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!.
Blanche huffed some warm air towards Chase as he approached. The stablehand carefully, and securely tied Blanche in place and Chase approached closer, making sure Daphne was out of range. He began with her left back hoof. Blanche, a champion already staying still for her upgrade.
“She's just getting a new set. Mr. Jules is quite good at keeping her up to date.” Chase began pulling off the shoe, making sure to be quick but gentle. As he worked, he mulled over her question of lessons. He knew it would come up at some point, but the business of work right now wasn't the ideal starting time.
“Let's aim for the summer,” Chase offered, finally removing the shoe.
Chase nodded and took the tool from his daughter. “We’ll be starting with Blanche, Mr. Jules' mare.” Despite the mare’s attitude on occasion, she loved the attention – either from her owner or anyone willing to look at her. If she was a human, Chase wondered if she would work at Esther’s. Maybe that was a bit rude of him to think that.
“I’m going to need you to guard and hand me tools, okay?” Chase smiled, as he heard the hooves of Blanche approaching.
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?”
“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.
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.
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!”
“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.
“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.
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.