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A Story of a Girl and a Horse, Broken Without Each Other

22K views 122 replies 25 participants last post by  Roadyy 
#1 ·
This is just a story I started writing :)
I'm really loving writing it, and thought I'd go ahead and grab some feedback!! This main post is just the first chapter, I have written the second as well. The first chapter is much shorter than the second, so thought I'd make sure it started well before throwing you guys the rest. Just so you know, the story is NOT about her recovering from (event in chapter one), so you're not getting the same story everyone else tells ;) Okay, I'll let you read now! Enjoy! Please let me know how you feel about it, I will post more after I get a few people's feedback, so that I know I'm not just posting to an empty cyberspace. Thanks!
 
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#2 · (Edited)
Chapter One

“Now Krista, watch that combination, too. It’s a one stride, but it’s super forward. Don’t get behind it though, ‘cause if you try to fit two in there, you’re screwed.” I nodded, understanding what Trina meant. This was the top circuit, and if the judge caught you riding the wrong distances, you weren’t just out of the ribbons – you were out of the top 15. I gazed down to my grand dapple gray. Ghost wasn’t mine, but I loved him as if he were so. I’d been riding him for about 3 years now, bringing him up from a 3 year old, with Trina’s help. He was her horse – a project she bought with spare change. He turned out to be filled with promise, and became ‘my’ show horse.

In that time, we’d grown an amazing bond. I practically lived at Trina’s barn, considering I worked there as a stable hand, and also took lessons 3 times a week. So whenever I had free time, I always found myself playing around with Ghost. He had a spectacular personality, and was the type to follow you around the ring if you unclipped his lead, keeping your exact pace, but very careful to never run you over or go too far ahead. I patted him now, and scratched the spot on his neck where he likes. He stretched his nose out as usual, happy to be itched in his special-spot. “One-twenty-three, you’re on deck!” Words from the ring steward popped me out of my daydream. We were up next. This was the big time – if we came out in first in this Derby, are options were wide open. International teams, top colleges, everything. This was important, considering I was a senior this year, and was hoping for a scholarship on riding in order to get anywhere … because careers weren’t exactly something I had ever really thought about.

“Thank you, Ashlee,” came over the announcer. A rider on a smaller chestnut walked energetically out of the ring on a loose rein. His rider patted him, with a wide smile. Must have been a good run – good for them, not so good for me. I was nervous. Trina grabbed Ghost’s reins, and walked me up to the gate, as if though I could be trusted with her horse over 5 foot obstacles, but not to walk over to the in gate. “Listen, don’t get tense. Just breathe, and relax, and he’ll do the same. You ready?” She looked up to me confidently. I knew ‘no’ wasn’t an answer – Trina would rip my stirrups off my saddle and force me into the ring as is if I did. After a deep breath, I went with “As I’ll ever be! Come on Ghostly, let’s go.” I gathered my reins, so that I had a decent contact with his mouth. I gave him a gentle nudge, and we were off into a canter.

The course was actually a pretty easy ride, so I wasn’t much worried about it. I turned him down the long side toward our first jumps, a single leading to a diagonal line. I held him back at first, easing him off the bridle. He liked to jump strong, though it messed up his form at times. Only during the lines could he really push on, since they usually set them long. He flew over the single with ease, paying no mind to the hay and tree branches used to decorate the jump. I pushed him into the corners before turning him into the diagonal line. I asked for more of him, and he soared over the first of the two. I counted the strides between, “One, two, three, four, five!” A perfect spot, with the exact distance required between – so far, so good. I passed the in-gate, where Trina stood. Per normal, she gave me direction quietly, “Keep him moving, that combo is up after the gate. Don’t let him slow!” She was clearly worried … She’d been watching the previous riders – it must have been giving them trouble. If we could perfect it, we could be in the top 3 for sure. I squeezed him on, though careful not to get him leaning on the bit. The gate was a simple, open distance. But it was teasing for what lay ahead.

It was a regular pole jump, then one with barrels set up behind it. It looked like a two stride – in fact, it wouldn’t be impossible to fit three. Now I was starting to think that Trina didn’t just mean I’d be out of the ribbons if I didn’t make the distance – The jumps were big enough, that it was possible Ghost could get caught with his legs in the jumps if something went wrong. Huh. That made things a little more nerve racking. “Come on bub, you’ve really got to get this…” I gave him a very quick pat, and pushed him on even further. I could feel him asking for more of his head, but I didn’t want him taking it and running with it after the combination – the judges would frown upon us greatly if he were too strung out. Ghost took what he could, and sized the first jump up as normal. With a kick, we were in the air. I gave him a decent release, and prepared him for the landing. As he needed to, he tried to stretch out to make the one.

But he yanked me forward with the rein in the process.

He brought his head back to a collected spot, as I accidentally cued. I tried to throw away my reins, put him back in a stretch, but it was too late. He’d already taken his first stride. And was now trying to take another half of one. But his feet were tangled. He was unsure. He didn’t want to make the jump. He didn’t think he could. He tried anyway. Oh god.

He threw his head in the air, almost as if he hoped his nose could carry his body over the large jump. He pulled his legs up in front of him, and I could feel his back legs level with them as he tried to do an almost deer-like jump. Feeling so uncomfortable and wrong, he kicked out with his back legs then, throwing his entire body mass to the side. He landed on his right foot first, then tumbled to his left knee. I tried to break the fall with my hands, before smashing into the ground with him. I fell to my side, then quickly looked up to find his side coming straight at me. Then everything stopped, and went black.
 
#24 ·
“Now Krista, watch that combination, too. It’s a one stride, but it’s super forward. Don’t get behind it though, ‘cause if you try to fit two in there, you’re screwed.” I nodded, understanding what Trina meant. This was the top circuit, and if the judge caught you riding the wrong distances, you weren’t just out of the ribbons – you were out of the top 15. I gazed down to my grand dapple gray. Ghost wasn’t mine, but I loved him as if he were so. I’d been riding him for about 3 years now, bringing him up from a 3 year old, with Trina’s help. He was her horse – a project she bought with spare change. He turned out to be filled with promise, and became ‘my’ show horse.

In that time, we’d grown an amazing bond. I practically lived at Trina’s barn, considering I worked there as a stable hand, and also took lessons 3 times a week. So whenever I had free time, I always found myself playing around with Ghost. He had a spectacular personality, and was the type to follow you around the ring if you unclipped his lead, keeping your exact pace, but very careful to never run you over or go too far ahead. I patted him now, and scratched the spot on his neck where he likes. He stretched his nose out as usual, happy to be itched in his special-spot. “One-twenty-three, you’re on deck!” Words from the ring steward popped me out of my daydream. We were up next. This was the big time – if we came out in first in this Derby, are options were wide open. International teams, top colleges, everything. This was important, considering I was a senior this year, and was hoping for a scholarship on riding in order to get anywhere … because careers weren’t exactly something I had ever really thought about.

“Thank you, Ashlee,” came over the announcer. A rider on a smaller chestnut walked energetically out of the ring on a loose rein. His rider patted him, with a wide smile. Must have been a good run – good for them, not so good for me. I was nervous. Trina grabbed Ghost’s reins, and walked me up to the gate, as if though I could be trusted with her horse over 5 foot obstacles, but not to walk over to the in gate. “Listen, don’t get tense. Just breathe, and relax, and he’ll do the same. You ready?” She looked up to me confidently. I knew ‘no’ wasn’t an answer – Trina would rip my stirrups off my saddle and force me into the ring as is if I did. After a deep breath, I went with “As I’ll ever be! Come on Ghostly, let’s go.” I gathered my reins, so that I had a decent contact with his mouth. I gave him a gentle nudge, and we were off into a canter.

The course was actually a pretty easy ride, so I wasn’t much worried about it. I turned him down the long side toward our first jumps, a single leading to a diagonal line. I held him back at first, easing him off the bridle. He liked to jump strong, though it messed up his form at times. Only during the lines could he really push on, since they usually set them long. He flew over the single with ease, paying no mind to the hay and tree branches used to decorate the jump. I pushed him into the corners before turning him into the diagonal line. I asked for more of him, and he soared over the first of the two. I counted the strides between, “One, two, three, four, five!” A perfect spot, with the exact distance required between – so far, so good. I passed the in-gate, where Trina stood. Per normal, she gave me direction quietly, “Keep him moving, that combo is up after the gate. Don’t let him slow!” She was clearly worried … She’d been watching the previous riders – it must have been giving them trouble. If we could perfect it, we could be in the top 3 for sure. I squeezed him on, though careful not to get him leaning on the bit. The gate was a simple, open distance. But it was teasing for what lay ahead.

It was a regular pole jump, then one with barrels set up behind it. It looked like a two stride – in fact, it wouldn’t be impossible to fit three. Now I was starting to think that Trina didn’t just mean I’d be out of the ribbons if I didn’t make the distance – The jumps were big enough, that it was possible Ghost could get caught with his legs in the jumps if something went wrong. Huh. That made things a little more nerve racking. “Come on bub, you’ve really got to get this…” I gave him a very quick pat, and pushed him on even further. I could feel him asking for more of his head, but I didn’t want him taking it and running with it after the combination – the judges would frown upon us greatly if he were too strung out. Ghost took what he could, and sized the first jump up as normal. With a kick, we were in the air. I gave him a decent release, and prepared him for the landing. As he needed to, he tried to stretch out to make the one.

But he yanked me forward with the rein in the process.

He brought his head back to a collected spot, as I accidentally cued. I tried to throw away my reins, put him back in a stretch, but it was too late. He’d already taken his first stride. And was now trying to take another half of one. But his feet were tangled. He was unsure. He didn’t want to make the jump. He didn’t think he could. He tried anyway. Oh god.

He threw his head in the air, almost as if he hoped his nose could carry his body over the large jump. He pulled his legs up in front of him, and I could feel his back legs level with them as he tried to do an almost deer-like jump. Feeling so uncomfortable and wrong, he kicked out with his back legs then, throwing his entire body mass to the side. He landed on his right foot first, then tumbled to his left knee. I tried to break the fall with my hands, before smashing into the ground with him. I fell to my side, then quickly looked up to find his side coming straight at me. Then everything stopped, and went black.
is this a different story?? Im confused cuz the other horses name is Kiro or something. I Loved the start with ghost just a little confused lol
 
#4 ·
Chapter 2

I threw my shoulders into the sliding barn door, and it opened with a groan. The runners got a bit squeaky in the winter, much like I did. I quickly scurried inside the heated barn and closed the door behind me. “Mornin’ Trina!” I called into the aisles. Concreted and matted floors, graced with beautiful wooden stalls made up the amazing barn. I was always so jealous of her, having something so … pretty.
“Hey Krista! Give me two seconds, I’ll be out!” I just nodded to the air, and decided to check the whiteboard while I waited for my trainer. On it were listed the lesson schedules for the day - the kids’ names, along with the horse they’d be riding. I smiled, knowing I was once amongst the names. But ever since I became Trina’s stable hand, she usually just ended up telling me who I rode, for it would and could change – If a lesson horse had been naughty, I was the one to set him straight. If she needed someone worked, I rode that one instead. I was fine with this system, for it worked fine with the both of us. Today, we were skipping the lesson, though. Krista occasionally went out and grabbed project horses when they came on the market. Considering I was always the one to ride them when she didn’t, she always brought me along. It was a fun time, and I enjoyed it.

The training process was quite simple – I’d ride the horse first, and give him the basic groundwork methods needed in the Hunter ring. I would also give the horses dressage bases, to make them more supple and easy to work with for the Hunters. After they had passed all their flatwork tests, Trina would take over to put jump training on them. I didn’t jump, and hadn’t since … the accident. Fear overtook me, and after Ghost had lost his trust in jumping too, I had decided that he knew best. We both became flatwork masters, but decided to keep it to that – flatwork.
I walked over to his stall now, and clucked gently, “Ghostly grey, come sweet boy!” I called to him softly, from the outside of his stall. He pricked his ears and lifted his head from his pile of hay, sticking his nose through the iron bars of the stall. I tickled his nose playfully, and he in turn played with my finger with his upper lip. “Oh, you know I’d never forget your peppermints!” I reached in my pocket and offered his favorite treat. He still wasn’t mine, and would likely never be, but he still remained my favorite. The problem was, Trina also loved him, and I knew she’d never sell. He munched happily, as Trina turned the corner. “Ready to go?”
I turned to her and smiled, “As ever! Let’s go!” I said my goodbyes to Ghostly, and we jumped in the truck to leave. “Got the trailer hooked up already? Did you get him sight-on-scene?” I asked quizzically, for it was hardly something Trina ever did. She liked to check for potential first, to see what the horse would be like to work with. She wasn’t one to go off a hunch. “Yep, sure did. I liked him. You will too.” She was being so short – she was normally one to talk for hours. It was clear something was a secret, so I let it lay. I casually turned up the radio (Country, of course!) and gazed out the window as we drove to our destination.

~*~

“Uh, Trina… I don’t think this is the horse we want,” was all I could manage to say about the topic. The gelding was black as coal, with nothing but a tiny, yet glistening, white snip. His eyes were a deep, almost orange amber color that blazed with fury. He had an attitude to match. “Now, Tee, I told you that this horse wasn’t for your little girl to ride. He’s a-goin’ to need all your attentions, and I mean yours, Tee,” spouted Vince, a horse trader Trina had done business with for … well, forever. She liked to buy youngsters off of him, for he was good at finding some nice bloodlines in the auctions. How he did it, I’d never know, because I’ve never been one to be auction savvy.

“She can ride anything I’ve got, and I know she can ride him. He’s got some fire, but she’s dealt with that before. Haven’t you, Kristene?” She only used my whole first name when she needed me to say something very specific. In this case- “Yes, of course! I’d love to give him a spin, he looks like he’d be .. er, fun.” I choke out as I walk up to the dark horse. He gave a few short, upward bursts with his head against the reins Vince held, connected to a bit that the horse chomped on unhappily. I gently placed my hand on his toned neck, as if he could shock me like an electric fence. He was a beautiful animal, really, if you weren’t focused on the fact that he had ambitions to kill you.
Trina helped me into the saddle, as I gathered my reins. We were in a large round-pen, with high metal fencing. It looked safe to ride in, as I had ridden horses like this one in open fields, with no fencing at all. Yet Vince was still standing in front of me and the horse, with his hands on his hips and a troubled look on his face.

“Now, Kristene, I don’t think this is a very good ideal, do you?” I sucked back a ‘no,’ and recited what I knew Trina would want me to say, “No, thank you Vince, but I’m fine. He’s being good, I’m sure he’ll be fine. Thank you though,” I tried to explain to the insistent man. But he shook his head, “No, I won’t allow it. I don’t usually deny customers, but I’ve known Tee too long. I ain’t goin’ to let you ride this horse, ma’am, seen him throw one a-too many. He get wild real quick, he don’t warn you or nothing. Just takes off buckin’. Threw a good ol’ cowboy into these fences. I’m a do you a favor, and get you down from there,” He began to walk to the side of the black horse, and as he did I gently squeezed the horse into a forward walk, away from Vince. “No, thank you. I’ll be fine. Ask Trina!” I called back, taking in the horse’s movements. He moved … largely. He was big, and powerful, like sitting on a hot wire. Ready to burst in flame at any given moment. Vince stood in the middle of the arena nervously. I kept a tight rein on the animal, hoping to limit his abilities to take control. Hesitantly, I asked for a trot.
Surprisingly, the horse moved into the higher gait beautifully. He accepted my contact, and moved out into a lovely stride. He pulled his hind quarters into action, and floated into the air. He felt simply wonderful. I smiled, now knowing what Trina came to see this horse about. His ground manners could use some work, but he just floated under-saddle. He’d be the perfect dressage prospect. But what about what Vince said? There was no way this horse could throw people, not with the way he was behaving now. I reached down carefully to pat his neck, remembering he said he’d blow without warning. After recollecting my reins, I reversed the horse, and trotted the other way. The same reaction. I looked to Vince, wondering what he thought. His face was awestruck. “Impossible …” he muttered. I just shook it off, and decided the horse was ready for a canter. He rocked back into it, knowing exactly what I wanted, almost before I asked. He pushed into the bridle, but careful not to pull through it. He rounded up, and took the gait like it was all he ever did. More magical than his trot, he danced through the arena. I loved him.

“Thank you Vince, he’s absolutely wonderful! Trina, your turn! You’ll love him, he’s such a dream!” Trina unlatched the gate and walked into the pen as I dismounted the black. I turned to Vince, realizing something about the horse, “I never got his name? What is it?” He still had that same stargazed look in his eye, but told me, “Kiro. The horse’s name is Kiro.” I nodded, liking the exotic name. I turned back to the horse, now admiring his blazed eyes. It was almost if he held secrets, that he didn’t dare share to just anyone. I stroked his small white snip, that acted as a flashlight against his coat. He accepted the touch, and pressed into it gently. “He likes you, Krista, I really think he does,” Trina said in a sincere, caring tone as she hopped into the saddle. I backed away, to the outside of the pen, and sat on a bench just outside it’s gate, watching to see how Trina did with Kiro. What I would see, would simply shock me.

She asked for his walk, which he did just fine. I could tell it was halfhearted, and not as forward and full as he had before, which I didn’t question – Trina was likely holding him back, fearing what Vince had told her about the horse. But then, she asked for his trot. I expected his beautiful, round, cloud nine of a trot he had produced before. What he gave Trina was not that. He was flat, with pinned ears. He brought his head into a rollkur motion, which was extremely unnatural, and I could tell Trina was not asking for it – she never trained with rollkur, and swore against it. I stood, confused by Kiro’s action. Why was he not behaving the same way he had for me? Trina kicked him forward, and he finally shaped up. Brought his head out of the twist, and rose his hind quarters. “That’s more like it…” Trina thought aloud. I smiled too, knowing Kiro would need to make a decent impression if Trina were to buy him. I wanted to keep him, more than anything. To have the opportunity to ride such an amazing animal every day would be a god given grace.
Trina then asked him for a canter. Asked. Not received. Kiro broke out into a hideous run, throwing his head into the air, nose level with his ears. He ran through the bridle, and stole away Trina’s reins. As soon as she had lost her grip, the horse threw his head down quickly and deliberately. She fell forward immediately, as Kiro then threw himself to the side, twisting his back into an awful buck. Then, for the first time in all the time I’d been with Trina, I witnessed her being thrown off of a horse.

She flew to the dirt, as Kiro ran away from his dismounted rider, coming directly toward me. He stopped dead at the gate, and stared at me, with the whites of his eyes glowing against the amber glare. I raced into the pen, and grabbed him, making sure he couldn’t run back to trample Trina or Vince. Vince went to Trina then, and helped her to her feet. She snarled, and pointed to me and Kiro, “Krista!! Get back on that horse, and you teach him to behave! I won’t have a horse get away with something like that! But I’m not getting on that wretched thing…” She snarled, walking quickly out of the arena. It was such a shock to me. Trina didn’t seem like the person that wouldn’t get back on after a fall. She was strong, able, and knew how to ride, and did it well. It was puzzling, but I ignored it, and did as I was told. Expecting the same treatment from Kiro, I treated him like a bomb, careful with my aids. But there was no need. He was an angel. Rounded back, on the bit, just the perfect horse I had been on just minutes ago. Trina was completely shocked. I expected her to go on a fit, running back to the truck, not even worried about getting her money back from Vince. But she surprised me, yet again, a popular trend now-a-days.

“Load the horse in the trailer. He’s coming home tonight.” She said quickly, but softly. She turned on her heel, and opened the trailer doors. I dismounted and untacked Kiro. The entire time I handled him, he seemed lovable, careful, and calm. Nothing like I had walked into, and nothing like I’d seen Trina ride. I started to walk him to the trailer, but Vince decided he’d take him from me, and let me go sit in the truck. I began to oblige – but Kiro did not. He planted his hooves, and threw his head into the air as soon as Vince took the lead of his halter. I turned back to him to see him throwing himself backwards, away from the man’s grasp. He called, “Trina!” as she came running. She grabbed the horse as well, and tried to hold on to him as he went back, but he only went faster, shaking his head. I came to them now, managing to snag the end of the rope, and called to Kiro, “Woah, boy, enough!” The horse stopped dead in his tracks. No movement forward, no movement back. Just nothing. Vince and Trina looked to each other, to me, to Kiro, then back to me. And let go of the rope. I collected it, and asked Kiro to walk on. He did just that.
I loaded the black gelding onto the trailer, hooked him up, shut the door, and walked to the truck. He sat in the trailer quietly, and munched away at his hay. Trina came into the truck just watching me. I looked back to her to express that I knew just about as much about the situation as she did. Absolutely nothing.
 
#6 ·
Wow, glad to hear someone is enjoying it! Of course I'll post more, as I write it :) In the middle of chapter 3 now - as soon as I finish, I'll post :)
 
#7 ·
Chapter 3

After settling Kiro in his stall, Trina decided to have a chat with me in front of his stall door. “Krista, you are my star rider, and I love you. But please, tell me how in the world you made that horse do anything for you. He was a complete mess when I rode him – just strung out, heavy, and not listening. But you get on and he’s a perfect angel. I just don’t get it.” I honestly didn’t know anything about it either. I hadn’t done anything special, just rode how I normally do. “I don’t know,” I started, “I just … I guess we just clicked. What did Vince tell you about the horse before we got there? He said he threw people, but that’s all I know,” I inquired, curious of Kiro’s past. He did seem full of secrets, and not all of them kind.
“Well, that’s the basis of it. He said Kiro would do anything to get someone off his back. Buck, rear, twist, bolt, even just stop dead in the middle of a run. I mean, you saw the measures he went to to get me off. Something is nasty about that horse, I’m sure of it.” She did seem hard on Kiro, and I felt bad for him, especially seeing as he’d done no wrong to me. “But, Trina, if you don’t like him so much, why did you get him? He won’t keep you on his back! So how will you train him to jump? I mean, he’s already got his dressage basics down. I don’t think I could teach him anything,” I admitted embarrassingly. Trina went silent for a moment, and looked to her feet. After pondering for a moment, she looked me dead in the eye, and told me, “I’m not. You are.”

I really didn’t know what to say. I wouldn’t jump, couldn’t jump, since the fall with Ghost. It’d left his hip cracked, my pelvis crunched in places. Not to mention my shattered confidence. I’d tried jumping with many of Trina’s school horses, all I knew would take me over gladly, with no issues. The jumps were tiny, 2 foot. But for some reason, it was always last minute – I’d pull the horse to a halt, or to the side of the jump if he wouldn’t stop. Trina would yell and holler, push me to do it, but in the end she knew she couldn’t. I trusted her more than any person I knew, but something inside me blocked me from soaring once again. The feeling I once loved, I no longer remember, and no longer desire. Ghost was now a lesson horse, whom I still ride and love. The only difference? Jumping is out of our schedules now.

“No,” was all I could make out. “Well then I’m taking him back to Vince,” came Trina’s bitter reply. She turned to walk away, grabbing her truck keys off the table. “Grab him, load him in the trailer,” She called without turning. I refused the command, not willing to let go of Kiro. There was something about him I knew I had to hold on to, something I couldn’t release, “No! I won’t take him back!” I called back to my trainer. She turned swiftly, facing me again, “Well then you’ll have to train him. I obviously can’t do it, and that horse has the potential to really go somewhere – and you know it just as much as I do. So do something about it. Tack the horse up, and meet me in the arena in 5 minutes. That, or load him in the trailer. Those are your options, Krista, pick which one you want.” I stood there stunned for a moment, then nodded. It was lesson time. I grabbed Kiro’s red nylon halter, clipped it to his lead, and placed him in the crossties across from his stall. I took my red saddle pad, with white trim, and placed it upon his back. Then came the saddle, and leather girth, without a hitch. Kiro was truly a different horse from where we had picked him up - before he had been flighty and aggressive, stepping away from the tack, and even kicked out at Vince when he tightened the girth before. “Just playing favorites, aren’t you buddy?” I teased the big black boy. He looked back at me with his dark amber eyes, almost speaking back to me. I smiled, and bridled him. Led him to the arena, and mounted him.

“Okay, I’m ready,” I turned to Trina, standing in the middle of the arena. She smiled and nodded, pleased to see me on the big black gelding. “You know, you two do look pretty good together. But no matter. Let’s get started.”
She started with just putting us through the paces. Walking, extended walking, a collected walk, and all of the above at the trot and canter as well. All simple things I knew and could execute well. I could tell it was almost … a test. For something I knew was imminent. “Okay, go ahead and take on walk around the small field to cool off a bit. Then come right back.” I knew what she was doing – sending me away so she could set up standards. She was crazy. I wouldn’t jump before, nothing was changing now. But I obliged, letting her think that she could get away with her tactics for now.

The winter air was nice, and crisp. I always loved the winter. The pasture was low on grass, as they always were in the colder months. But they made for a lovely ride. It was just about February now, so not as bitter as it could be. The afternoon time of day made for a nice sun to ride by as well, so things were nice. I loved taking rides in the pasture. I always wished I could do more trail riding, but Trina’s property didn’t have any, and the closest trails were miles and miles away. So it was never really convenient. I reached down to pat Kiro’s neck, “No worries, bud. I’ll make sure to get you out there some time. It doesn’t look like anyone else will be riding you, so I bet we’ll be spending lots of time together!” I giggled. I liked the idea of having Kiro to myself, as he was so wonderful, and I really felt a connection with him – one that was almost as strong as me and Ghost’s, which was hard to say, considering me and Ghost had built that bond over many, many years, and Kiro and I’s came so … suddenly.

Before I knew it, I had circled back around the pasture, and came back to the gate. I took a deep breath, then asked Kiro to walk on back into the indoor arena. And, to no great surprise, I found myself a series of three jumps set in a line. They were all tiny – the first a cross-rail, the second an extremely low vertical, and the third maybe a 2 foot vertical. All looked like skyscrapers to me though. Jumping was out of the question. It had put Ghost in too much danger before, and had ruined his jumping career – all because I didn’t give him his head. I wasn’t meant to jump. I knew this, and I refused to do it again. I wasn’t going to ruin another horse.

“Okay Krista. I know what you’re thinking. But please just try. Maybe you’ve found your horse, that can pull you out of this fear spot you’re having. Just please. For me? For Kiro?” She pleaded with me. I knew the outcome of this, but I simply nodded, much to her delight. “Great! Then let’s get started! Start by just walking over the jumps. I’ll make them poles for you.” I guided Kiro to the line of poles after Trina had finished lowering them. I had done pole lines several times before, and they didn’t bother me. I couldn’t harm a horse with pole-work, and actually rode Ghost through such practice frequently. None the less, I went into my jumping position, and walked Kiro over the poles with confidence. He was happy to do so. “Good! Now trot,” came my next instruction. I did the same exercise at the higher gait, still as easily as I had before.

In fact, this trend continued all the way up to the point where each pole was raised on one side – the poles may have been 6 inches off the ground on the highest side, but it was an accomplishment, at least for Trina. I had actually never gotten that far before. I always chickened out after the poles stopped being flush with the ground. Kiro was a champ – lifted each leg in the perfect form, never touched a single pole the whole time. “That’s great Krista, that’s fantastic. Just keep going around at the trot like that.” She took one of the poles, and made it a cross-rail. Still tiny. 6 inches off the ground, again, at the highest point. The point where I would actually jump was likely 3 inches. But for the first time in years, I let myself go over that 3 inch cross-rail. I couldn’t believe it, but it had happened. And Trina was overjoyed. As was I! I looked down at Kiro, unbelievably proud of the wonderful horse. “You may be a one-person horse,” I whispered to him, “But you’re my one horse … and that’s all I need…”
 
#11 ·
Wow!! Thank you all so much for your wonderful comments!! :)
Chapter 4 is really just getting to know Krista a little better, and to set the stage for later in the novel. It's going to be a larger book, just with shorter chapters. I've always liked the shorter chapters, so figured that's how I'd write too!! Chapter 4 follows that guideline. I'll have Chapter 5 up very shortly, which will likely just involve more of the same - life at school and such. Then we should be back to the horses ;)

Chapter 4

I left the barn that night feeling like I was on top of the world. I was always happy after a day with a new horse, but Kiro was even more than that. It was as if he were mine – my first horse, my perfect match, my … my everything. I smiled at the thought of him being mine, before opening the car door, and sitting inside, ready for the short drive home.

“Hey mom!” I called from the kitchen, where the back door was located. She was likely in the living room, drinking her hot chocolate, watching some sort of soap opera – it was her Sunday tradition. I always left her be on these days, to have her time with just her, and the wonderful Jeremy Skyy, to marry Robin and take care of his omniscient, yet weak, sister. I always rolled an eye at her sappy shows, but whatever made her happy would work fine. It was just me, her, and my little broth- “Kay is home!” A little blonde blur came running at me, and slammed into my leg, tightening around my thigh. “I missed you sissy, I really did! You was gone a long, long time!” I laughed at Navy’s enthusiasm, loving his fun spirit. He was a handful at times, but I loved him to pieces. He usually brightened my day if I was in a foul mood, just by being there. His naïve and audacious personality was certaintly contagious. “Hey, little buddy! Did you eat yet? Should I fix you and mom something?” He nodded, as I figured he would. This time of year was hard for mom – it was around the time that dad took off on us, 7 years ago - it wasn’t long after Navy’s 1st birthday.

“Alright, little man. Go grab your momma a lap-table so she can watch her shows while she eats, and set the table for us. I’ll get your favorite running!” He bounced up to do as he was told. Spaghetti never ceased to put an even bigger spring in that boy’s step. After we had all eaten, and Navy had finished with the dishes, I went on to do my homework. I had been forced to re-do my senior year, for I had missed far too much school after my accident – a smashed hip, two shattered legs, and two broken arms to match could do that to a person. I was fine with it. I never really minded school, and didn’t exactly know what to do with my career after High School anyways. My phone interrupted my studies. I looked down to the caller ID and quickly answered. “Hello?”

“’Sup Krista-Kat?” Came the voice on the other line. I laughed at the stupid nickname, though it was what Jared had decided to call me, “Nothing much, just finishing Animal Science homework. Just got back from the barn, it was probably the best day ever for a while!” I continued to tell my best guy-friend about my day. He was a fellow horse lover, which was hard to come by. He actually owned a horse – a smaller bay Thoroughbred, named Northgate. He was a beauty, and was a wonderful eventer- what Jared specialized in. He was actually the only horsey friend of mine – Jeanna and Sam, my two favorite girl friends, weren’t much into them, but I loved them none the less. Either way, the conversation with Jared was a pleasant break from the homework – I loved Animal Science, but the homework given was a bit overwhelming. After a decently lengthy conversation, we settled on seeing each other at school the next day, and hung up.

After finishing what seemed to be a month of homework, I felt the need to draw. It was a huge hobby of mine – to capture beauty, to be able to interpret it differently, was priceless. Not to mention fun to do. I ended up getting half of a Kiro done, before eventually falling asleep over his rough, outline sketch.
 
#12 ·
Chapter 5


We sailed over the final jump effortlessly. The flight was balanced and calming, Kiro gentle beneath me. We met the earth with an easy thud, yet we were safe. He cantered on across the line, and I pat his black, glistening neck. The crowd clapped loudly, and I smiled brightly. It had been a flawless round. His pace had been perfect the entire time, and I had been one with him throughout the course. The victory was sure to be ours! All of a sudden, a buzzer went off. What? This wasn’t jumpers, and there was no time, which meant no need for an alarm. The annoying blat kept on repeating though, over and over – before I finally realized it was my alarm clock.

Awoken from the dream, I tapped on the electric clock gently, shutting the annoying call off. Through foggy eyes, I checked the time – 6:30 AM – time for school. As I dressed, I couldn’t help but think back to the marvelous dream. It was a rare one, especially, considering I hadn’t dreamed of jumping safely since the accident. Anything I did have was just replays of the event, from a body that wasn’t mine. I watched in slow motion, as Ghost collapsed over the jump, somersaulting into me. He would thrash a bit, then go still as people rushed into the arena. They were more like nightmares, and I was overjoyed when I found them gone. But this had been different. I was thankful for the change.

After getting dressed and grabbing breakfast, I waved goodbye to mom and herded Navy into my truck. Per normal, I was to drop Navy off at the Elementary school, then head to the High School, that was just a few blocks away. Considering I was now 18, I had my own license, and was able to drive everybody to their needed destinations, which saved gas. When mom had a job, I usually dropped her off there as well. We were all pretty eco-friendly people.

After I had sent my little brother on his way, drove up here, and parked, I walked myself to my locker. “Krista! What’s up?” Sam came bouncing around the corner, clearly in a happy mood. “Hey Sam, not much, just got here. Was the test in Trig today or tomorrow?” After chatting around with her a bit, I headed to class. Walking in the door, I was greeted with the familiar “there she is!” by Jared. “Here I am!” I plopped down in the seat next to him. We didn’t have a seating chart in Trig, but we all tended to sit in the same spot each day. “So, Kay, how’s that black doing?” I smiled, loving the opportunity to talk about him. “Great! I just had a dream about him last night. Jumping, of all things. I don’t know, I think he might really take me somewhere.” Jared nodded, but gave a bit of a concerned look, “Ya know, if he threw your trainer off, how can you be sure he won’t do the same for you? Maybe he was just being really good for you to hide his bad side, so that you’d be more surprised. From what you told me of his track record, he seems really nasty.” I just shook my head at the thought, “No, Jared, he’s not nasty. Well I mean, he’s nasty to other people, but not to me. He is so sweet once you connect with him. I can’t see him ever hurting me. Who knows, maybe he just really needed someone to see who he was, and actually give him a chance.” Jared shook his head slowly, giggling to himself, “You are a hard-headed one…” I laughed, and sat up straighter. “And don’t you forget it!”

After school had gotten out, I made my way out to the barn. Not before getting a phone from mom though – “Hey, Krista, I need you to take Navy to the barn with you. I can’t watch him. Miranda is picking me up to go shopping for some counters for her new kitchen.” I sighed, not really liking taking him with, but agreed. It wasn’t that I didn’t love my brother, I did. It was just that he was a boy, and I feared him getting into things he shouldn’t. I had taken him a few times before, but Trina hadn’t been there both times. I wasn’t sure how she’d take it. I called her, and of course she said it’d be okay – but I was curious of her real opinion.

I gave Navy a briefing before heading in. “Okay buddy, you need to be on your best behavior. Don’t bother Ms. Trina, she is very busy, and doesn’t want to be your babysitter. I’m going to be riding, so I can’t have you messing with me. You remember where the bathroom and the mini-fridge is if you get hungry. Just chill in the lounge until I’m done. Don’t break anything – and if you do, tell me. Don’t try to hide it. Got it?” He nodded excitedly, loving to be here at the barn. He was a smart kid.

I walked him into the barn, holding his hand. “Hey Trina!” I called. She came around the corner, enthusiastic. “Hey there Krista! Brought me a little helper today, did you? How much fun will we have!” She clapped her hands, then motioned for Navy to go with her. He laughed and ran her way. I smiled, glad the two could get along. She looked up to me before turning back with my brother in tow, “Kiro, as you may know,” she said with a smile. I smiled and nodded back, then turned to head to his stall. “Okay buddy, let’s see what we can do.
 
#15 ·
Chapter 6

“That a boy, just take it nice and easy…” I spoke softly to the giant gelding. I stroked his blazing neck gently, as he walked out strongly in the middle of the arena. He stretched his neck downward, and let his shoulders free up as I put slack in the rein and asked for impulsion. He knew my cues so well. After a good stretch, I carefully asked to have his head back. He held it just where it needed to be, and set off into a lovely, flowing trot. I did keep what Jared said in the back of my mind – At this point, Kiro WAS still a bit unpredictable. I trusted him completely, for some reason, but I knew that he was still, in fact, a horse.

Yet it was hard to think that the beauty could ever hurt me … His muscular black neck glistened in the light of the arena, like crystals dancing upon coal, diamonds forming from the black ash. His shoulders pulsed with energy, riveting and shocking the ground he would grace his powerful hooves over. Pushing off with such grace, to lift into the air and land again with such a beauty that could only be proven by sight. He truly danced through the air, with his entire body, his hindquarters driving the unstoppable force he presented. The gentle weight he put in my hands as he held the bit just so in his mouth was a contact to die for. He was truly spectacular to ride. I never wanted to get off.

We rode in all gaits, where he excelled. In the center of the arena was a small jump. It was a cross rail, in fact, but higher than yesterday’s. The center may have been about one foot off the ground. I thought back to my dream from yesterday. We were sailing over everything, and all of those jumps were hugely higher than the one I saw before me. He would likely just trot over the thing. No problem, right? Right … I convinced myself to give it a shot. Like a beginner, I timidly trotted toward the wooden setup. As we approached, I released my hands to his neck, and he did just as I expected – an easygoing trot. I smiled wide, patting Kiro with much enthusiasm. “That’s a boy! Good boy!”

I peered back to the cross rail. It was nothing … and easy clear. Maybe, just maybe, today could be different … maybe we could finally get over a vertical. I hopped off Kiro, and tied his reins, deciding to let him walk about the arena as he pleased as I would put the jump up. The arena was designed to be safe for a horse at liberty, so he wouldn’t hurt himself. I released the reins, and took off at a brisk walk. When I stopped at the jump, I turned around to find … Kiro! I was startled by the big black nose that was being pushed into my back at first, not expecting him to follow me. But next thing you knew, I was smiling wide, hugging the sweet horse. “You are such an angel…” I muttered into his long, flowing forelock. After a moment of peace, I turned back to the jump. I lay one pole on the ground, and lifted the other end of the other into the jump cup. The jump was now 2’. Years ago, this had been the height I showed in as I was just getting into competitive showing. It seemed like a short forever ago, really. I looked up and grinned at the big black horse, who had his nose just by my shoulder. “You want to help?” I chuckled, patted his neck, and walked around to his side. I hopped on, and took a look at the small jump. It was certaintly daunting. “Kiro …” I muttered his name, hoping to gain some confidence.

I trotted around the arena a few more laps, before popping into an easy, flowing canter. Around and around we went, and I still hadn’t made the slightest attempt at the jump in the center. I noticed this, took a large breath, and quickly decided it was time to change that. “20 seconds. Twenty seconds of courage, and we are over it,” I tried to convince myself. I eased the rein toward the standards, using my leg to push his shoulder into the direction. Coming at the fence now, I hear footsteps come, then stop. Trina must have been watching. 5 strides out now. Almost there, almost over the jump, and it was all downhill from there. Downhill … Flashes of the accident went through my mind. Kiro falling. Crashing. Crippled. My fault. No. 3 strides out, I turned him away from the jump. This startled him, not knowing what to do, considering he had positioned himself perfectly to take the jump. Angered by his forced failed attempt, he threw his head in the air in protest. “No Kiro, easy!” I pulled back on his reins and pushed him forward with my leg, hoping to drive his head down. Unfortunately, this wasn’t effective.

Kiro did respond to the leg. He cantered on faster, hollow, with his head sky-high. The position of him under me felt very similar to how he looked being ridden by Trina. This couldn’t be good. “Easy boy, easy now! Settle down, it’s okay!” I tried to turn the big black, but to no avail. Yet, he did drop his head. He then shook his nose, clearly displeased with my actions as a rider. I finally brought him back down to a walk, and patted him on the neck. Suddenly, I remembered my trainer’s presence. I turned to her, expecting exactly what I got out of her face – pursed lips, head down, and slowly moving side to side. She turned away from the arena, and continued doing her chores with Navy at her heels. He was silent as well.
 
#17 ·
Thank you so much!! :) I am in fact still writing it! I think I'll go ahead and power through, and get at least up to Chapter 10 by Friday. I am loving all the feedback, thank you so much!! Keep it coming! Anything you guys don't like, let me know.
 
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#19 ·
Chapter 7

The drive home was quiet. I wasn’t too proud of myself, and I think Navy could tell. Wanting to improve the little guy’s mood, I tried some small conversation. “So what did you do with Trina today? She teach you anything?” He smiled a bit, probably glad to cut the air. “Well, she had me help her feed the horses, and give them water, and we even got to brush a pony! She said I was a really good helper, and that I needed to tell you that I was the best helper ever, and I had to come back and ride sometime!” I smiled, happy to know about Trina’s love for my little brother. She did do lessons with younger kids, but I’d never seen them, so I never knew how much she loved working with them.

He giggled a bit, then continued, “She also said you was crazy.” I turned and glanced at him quickly, with a mock-shocked look on my face. “And did she tell you why she said that?” I asked jokingly. “Uh-huh! She said that horse of yours was crazy, and you was riding him, and that means you’re crazy!” I had to laugh out loud, not surprised at Trina’s teasing of Kiro. “Well I outta get both of you for saying such things!” I reached over with one hand and tickled his side, making sure the steering wheel was steady with the other hand. He exploded with laughter, which I joined in.
I did wonder what would come of Kiro. It scared me, knowing now that teaching him to jump could be impossible if I did it. Trina wouldn’t keep a horse with no potential. She’d sell him on a heartbeat now, seeing the event that occurred in the arena. I swore to myself, wishing I could just get over the past. But it was harder than you’d think.

~*~

“Wow Kat, that sucks.” I bowed my head at Jared’s reply to the telling of the previous day’s events. “I know. I just don’t understand! The accident was so long ago, and..” I went on, and could have gone longer if he hadn’t had interrupted me, “No, it was about 2 years ago, barely. You’re just scared, it’s natural. You’ve gone through a trauma, those things aren’t hard to get over. And you know I’m not fond of your trainer either.” I rolled my eyes playfully. Jared always teased me about Trina, seeing as she was a bit tough on her students. I liked it, but Jared was more fond of a positive reinforcement approach. Trina was anything but. “You’re terrible!” I gently punched his arm, and continued, “But still. I know Kiro would do anything, and he would do it perfectly. I’m not scared of him hurting me …” I looked for the words, not knowing what to say. Jared found them for me, “You’re scared of you hurting him.” I nodded. “That won’t happen, Kat, I know you. You’re just getting hyped up over everything. It’s not good for you.”

I sighed, knowing he was right. I didn’t know what else to do, though. We had done enough flatwork to win the Dressage Olympics, or so it seemed. Jumping was out of the equation, and I never really got into Western. Kiro wasn’t particularly the western type either. “Tell you what,” Jared broke my trance, “Come out to my barn with me some time. We’ve got trails all throughout. Maybe you’re just a little ring sour! A little woodland joy would cheer you up. They are beautiful around this time of the year, with the trees all frosty. You will love it, so will Kiro. Me and Northgate get awful lonely all by our lonesome…” I laughed, and after some pondering, agreed. Trail riding was really good for green horses. It gave them the chance to see things, get them a bit more spook-free. And maybe he was right, I could just need to get some air. “Thanks, Jared, I appreciate it.” I smiled at my best friend, and we split up – him to Algebra II, me to Gym.

Upon coming home, I yelled a greeting to Mom. Navy came in behind me, as I had picked him up, per normal. No reply. “Ma?” I called again, then began looking through the house. No sign of her … finally, I spotted a scrawled note on the fridge. I read it aloud to Navy’s eager ears, “Kids – Out with the girls. There is some food in the fridge. Kristine, cook something up for your brother, I won’t be home until late. If I’m not back by tomorrow, make sure you two get up and go to school. Love, Mom.” I turned to my little brother, now sitting at the kitchen table. “Guess it’s just you and me, bud!” He nodded. He didn’t like being away from mom. I knew why she was always gone now – dad. Navy, on the other hand, didn’t understand, and didn’t need to.

I patted the little guy on the back. “Come on, let’s go out back and throw the football around. We’ve still got a few minutes before it gets dark.” His dissatisfied look turned into a cheery grin, and he bolted out the back door. I laughed and followed him, grabbing the ball on the way out. As we threw the pigskin around a bit, me careful to throw it gently, and him eager to catch it, I thought about the upcoming weekend. Jared and I planned to ride Saturday at 4, just after Trina finished her morning lessons. I called her after school, and she agreed to let me borrow the trailer once she had finished. I’ll admit, an afternoon spent with my best friend and his beautiful horse would be really, really nice. I’d been so busy lately, with school and the barn, I hadn’t really had time to dote on my social life. It was never really a huge priority – the horses have always come first. I sighed, “A little buddy-buddy time certaintly wouldn’t hurt though,” I mumbled to myself. “Sissy, I’m getting hungry … can we go in now?” My little Navy popped my thought bubble, and I smiled and nodded. Once we were settled in the house, I pondered what to do for food. “What sounds good, little guy?” I asked, honestly not very hungry myself. “Pizza! Pizza!” Was the obvious reply. I could have guessed it myself. “You sure? We’ve got some roast in here, a few pieces of chicken, some fish sticks …”

About 45 minutes later, me and Navy were sat down at the kitchen table, set at the two ends, with a pizza box in the middle. He would play with the oozing cheese, before shoving the Italian delicacy into his mouth. I reached into the box for another piece, my meat-lovers side. We always got a half and half pizza – one side for me and my mom, a side of nothing but cheese for Navy. Typical 8 year old, never was a fan of toppings on his pizza. “Alright Navy, finish up soon, I’m going to get your bath running.” Navy grumbled, “But it’s Friday, I ain’t got no school tomorrow!” I laughed at his grammar, “’Ain’t got no…’ Boy, you probably should be having school if you’re going to talk like that!” He just laughed, and stuck his tongue out at me. “Fine, fine, Mr. Too-Good-For-Proper-English, you can stay up late. But you still have to get a bath now.

He agreed to this, and soon we were preparing for our nightly slumber. It wasn’t half an hour after his bath that he was laying out on the couch, passed out, with Disney Channel playing softly in the background.
 
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#21 ·
Thank you!! :) I will be getting some more writing done really soon, sorry for the major delay before ... the next few chapters will move a lot quicker. These few small chapters have really just been setting up for what lies ahead. I still haven't decided if I want to make this a long or short story ... Opinions?
 
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#22 ·
I just read this all the way through and called my wife, as well as my daughter and told them to read it.

I enjoy the way you are writing it now and must admit I would like to continue reading it in the short chapters as you have been writing.
 
#23 · (Edited)
Chapter 8

[[ Thank you so much!! That means a lot!! :) This chapter is just a bit longer than usual, but I just couldn't stop writing this one! The story starts to pick up a lot here soon. I think it's going to end up being a bit short. There's a lot I could do with this, but I think it would be best executed in a short, one or two sided way... Of course, opinions are always MORE than appreciated!! ]]

“You sure about this Krista? I mean, we haven’t had him very long. I have no idea how he is on trails, or anywhere away from home. I don’t think this is a good idea. At all.” Trina was ranting on and on to me as I loaded Kiro into the trailer. I simply smiled at my worried trainer, “Don’t worry, I promise, everything will be okay. He’s a good boy, I’ll take good care of him, and he’ll take care of me. It’s okay.” I clipped his halter into the manger as Trina did up the butt-bar in the back. She huffed, “famous last words,” but left it at that. After everything was all set, and Kiro was eating away at his hay, I hopped into the cab of my truck. I leaned out the window to call to Trina, “Thanks again for letting me borrow the trailer! We’ll be back by eight!” She smiled halfheartedly, gave me a curt wave, and headed back into the barn. She had just a bit of cleaning up to do before heading out.

I hadn’t driven the trailer a lot, so the drive itself always worried me. Of course, I’d never been in an accident (knock on wood), and neither had anyone I’d known. I was a good driver, so I really wasn’t sure why I was so timid. “Just nature, I suppose” I said to nobody. I checked the rearview at the trailer once again; everything was just fine, as I expected.

When I arrived at the stables, I was immediately impressed. I hadn’t ever actually been to the barn Jared kept Northgate at. “Green Lantern Stables” read the beautiful elaborate sign set out front of the property. Thankfully there was no gate – that might have been a little too intimidating for me. “Dang Jared, I knew your parents were doctors, but I had no clue they were this wealthy …” I thought aloud. After driving up the long, concrete driveway, I parked in a spot farther back. Trina had lent me her nicer two horse trailer… but my truck wasn’t quite as fancy.

I unloaded Kiro from the trailer quickly, happy I had dressed him in matching red shipping gear. The sheet and boots complimented his jet black coat very well, not to mention the halter and lead I held. “Good thing we wore our nice threads to this place, huh Kiro?” I patted his glistening neck, then led him into the beautiful white barn, lined with a gentle green trim. Inside, the barn was stunning.

The stalls were perfect. A beautiful cherry color, matched with black, twisted iron. Cleaner than some of my dinner plates quite possibly, and matted and bedded with the finest material. The aisles were just as neat, with one solid piece of concrete going through the whole area. The wash-stalls were perfectly kept. I was almost scared to walk Kiro down the hall and place him in the cross-ties, afraid he may dirty something. I’d kill to see the tack room of this place. I didn’t have enough time to snoop some more before Jared turned the corner and found me.

“I thought I heard hooves! How you doing Krista-Kat?” Jared came up and gave me a big hug, before turning to my black giant. “Wow Kat …” was all he could say. He walked up to pat Kiro. I stepped toward Jared, about to warn him of Kiro’s habits with other people, “Jared, wai-… woah…” Kiro let him pet him. Jared had rested his hand upon his nose, and began to stroke his face, calmly. “What is it?” I just shook my head, more or less amazed. “He usually … won’t let anyone touch him.” I managed to throw out. Jared laughed, “he just knows who’s awesome and who’s not. NG is in the other crosstie, I’ll just tack him up and meet you here?” I quickly agreed with a nod. Jared smiled and set off, and I began to unload my saddle and bridle out of the trailer before placing them upon Kiro’s back. “Well buddy … I just realized I might like red just as much as you look good in it!” His saddle pad and SMB boots were both red as well. Well, at least he matched.

It wasn’t long after I had gotten Kiro ready that Jared walked down the aisle with Northgate, or NG as he called him. He was already mounted, so I did the same. The doors were extra high in this barn, a luxury I wasn’t used to. Heck, this whole stable was a luxury I wasn’t used to. “Alright, I’ll take the lead. There’s this beautiful trail I’ve really been wanting to take you on. It will really get him going through everything, and you’ll have a blast with it.” I smiled and nodded, letting him go ahead. “That sounds perfect to me! He’s a good guy, I’m sure he’ll do great with the trails.” I gave him a good pat, and we set off.

The trail started really quiet. We had to go through one of the pastures to get to the woods, and when we did get to the forest, the trees were light. It was really quite silent, for being winter, there was little wildlife scurrying about. The frosty air did look simply beautiful against the trees though. A photographer would probably give an arm and a leg to see this place. “Jared, it’s gorgeous.” I mumbled. “Wow Krista, you really haven’t been trail riding … it gets a lot better than trees.” I thought my mouth would fall open. More beautiful than this? I was actually a bit jealous of Jared now. This was the norm for him, he could-and possibly did- see this every other day. It was really stunning. Northgate was looking grand as well.
I’d always been a fan of the big bay gelding. He moved almost flawlessly, and was muscled to the core. You could tell Jared had worked hard with his horse, in Dressage and Jumping alike. They also did Cross Country, and I knew that certaintly took a very, very fit horse. I was never one for solid obstacles, but I’d almost brave it if I could have Kiro looking like that. And … if I hadn’t had my accident. I suddenly noticed that NG had come to a halt, and Jared was looking back at me and Kiro. “In la-la land? Come up her, Kat, come see. Now this, this is gorgeous.” I rode up next to him, hoping Kiro would be fine with NG’s company. As soon as I saw what Jared saw, my reins fell from my hands, and my jaw fell from my face. “Oh my … Jared …”

It was probably the most beautiful landscape I had ever seen in my entire life. We stood upon a steep hill, looking down over a valley. There was a lake, crystal in color, with a cross country course wrapping around it. Stone walls, ditches, flowery jumps and hedges. Trees danced around the trail of jumps, stretching their bare arms to the sky. A light frost covered the grass, leaving the whole field in a subtle blue shade. The winter air and sky complimented the area perfectly, giving everything a clam, peaceful feel. The horses’ heat kept me from freezing where I was and never moving. Somebody nickered beneath us, and for just a moment my gaze was stolen from the breathtaking view. The horses were breathing into each other’s noses, seemingly perfectly content with each other.

I said, with a breathy, amazed tone, “well looks like we have a friendship brewing here!” Jared laughed, then turned to me. “Haha, yea. They take after their owners pretty well, eh?” He grinned and leaned over, punching my arm gently. I returned the punch as we laughed a bit, looking from the horses, the view, to each other. I didn’t want to be anywhere else in the world. Then Jared turned Northgate, and started to head down the hill. “Come on, Kat, let’s go try this thing out!” I stood there, not fully comprehending what Jared just said. “Uh … you mean …” He laughed again, and without turning called back, “The course, Krista, come on!” The course. Of jumps. Solid jumps. “Oohh, no …” I muttered to myself, before asking Kiro to make his decent down the hill.
 
#27 ·
Chapter 9

The bottom of the field was just as stunning as the top was. The details in the woodland area made it even more breathtaking, which I thought was impossible. The path was a beautifully manicured dirt/sand mix path, that was just hard enough for a good run. It was truly the perfect place to get some great practice in. If, that is, you were an avid cross country rider.

“Come on Krista! What are you waiting for?” He knew the answer good and well; he was just trying to make me get over my irrational fear that was jumping. “I think you should go first. Me and Kiro will just stay back and watch.” He rolled his eyes, and came up to me from his spot at the start box. “Come on,” were his only words. He walked away from the course now, on further down the path. “Where are you going? I thought you wanted to do the course?” He shook his head, stopped NG, and turned to face me, “I want you and I to both do the course. You are obviously a chicken. There is a huge field up ahead we use just for racing across. You win, we spend the rest of the trail on all four hooves. I win, we both do the Cross Country course. This is the small course too, I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you. I promise it will be fine. Deal?” I looked down to Kiro. I had seen him run in the field. He was always just a big black flash of lightning. It was always a marvel to watch him run. Though I’d never ridden his gallop, you could just tell it would be smooth as glass, and quick as a Lamborghini. I looked back up to my opponent. “Deal.”

So we rode, side by side, down the wide trail. I could see the open area ahead Jared had mentioned – it was an extremely large clearing. We’d definitely have plenty of space to get our horses into a full out run. The two questions of mine were: how far could Kiro go … and if I could stop him at the end. “You ready, kitty cat?” I laughed and rolled my eyes, “I’ve told you a thousand times not to call me that! My 5th grade nickname has no place … anywhere!” Jared laughed and laughed, as if he had just pulled the Senior Prank of the century. I trotted away briskly, letting Kiro’s long, flowing tail dance in front of Northgate. “Come on, dweeb, let’s get this over with! And don’t be crying too hard when we kick you and your pretty little pony’s butt!” I taunted my best friend, to which he responded to with cantering and sliding-stopping right next to us. It was a bit intimidating, but I believed in Kiro. “We say ‘go’ at the same time! Got it?” He nodded.

“Three … two … one…” We alternated the numbers, gathered our reins, picked ourselves off our horses’ backs, and simultaneously shouted “Go!” Both horses took off like a rocket. Both were well trained, and instantly engaged their hindquarters, bringing themselves under their body to get the maximum amount of speed. It was horsepower at its finest really. We whistled in the wind, flying down the stretch. The cold air stung at my eyes, but I urged Kiro on. There was still the whole field in front of us, and I didn’t see Northgate in front of or beside us. “Get on boy! Go, go, go!” I called needlessly to Kiro. You could feel his entire body stretch, licking up the grass. We had the race bagged, and I was looking forward to a nice, relaxing trail.
Until Northgate showed up in my peripherals.

The grand horse was shockingly toned, and barely breathing hard. His stride was immaculate, as if he was born to race. He was perfectly balanced, as was his rider. I was so taken aback by the horse’s impeccable beauty, I hadn’t noticed he had pulled ahead until they were two or three strides ahead of us. “No, Kiro, come on! Get up boy!” I called to him, using my leg to encourage him on. But he was out of gas, his pace slowing. I could feel it. No matter what I did, he was tired. And Northgate had only just gotten started. We were only just a dozen strides away from the tree line, and I knew it was no use trying to catch Jared. With a few silent swears, I pulled Kiro to a free walk. He was breathing pretty hard, and was happy to be at a gentle walk.
“That was the most fun I’ve had in a long time! Wow Krista, he’s quick! Usually I have no competition with NG…” He patted his magnificent horse. “He’s really beautiful, Jared. How in the world does he have that much stamina? Kiro is one of the most fit, amazing horses I’ve ever met … and look at him!” Jared looked overly pleased with himself, but you could tell he was trying to hide it. He was a good friend, but I knew what he was about to make me do was quite mean. “Cross Country! Which is exactly what you are about to do, princess!” He said as he walked by me, heading back across the field to the course. I punched him as he walked by, but was forced to follow him. “Could you at least go first?” I called ahead to him. He nodded, but kept walking on.

When we got back to the start box, he gave me a small pep talk, “look, I will go first. But I promise, this is easy. Just tell Kiro to run, and think of running. Don’t jump, just go. The jumps are all 2’6” and lower, it’s the smallest course on the property. They are low enough – even if he hit these, he’d be fine. Everything here is made of foam. It’s made for people just getting into Cross. You’ll be fine, and so will he. I’ve seen you and him all day, and you click like a puzzle. Trust me on this, Kat. I’d never do anything to put you in danger.” He looked at me straight in the eye, and I knew he was serious. And I believed him. His deep amber eyes radiated trust…

“Okay. You go, I’ll watch. Then … Then I’ll …. I’ll go.”
 
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