and she mounted again laying back down. As both human and horse turned to watch.
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Post by ghost on Oct 9, 2010 19:03:09 GMT -8
Smiling as they worked efficiently and they had the jump back together in no time. Mounting Vaz who was no standing nose to nose with his new best friend Sunday he laughed and swung up on to him and pulled him away. Again putting him through his paces. Taking him into a collected canter, directing him towards the jump they had just reassembled Vaz didn't think twice, he collected himself and soared over the fence with a good 3 or 4 inches to spare. Taking him back down to a trot stopped next to Oceane "Hey if you are going to sit there and watch me ride Vaz would you mind looking for my mistakes as I ride? I always love outside feed back." He smiled at her and took off again cantering.
An hour or so later Vaz was covered in sweat and breathing heavily as he came upon the last jump in the course Tony and Oceane had set up. Tony noticed his condition and stoked his neck and encourged the horse as he soared over the last fence slowing down after a couple of strides Tony vaulted off and loosened the girth and slipped the reins off his head. Taking the bridle off Vaz's face he slipped the bridle on to his shoulder and slipped the Vaz's grey halter and lead rope onto him. Tony walked him around a bit and cooled him down.
Leading the tired horse out of the arena he undid the saddle completely and placed it carefully on the fence. Before giving him the length of the lead rope to explore. "I look familiar? hmmm..." he paused. "Are you really into Jumping and Hanoverian's, Oldenburg's and Holsteiners??? Cause maybe thats where you have seen me..." He couldn't help that his father was the one and only Mr. Ryan Reed. "My dad is Ryan Reed one of the top 3 ranked breeders in the US..." he wanted to tell her for some strange reason that he really needed help and the the farm was falling into disrepair. That this winters Foal crop was to be the last legacy if he didn't get his act together.
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Post by oceane on Oct 9, 2010 19:31:53 GMT -8
She shook her head and then nodded watching him for mistakes. She sat up and swung her legs over the horse, what mistakes you two work perfectly together. She spoke grinning as she did so, hmmm the name it rang a bell. I have been in the thoroughbred business all my life but I think my father talked about your dad, wait I know! He was friends with him, I knew it rang a bell though I cant remember if I actually ever hung out with you. She smirked and thought about for a moment, maybe she had but it was hard to say she was always on the track working horses and learning the ropes. She yawned, I think I might have hung out with you once, did we go on a trail ride? She shrugged and laughed I don’t know any more, spend way too much time with my racers. She smirked, my dad always said we should date he was trying way too hard. She shook her head though I know he was just watching out for me he watched me have my heart broke quite a few times. She sighed but you don’t want to hear about that.
She smiled and sighed how is the farm doing I heard from a birdie it wasn’t doing so good. If there’s anything I can do to help I will. She smiled softly and hopped off the horse and took him outside of the arena, tying him up she looked at Tony and stepped near him. She just kissed him softly, long time coming. That’s all she said as she gathered her things and Sunday and walked back into the barn she slipped the bridle off and put his lime green halter on and clipped him into the cross ties. She gave him a long good brushing coming out his tail and mane. The ends had just been cut so it was even falling just to his hocks. His mane was cut just so, so there was enough to braid and band but still long enough that he didn’t look ugly any other time. She sighed and looked at Sunday, as they had their foreheads pressed together, what did I just do. She asked softly looking at him and waiting for the worse. [/size][/blockquote]
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Post by ghost on Oct 10, 2010 6:54:55 GMT -8
Tony smiled at her "No one is ever perfect and we are far from it though I appriaciate the compliment." Vaz trotted right up to Oceane and sniffed her hands and pockets before trying to get the treat hidden there. Laughing he pulled his horse away. "You Greedy beggar..." Contemplating what she said about there fathers being friends. "That could be so... My father had a lot of friends and a lot of enemies. But I think that I remember the trail ride. My dad also was a little desperate back then and ask me what I though of you..." His dad was working so hard to keep the outside appearance of the farm while everything was crumbling from the inside.
In an impulsive moment he told her everything "That little birdy who ever it was is right... The farm has fallen into disrepair. I am selling off the best 2 and 3 year olds in the country and this January's crop is to be the last legacy of our farm. Only the best stallions were chosen for this years last crop and only the best 12 mares we have ever owned. I would tell you all of the details though you most likely don't want to here whose bred with who and why. Since you where more into the thoroughbreds instead." He smiled at her and she stepped closer and kissed him. His reeling thoughts stopped dead it was like everything was in slow motion. Then all to suddenly the moment had passed. Oceane was leading Sunday away towards the barn. Picking up Vaz's reins he saw the horse was looking at him with an amused expression. "Oh Stop that!" he said laughing. Walking into the barn a good 10 minutes after she did he cross tied Vaz behind Sunday and groomed him off. Threw a cooler sheet over him and led him into a little paddock before taking a brush and worked on Sundays other side."Would you like to meet some of my horses?" He asked quietly. "Next time I go up to my fathers farm I would love you to come and get to know some of the horses. Sometime I need an outside opinion of the horses quality and temperment and show ability." Smiling at her Tony came around to her side and lifted her head and kissed her.
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Post by oceane on Oct 10, 2010 7:34:45 GMT -8
Rolling her eyes she sighed, just cause im into thoroughbreds doesn’t mean I don’t like other horses. She laughed, in fact I love the warmbloods and Arabians I wanted my father to get me one but he said no there was no such place for horses like that in a racing barn and its true though Arabians race the thoroughbreds would have harmed them especially Trenton I hated having to handle that stallion he was a mean son of a gun just like his daddy King not even the dams gentle disposition was a help for the foals but we could not geld him he was one of the best, im just wating for the day that my dad gives me one of his foals as a present you should have 911 on speedial. She laughed I will take you up to the racing barn sometime and show you my babies, plus the three that are kept here. He started to help her groom Sunday and she was grateful for it seeing her and Sunday were forehead to forehead having a staring match of sorts.
When she blinked she stepped back as he snorted and threw his head up, bobbing it up and down. She rolled her eyes once more and made him drop his head so she could rest her forehead on his again. I would love to see the farm and give you my opinion, I will have to take you to dads farm too we just tore down the old barn and redid the whole place needless to say the horses are quite happy now. Her head was lifted and she found him kissing her and she was kissing him back. She pulled back and looked at him, im actually going to my dad’s farm this weekend wouldn’t it be a surprise if you showed up with me though he may think we are dating. She smiled and kissed him again, before taking his hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. After a minute or so she dropped his hand and turned back to Sunday, unclipping him she pointed to his open stall and he happily trotted in and she threw a light sheet over him and took his halter off. Shutting the door, she put his stuff away and walked back to Tony leaning against the stall door she waited.
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Post by ghost on Oct 10, 2010 8:43:58 GMT -8
Sighing he waited for he to come back from putting Sunday way and he took her hand again. A expression of mischief came over his face. "How about you come meet my baby?" He smiled and lead her across the aisle and down a few stalls where a beautiful bay was glaring at him. "Oh stop that Devi, you will get your turn and don't act all snobish we have a guest." Turning away from his spoiled baby mare he said to Oceane "This is my baby, she may look mean but she really isn't like this, well at least most of the time. She is just upset that I took Vaz out instead of her." He chuckled a little before fishing a carrot and feeding it to Devi. "Her name is Devils Date." And the name fit her very well to. Tony sighed and stepped away from the stall and his face lit up. "Come meet Missy! She was the one you saw me bringing in from the trailer with Top Quarter" Tony walked up the aisle a little father to a stall with a much friendlier look face sticking out. The 2 year old Filly was his pride and joy. There was no way he would ever sell her. She was the perfect combination of friendliness,determination, correct top line, amazing movement, and intelligence that made up this beautiful bay filly with those cute white socks. Stroking the fillies face he turned once again back to Oceane "This is my other baby filly! Her name is Missed Opportunity aka. Missy" He grinned at Oceane. A look of mock offence crossed his face "Pretend we are going out?? No Oceane will you please be my girlfriend?" he was playing around on the outside but really truly he wanted her to say yes yes yes!
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Post by oceane on Oct 10, 2010 9:23:20 GMT -8
She smiled as he took her hand and she nodded, following after him as he showed her his horses. Well her name fits her that’s for sure but I take your word that she is nice. She laughed and walked with him to meet Missy, you have some amazing horse and she is very cute. She watched him as his look changed and then he asked that question. She smiled and kissed his cheek, of course I will be your girlfriend. She kissed him and heard a shilling squeal and banging on top of the sound of pacing. She turned around, Honey was out that only meant one thing. She dropped his hand I will be right back, Oceane moved quickly down the aisle and to Scarlet’s stall, she was acting up bad her coat was all sweaty and she looked like a mess. Grabbing the halter she went in, cooing sweet words to the mare, she got the halter on and Oceane looked around for the cause of her not wanting to be in her stall. Of course there was a whip leaning across on the other stall.
Oceane pushed the stall door open and the mare jumped out of the stall and pranced down the aisle. She took her outside and walked her around a bit getting her back down into a calm frame of mind. Before bring her in the barn again and stopping in front of Tony, my new mare she was abused freaks out whenever she sees a whip, if it looks like hitting, twitching, loud noises ya all sorts of things set her off. She bent down and ran her hand over her legs she twitched and pulled slightly away but Oceane calm touch made her give it back, she has these scars and still a few soars on her legs from them using chemicals or chains to cause her pain. When I got to her she was down in her stall groaning, they normally only do it to Tennessee walkers and gaited breeds but they did it to her just for fun. She turned the mare just slightly. Her tail is just starting to grow back, I didn’t even ask them why they did that im sure means of pain. She turned the mares head to face him, she has this cut here under her eye, [/b] she lifted the mares lip all these scars too. Im just happy I got her when I did. The vet did give her a clean bill of health so we have started retraining, huh girl its slow but we got somewhere this morning.She smiled and stroked the mares neck with love, she would love being here with Oceane and she would be a good horse once retrained, she fished out a treat and gave it to the mare. Who crunched happily on it. [/size][/blockquote][/color]
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Post by ghost on Oct 10, 2010 10:04:04 GMT -8
Tonyfollowed close behind her the smile was still on his expression as he walked over the the stall. The smile disappeared instantly. He was looking at a very abused horse. There where scars and welts all over her poor body the tail was looking as if it had been ripped out. Tony felt overwhelming pity and for the horse and anger towards the former owner of the pretty horse. Heymay I just take a look at her legs? he asked wanting to feel them for swelling and or tendon damage. Tony knew that a vet had already looked over the horse and given the go ahead but the legs looked a little wrong but then again he was used to looking at fine, non marred jumper legs and feet though he did do an occasional mistreatment case. She was a little skinny and had very little muscle but what was he to expect from a malnourished and abused animal.
Turning his attention back to Oceane he said Shelooks like such a sweet animal... I hate animal abusers. Tony stood next to Oceane and again surveyed the horse. Shewill be a very nice looking animal once she has filled out and all her aliments patched up . Tony meant it to! Oceanewould you mind coming to my fathers farm because I have something I want you to do for me and then we can get the car and go to your place.
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Post by oceane on Oct 10, 2010 16:22:37 GMT -8
She nodded to his question, ya go ahead and feel them she may jerk them away as they are still sore and painful. She smiled as he checked the horse out and she nodded. Yes she will be a fine horse once she is filled out and not in so much pain. She stroked the mares neck not patting her as even that set her off. She sighed and lead her back into the stall and undid the halter and hung it up outside and shut the stall door. She turned to look at him, no problem though im kind of nervous as to what you want me to do but I will live with it. She smiled and kissed him, turning back to look at the mare who was on a special fed schedule so she was being fed now just a little at a time to gain back the weight and not get sick from over eating. She leaned against the stall door looking at him, she may look weak and pathetic now but I had her on the lunge line working her ground manner and such and she threw some fierce moves in there, im glad im not riding her yet.
She smirked and stepped near him again and wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning against him and resting her head against his shoulder, she sighed and enjoyed being close to him. There may just be more of that later. She stepped back, well should we get going? She asked and took his hand and led him out of the barn and out into the fading sunlight were she waited for whatever was going to come next.
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Post by ghost on Oct 10, 2010 17:56:24 GMT -8
Slippinghis arms around her waist, he grinned. Tony let her go so she could put her horse away before saying howfast can you put a small suitcase together? Grinning at her still he slipped into Point Blanks stall otherwise known as Blu. Pulling her out of her stall the huge mare towering at 17.0 hands rested her head on his chest. Tony set about preparing her for the long 6 hour trip up to his dads farm. It was getting chilly so he threw on her light blanket and wrapped her legs and lead her out to the trailer. Tony ran back to the barn and pulled out Devi out of her stall who waddled rather that gracefully walked, well you would waddle to if you where 11 months pregnant. Wrapping his baby up real tight making sure she wouldn't hurt herself on the ride to the birthing section with the other 11 mares left at the farm. Go quick a pack a small suit case with 6 or 7 outfits and make sure you have riding boots and sneakers. Tony wasn't planning on staying that long at his dads but a lot of the mares would be giving birth right about now and it was the coolest thing to watch. Oh and one more thing! I really hope your not afraid of a little blood. Laughing he attached the trailer to his virtually new truck instead of his much loved other one because he needed to ensure that they got there swiftly and safely.
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Post by oceane on Oct 10, 2010 18:19:29 GMT -8
Oceane shook her head, pretty fast she spoke and watched as he loaded up horses and she headed out pulling her hoodie tighter around her. No im not afraid of a little blood, she called back and got into her car rubbing her hands together, shit what was she going to do with her massive danes? She couldn’t trust others to watch them seeing they could be a handful, she would have to bring them along and hope he wouldn’t mind. She pulled out and drove home and got out of the car and didn’t bother to shut it off. She just went inside, let the dogs out back. Warmed up some milk and went upstairs to pack somethings. Soon enough she was ready to go along with the boys. She put there things and her things in the trunk and got them into the back of the car, which was funny to see normally she only put one back there but all three had to be today and it was not like it was that long of a drive.
She went back up to the house grabbing her purse, coffee cup and then locking up the house. She got into the driver’s seat and pulled. The dogs were very mannered and stayed were they needed to be. They knew they were not allowed in the front and they respected that. She couldn’t have them up front for the fact an accident would surely happen. She had well-mannered dogs, they behaved and did as told. She yawned as she pulled back in. shutting the car off she got out and released the dogs, they stayed right by her side. Shivering from the cold breeze as they never grew winter coats, she reached down and stroked each ones head. She looked at him, meet Dilly, Dash and Duke, Dilly and Duke are four months and from the same litter Duke is a year and half. She smiled she was very fond of her boys. Well now im ready when you are just have to load up these guys and my stuff and we will be good to go, don’t worry a small suitcase and a small bag for them. She smiled and waited.
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Post by ghost on Oct 10, 2010 18:32:08 GMT -8
Tony in the time she had driven to her house and back had pulled and attached the 6 horse trailer instead of the 2 horse one, then loaded the 2 mares back into the 6 horse trailer. Watching her drive back down the drive towards him he ran into the barn and pulled his heavy sweat shirt and fall barn coat off the hooks and ran back outside to greet her. Checking on the Mares one last time he locked the ramp up in place and closed the windows and they were just about set when he saw the 3 massive Great Danes. A grin spread across his face. He walked over to the massive dogs and scratched them behind their ears. opening the back door for the dogs and the luggage. Tony put all her luggage into the truck and then opened her door for her.
Climbing into his seat he fiddled with the seat heaters and the air heaters before settling down. Turning on the car he put it in drive and zipped up the drive. So are you excited? Have you ever seen a foal born? what am I saying of course you have! he chuckled Devi you know the bay mare I packed into the trailer well she should be dropping her foal any day now and I waited now we have to hurry we don't want her dropping her foal in the trailer! he chuckled merrily.
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