Welcome to Hickstead, home to both Seven Oak Stables, and Blue Acre - two rival stables. Both offer opportunities for their clients to reach the highest level of excellence. Each stable differs from the other, so choose wisely and never forget, loyalty is everything... Meanwhile as the stables battle it out, there's trouble brewing at the university. Be careful, if you don't pick a side you may get caught in the cross-fire...
This is an chilled out rpg with a super friendly and relaxed atmosphere! Remember to sign up with your characters full name in all caps and don't forget to do your claims! Thank you and Welcome, we've been established since 10th March 2009 but unfortunately have had to close guest view of our boards due to multiple sites ripping off our hard work, such a shame! Come chat to us in Discord before joining if you like!.
Daphne always loved going to the barn with her new dad. They were animals she didn't have much experience with but she learned quickly about how to be safe around them. As she felt the car move forward, she glanced out the window - seeing that the horses had been turned out for the day. She couldn't help but smile at them. It seemed as if there was a horse bug that was going around biting every young child in the area - and she wasn't far behind.
The car seemed to come to a stop at their usual parking spot - which was reserved for them. She was buzzing with excitement and kept twiddling her thumbs to keep it hidden. "So? What are we going to do first?" Daphne was sure he had a horse or two to work on but she was always happy to help where she could. Even if it was just handing him the tools he needed when he needed it. The barn was somewhere she felt safe - even though it still felt odd.
"Can we go say hi to some ponies today?" She had put a few apple slices in a plastic baggie to see if she could convince one of the ponies to eat her fruit from breakfast for her.
For once, Chase was able to bring Daphne to work. It had been a moment since it felt like he had the time to do so. She always asked when she could go back, and today Chase was finally able to say yes. There was one appointment, but Chase knew he could always rely on someone at the barn to keep Daphne entertained just in case.
“We have one horse today, sweetie. But I think maybe you can help dad clean up and organize a bit. I believe a new Shetland arrived.” Chase knew anything that mentioned small and kid-size, Daphne was all about it. Her horse book collection and toys were growing faster each month, to the point he had to pick out the ones to donate. Thankfully, there was a little area in the office building and the lounge area for extra things. There were a few kiddos coming in for lessons.
Making sure he had everything, Chase locked the car and took a hold of Daphne’s hand. He caught a glimpse of the apple bag and he couldn’t help but smile. “Is there a horse you want to greet first today?” he asked, as they made their way into the barn.
Daphne held her dad’s hand and followed him inside the barn. Her eyes almost sparkled when they entered the barn. She tried to glance at each horse as they walked past, knowing better than to go wandering off. ‘That sounds fun! How can I help you today?” The young girl was always glad to help where she could before she had to head back to the classroom in a few weeks.
“A new Shetland? Do you know anything about it?” Her curiosity piqued, always curious to see what the new pony looked like. She held the bag of apple slices in her hand, hoping that it was enough to feed a few horses or ponies.
The young girl nodded excitedly. “Can we go see Sparkie?” she asked. The mouse grey pony belonged to another girl who she often chatted with if they were both there. “I’d like to give him some apple slices if that’s okay.” Daphne tried her best to read and research as much as she could on ponies - hoping that one day she could start taking riding lessons.
“I think I’ll need help grabbing some tools today,” Chase smiled. There wasn’t much Daph could help too much. She was small and young enough that he didn’t want her around too close to the horses he was working with. He would always stop what he was doing and walk over to her to have her hand him something. It was a chance to make her feel a part of what he was doing without getting too close. As a surprise today though, he bought a small apron with some wood tools. The activity would be new for her to try, doing his job along with him on a stuffed horse. Were the items a bit pricey? Yes. Was it worth it? Yes.
“I don’t know anything about the new pony, unfortunately. We may have to visit them another day, as we don’t want to overwhelm them, now do we?”
“Sparkie, huh? How about we visit Sparkie for a little bit? My appointment isn’t for another hour.” He walked down the barn until he stood in front of his stall. Chase had worked on the horse a bit and his owner; Kendra was always willing to let Daphne spoil him.
“Can you show me how you would call Sparkie over?” Chase asked, letting go of her hand and picking her up, so Daphne was able to peek over the stall door.
Daphne happily clapped her hands together. She was clearly excited about helping her dad - and actually able to help. Usually, the young girl was told to stand off to the side while her dad worked away. “Okay! I’m always happy to help.” Daphne couldn’t wait until she was actually old enough to do more around the barn.
The red head shook her head. She knew better than to overwhelm the ponies on their first day. “Can we just have a peek at them?” Daphne asked with a slight pout on her face. She was impatient like any other child and wanted nothing more than to be able to see their cute and fuzzy faces.
A smile came back to the young girl’s face as soon as the Icelandic pony was mentioned. “Yes! Sparkie is soooo adorable!” She didn’t want to admit that he was her favourite pony at the barn. If someone were to truly ask her she wouldn’t be able to choose between them all. The girl kept up with her dad, happily walking along to the stall. “I want to ride Sparkie one day…” She felt herself being lifted by her dad and let out a giggle.
“I can try! Chloe says he is a good listener.” Daphne had seen a few horse movies so there were a few tricks to try. The girl tried her best to make a soft clucking noise, hoping the grey pony would at least lift his head from his grain bucket.
“When we finish up at the barn, maybe we can go and see them.” Chase smiled. It was always hard to say no, but he found with Daphne – seeing a pony was a treat, a reward of sorts. Parenting was a bit different for everyone, and Chase didn’t have the baby phase to help him figure out a few things. He lost seven years of instilling, but he was doing well. At least, that’s what he hoped.
“Yeah? I’m sure if you asked Mrs. Kendra very nicely, you could ride Sparkie?” Knowing the woman, she probably wouldn’t say no, but it was more polite to ask. Thankfully, Daphne had been good about it for what a girl age could handle.
He watched as she clucked. The horse wasn’t moving too much, a bit focused on his feed. “Can you try again? A bit louder like dad?” Chase asked, doing a small cluck.
Daphne nodded, it was a good compromise. She knew her dad had to work - and it always came first. “Do you know their names?” The child was always asking questions about the new equine arrivals at the barn.
Her eyes sparkled when her dad suggested her asking if Mrs. Kendra would let her ride Sparkie. Chloe was someone she quickly grew close with as the other child often spent time at the barn as well. “Would she say yes? Could I have a lesson with him?” Sparkie seemed like a fun pony to ride. His mouse gray coat was something unique to many, which made him easy to spot at the barn.
“Do you think he’s too focused on his food?” Daphne always wondered how adults were good at getting their horses to come to them. She figured it was something she was going to learn. “I can try…” Daphne said softly. She took a deep breath and clucked louder this time - trying her best to copy what her dad did. The pony lifted his head from the grain bucket and took a few steps towards the stall door.
Chase shook his head. “No, not yet. I think they’ve been decided on yet. Though I’m sure Mr. Leo will have a grand time figuring them out.” The Whites were an interesting bunch, but nothing malicious. He remembered it took him a moment to get used to everything about such a large family – but he didn’t mind. They were very kind to him when he came back, and that meant a lot to him.
“We just have to ask first, don’t we?” He knew the answer, but Chase didn’t want to promise anything. He smiled as she clucked again and the horse came over. “Look at you go, Daph!” He walked a bit closer, so she could have the ability to lift her arms without straining too much to pet the horse.
Eyes looked at his watch. “Give Sparkie a few pets and then we’re off to change some shoes!”
“He should have a contest about naming them.” It would be fun to get the boarders involved in naming the new ponies. She hadn’t had the chance to name anything yet, but Daphne always had names in mind. Usually, they came from the books she was reading.
Daphne nodded. She wanted to have her first riding lesson desperately. “Do you know when we will see Mrs. Kendra next?” Daphne knew that between their three horses and a pony - the Hawkes family was out at the barn practically every day. She knew Chloe learned how to ride on Sparkie - and she wanted to be next.
The girl smiled as the mouse gray pony moved over towards her. She gently reached her hand out and gave Sparkie some pets on the head. “Can I give him an apple slice before I help you?” Daphne had them in the pocket of her vest and wanted to give them to her favorite pony.
“Okay! Who do you have first today?” She was hoping it was a calmer horse so she could help her dad more, but she knew she couldn’t pick and choose who was on the list.
Knowing Leo, he may – but then ignore it completely. Despite knowing the White family for a few years now, it had taken Chase a bit to get used to the shenanigans of it all again. There was nothing about it, just Chase had matured a bit more than people probably expected him to.
“Oh, knowing her – most likely tonight. Or even earlier than that,” Chase smiled. While Kendra would say yes, Chase would feel better if he gave her or someone else money for the lessons. Even though he worked here, and the price sliced in half – he didn’t like the idea of Daphne learning for free. Time was important. Even if Kendra didn’t accept money –
“Only one slice.” Chase helped Daphne grab the bag she had tried to hide to swell, but he knew her habits now. The barn often meant her sneaking in food to give to Sparkie. It had taken a moment for her to realize she couldn’t feed any horse, willy-nilly. Permission was needed.
“We’re working on Banjo,” Chase smiled, leading Daphne down toward his workstation. “I’m going to need you to open your gift, first.” He knew she would be surprised, but it would help her feel more involved. Mainly, it was a small apron that he found. To mimic his chaps, but not as heavy-duty. The other gift was waiting at home. “I hope you like it, Daphne,” he said, handing his daughter the neatly wrapped box.
Sparkie was content receiving attention from the young human, despite it not being Chloe. The gelding was used to getting pets from strangers passing by, acting almost like a lesson pony rather than the typical bratty show pony.
"If she comes to the barn while we are still here, can we ask?" Daphne's eyes lit up at the thought. She had been wanting to learn how to ride for a long time now - or that's what it felt like to her.
Daphne smiled, having a feeling that her father knew about her sneaking snacks for the ponies. After seeing other people give their horses treats, it was the best thing since sliced bread to her! "Thank you." She carefully pulled out one slice of apple, holding her hand out flat. Sparkie gently took the apple slice and began munching on it.
"Okay, bye bye Sparkie." She knew it was time to go help her dad with work. Daphne walked along the barn aisle, making sure her dad was close by - just in case. "A gift? Uh, it's not my birthday?" Was she missing a holiday or any other special occasion? Surely not.
When they stopped at the work station, she turned to face the neatly wrapped box. Daphne walked over to it and began carefully tearing the wrapping paper away. The red head gathered the paper and opened the box. "Oh! It's an apron? Thank you, Dad."
“Yep. I know you like helping me out, so I thought this apron would work for yah until I can get you some mini-farrier pants. Has pockets for all your tools and snacks for the animals,” Chase smiled. “Would you like help putting it on?” It was a cute little thing. It was a white canvas with some cartoon flower doodles on it. Had some chest pockets and a big kangaroo pouch. Not exactly the color of brown, but Chase didn’t think she’d appreciate looking too much like her dad at work.
He reached for his chaps and slid them on. “What’s the first tool dad uses?” he asked, adjusting the straps and belt. It Felt snug but still moveable.
Daphne grinned, she always enjoyed working with her dad. The young girl would live at the barn if she could - though she wouldn't know what pony she would bunk up with. Miss Rory always said Joy would be the best roommate. "Thank you! I love it." The grin was still on her face as she glanced at the small apron. She found it adorable with the cartoon flowers on it.
"Yes please, just the back ties." She turned herself around to let her dad help her. Her arms weren't quite long enough to do it herself. "Did you make it yourself or did someone else sew it together?" She knew he could be quite handy, though she had heard sewing could be quite difficult. "Was it Miss Aofie? She is quite crafty."
Daphne took a look around trying to remember what her dad usually started with. "The tool that takes the old shoes off goes first, right?"
He did as she asked and did a neat little bow from training. Mainly from Janessa and Courtney, showing him how to braid hair and tie cute ribbons. It wasn’t a trait that Chase ever thought he would need, but he was a girl dad now. He had no excuse not to know how to put Daphne’s hair in a bun.
“I’m happy you love it. Yes, Miss Aofie and Miss Janessa helped sew it. Daddy was able to the put the pocket on…with a lot of supervision,” he laughed. At least he was willing to admit that. Chase knew he couldn’t be the best at everything. It was setting a good image for Daphne, he hoped. Not everyone was good at everything.
When she gave her answer, he nodded. “Yes, the shoe puller. Can you find it and bring it to me?”
The young girl grinned as she glanced down at the apron. She felt very grown up - always helping her dad when she could. It wasn't something she was used to from her old family. "Thank you." She ran her hand down the front of the apron, sticking a hand in her pocket to see how deep it was. "I do love the pocket. I feel like girls clothes never have enough." Daphne felt that way when she went shopping for clothes - there was always something for her to carry around.
"I'll have to write them a thank you card. I thought maybe they had taught you how to sew." She was starting to learn that not everyone was perfect at everything. Daphne couldn't sew either, but she was learning what she was good at. Daphne nodded at the question and walked over to the bag of tools - pulling out the plier shaped tool and brought it over. "This is it, right? Who are we working on first today?" She was always curious - maybe there was a new horse that had moved into the barn, or someone had thrown a shoe out in the pasture.
