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!.
John could tell by the look on Ivan's face that the change of horse through him for a look. The man understood, Ziggy was a different type of horse compared to Odin, and they had put some work into Odin to help him know what Ivan needed from him and vice versa, "That's the spirit. No matter what, we will make sure the lessons ends on a good note." Hopefully, the full lesson will be good to Ivan and Ziggy today though.
He walked over now to the stablehand, noting that he would take Ziggy off of their hands as Ivan approached the mounting block, "Well take a slow introduction between you two in the saddle. If anything feels off to you at the walk or the trot, just let me know. I don't want to make you uncomfortable. Ziggy's a good horse though. Your confidence should mellow him out as well." Blue eyes watched the mount up and John let go of the reins now, allowing Ivan to collect them, "How are you feeling? Up for walking around the arena up against the wall?"
Dice roll
Odd number - lesson goes poorly Even number - lesson goes well
John could see that his groom did not look entirely happy that he had been beaten to the arena. A low chuckle could not help but to escape the man, mildly wishing that he had a cup of coffee to hide behind. Granted, Ty was a grown man, and John had no doubt that he could handle whatever his stallion gave him despite not getting the chance to ride out some antics before the lesson, "Ah well, you have a good seat. I'm sure we won't have to get the saddle spray," John commented with a wink now, "And I'm looking forward to showing off Jett. But we are here to discuss you and Hiroko, not myself."
THankfully, Ty had been with him long enough to not be told to get on his horse right away. It wasn't long before the young man was mounted and moving the stallion over to the wall, doing a working walk, "Ah excellent working walk, Ty. You sure you need lessons with me?" John joked now, "Let's add some body movements for you to warm up to also. How about some up and downs for two laps and then half point as well. Afterwards, we'll ask him for a trot and see what he gives you."
Dice roll
Odd number - lesson goes poorly Even number - lesson goes well
• lease option: available • current rider or riders: • class: walk x trot x canter; show jumping or hunter • level: beginner • mare . sixteen. OTTB . 16 hh . sweet. gentle . laid back
buster
• lease option: available • current rider or riders: • class: walk x trot x canter; dressage • level: beginner • gelding . eighteen . welsh cob . 15 hh . caretaker . lazy . requires spurs
royal
• lease option: available • current rider or riders • class: walk x trot x canter; eventing, dressage, show jumping • level: beginner • mare . fifteen. warmblood x paint . 16.2 hh . even tempered. willing . nuzzler
flash
• lease option: available • current rider or riders • class: walk x trot x canter; show jumping or hunter • level: intermediate • mare . seventeen . POA . 14.3 hh . feisty . quick paced . requires heavy contact
cobolt
• lease option: available • current rider or riders • class: walk x trot x canter; dressage • level: intermediate • gelding . fifteen . Friesian . 17 hh . pushy . requires heavy leg . willing to please . light contact
sapphire
• lease option: available • current rider or riders • class: walk x trot x canter; eventing, dressage, or show jumping • level: intermediate • mare . fourteen . TB. 16.2 . strong . even tempered . likes to go - go -go
ziggy
• lease option: available • current rider or riders • class: walk x trot x canter; show jumping or hunter • level: advance • gelding . thirteen. TB x Warmblood . 16.1 hh . spritely . worrier . big jumper
thunderhead
• lease option: available • current rider or riders • class: walk x trot x canter; dressage • level: advance • gelding . twenty . warmblood . 16.2 hh . requires check-in's and heavy leg . stubborn . expects rewards for good job . beautiful mover
casanova
• lease option: available • current rider or riders • class: walk x trot x canter; eventing, dressage, show jumping • level: advance • gelding . nine . warmblood . 17 hh. strong. braces against bit . more go than whoa.
note please DM Forver on Discord to add your horse to lease, or to claim a lease/lesson! Use the code provided.
thanks aofie!
FORTY THREE . EQUESTRIAN . OWNER OF RYAN SPORT HALL HAPPILY MARRIED - Marie Iylah Ryan. THREE CHILDREN MANY FUR BABIES
John had been deep in his morning's paperwork, typing furiously away at his computer while drinking his morning coffee before their was a knock on his door. Blue eyes glanced up, and noticed his PA, Ivan Park, staring at him. It was a look that John knew well, "Shit!" Quickly, he locked his computer and grabbed his sunglasses, "Thanks Ivan!" With that, he bolted for the door and headed to the outdoor arena. Spring had finally blessed his lands and made the grounds soft once more, and with the nice weather, meant that outdoor classes were finally back on. There was no doubt in his mind that his groom, Ty Webber, and his horse, Hiroko, would be pleased with this. While Ty would never complain, he could tell that the groom had not been thrilled with indoor riding, even when it had been private lessons.
Looks like his PA had warned him right in time, since John had managed to beat his groom and horse to the outdoor arena. Thank god. He should probably give that boy a raise for how much he keeps him on track. Not that John Ryan was really ever late for any of his classes, but he certainly has had a number of close calls. The sound of approaching hoof steps caught his attention now, and he looked to see a familiar face and horse approaching now, "Hello Ty! Are you and Hiroko excited to be riding outside?"
Dice roll
Odd number - lesson goes poorly Even number - lesson goes well
John managed to grab himself one last cup of coffee before his lesson with Ivan Park. He knew he could probably bring it with him, Ivan wouldn't have minded, but this lesson was special today. His personal assistant had been progressing in his lessons, truth be told, one would have never thought that he had been out of the saddle for a while. Ivan's skills had surpassed his current mount, and John decided to try something new - the man had asked one of the stable hands to pull out Ziggy for his student to try out. John knew it was a gamble, but he had full confidence in Ivan to be able to handle the thoroughbred. With the coffee downed, he grabbed his aviators and took the short walk to the outdoor arena, where the young man and unique thoroughbred stood.
"Ivan!" John called out now, opening up the gate and stepping in before closing it, "I hope you don't mind, but I decided to see how you would do with Ziggy today instead of Odin." He put his sunglasses on and walked to the center of the arena, "Ready for your warm up?"
Dice roll
Odd number - lesson goes poorly Even number - lesson goes well
Intermediate and Advance dressage classes are covered by John Ryan and his wife, Marie Ryan. Both are power house equestrians in their own right, and between the two of them, have made several appearances in FEI shows, Grand Prix Titles, the Olympics, and other high profile Three Day Eventer tournaments both nationally and internationally.
Beginner Classes are covered by Griffin Keller. While Griffin is new to coaching and teaching, he comes from an excellent equestrian background. Griffin competed locally both with Hickstead University and individually in the local horse shows. Griffin's coaching style is fair and non-stressful. He aims to get students that are just beginning to feel comfortable with their horse. He does push his students, but not to where frustration happens - or past a students limits. Griffin covers beginner dressage exercises, and some intermediate.
John's professional grooms Ty Webber and Porter Griffin may also step in should any of the above coaches be unavailable for class.
class objectives
Ryan Sports Hall breaks Dressage Classes into three distinctive groups based on level and experience of both the horse and rider. Please note that if you are a first time rider at Ryan Sports Hall, you and your horse must be assessed and evaluated for class level. Students will get tailored to them classes if opting for private session, group sessions will be handled in small classes - no more than four or five students per a grouping, and ranked by flat work level. Ryan Sports Hall aims to build and nurture confidence in horse and rider as well as skill and work ethic.
availability
April 7th - April 13th group 1. @name - horse - level 2. @name - horse - level 3. @name - horse - level
John Eoin Ryan is an Olympic Classed Equestrian based out of Hickstead, UK. He has made numerous appearances in the Olympics with Team Great Britain for Show Jumping starting in Athens 2004. His most recent appearance was Rio 2016 and recently secured a slot for Paris 2024. In addition to the Olympics, Mr. Ryan has appeared in numerous FEI World Champion Games. Other abroad shows include USA - Florida Ocala International Horse Shows, USA - Washington International Horse Show, and USA - Kentucky Rolex. Nationally, Mr. Ryan has appeared in the recent 2024 UK season including the Badminton Horse Trials, Royal Winsdor Horse Show, the Devon Horse Show, and the London International Horse Show. While Mr. Ryan may not always be available for schooling, rest assured his staff at Ryan Sports Hall are more than capable to fill in.
class objectives
Mr. Ryan breaks his Flat Classes into three distinctive groups based on level and experience of both the horse and rider. Please note that if you are a first time rider at Ryan Sports Hall, you and your horse must be assessed by Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Ryan, or one of his two grooms. Students will get tailored to them classes if opting for private session, group sessions will be handled in small classes - no more than four or five students per a grouping, and ranked by flat work level. Mr. Ryan aims to build and nurture confidence in horse and rider as well as skill and work ethic.
availability
April 7th - April 13th group 1. @name - horse - level 2. @name - horse - level 3. @name - horse - level
individual 1. TY XAVIER WEBBER - WSH Hiroko (Hiroko) - walk x trot x canter 2. IVAN LEE PARK - Ziggy (lesson horse) - walk x trot x canter
April 14th - April 20th group 1. @name - horse - level 2. @name - horse - level 3. @name - horse - level
John Eoin Ryan is an Olympic Classed Equestrian based out of Hickstead, UK. He has made numerous appearances in the Olympics with Team Great Britain for Show Jumping starting in Athens 2004. His most recent appearance was Rio 2016 and recently secured a slot for Paris 2024. In addition to the Olympics, Mr. Ryan has appeared in numerous FEI World Champion Games. Other abroad shows include USA - Florida Ocala International Horse Shows, USA - Washington International Horse Show, and USA - Kentucky Rolex. Nationally, Mr. Ryan has appeared in the recent 2024 UK season including the Badminton Horse Trials, Royal Winsdor Horse Show, the Devon Horse Show, and the London International Horse Show. While Mr. Ryan may not always be available for schooling, rest assured his staff at Ryan Sports Hall are more than capable to fill in.
class objectives
Mr. Ryan breaks his Show Jumping Classes into 4 distinctive groups based on level and experience of both the horse and rider. Please note that if you are a first time rider at Ryan Sports Hall, you and your horse must be assessed at flat and jump by Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Ryan, or one of his two grooms. Students will get tailored to them classes if opting for private session, group sessions will be handled in small classes - no more than four or five students per a grouping, and ranked by jump ability. Mr. Ryan aims to build and nurture confidence in horse and rider as well as skill and work ethic.
availability
April 7th - April 13th group 1. @name - horse - level 2. @name - horse - level 3. @name - horse - level
[b]Name:[/b] [b]Horse:[/b] [b]Level:[/b] 65 cm or X jumps; 80-85 cm jumps, 100-110 cm jumps, 120 cm or higher [b]Group or individual:[/b] [b]Chosen week:[/b]
thanks aofie!
FORTY THREE . EQUESTRIAN . OWNER OF RYAN SPORT HALL HAPPILY MARRIED - Marie Iylah Ryan. THREE CHILDREN MANY FUR BABIES
God, how he hated paperwork. It was nothing but the bane of his existence. John Ryan thought that was always the problem when starting a business, nobody ever warns you about the paperwork that follows it - the horses just add on more expense. A sigh escaped the man though, mainly because he knew better to complain, even if it was internally done. He was very lucky that they were not struggling, in fact, Ryan Sports Hall appeared to be excelling between an uptick in students, Marie's breeding program, and then John's return to the show arena garnering attention, the money was there. Yet, money didn't do math for him, it merely added to it.
"This is what you get for telling Ivan to take the day off," John muttered to himself, dropping the pen down on his desk as he leaned back in his chair to close his eyes. He needed a break, or so he told himself, but what that break might be, well, the man didn't quite know. Destiny though, or some greater power, must have heard him though because there soon were footsteps outside of his door and a knock on it, "John? There's some guy hanging out at the borders section." Cerulean eyes opened, glancing at the door, "Claudia, can you give me more than that?" His student just stared at him, "I don't know, he's hot." And just like that, she waltzed off as if she didn't just drop a hypothetical bomb on his lap.
He stared after her, blinking, utterly puzzled by this. Well, it was the break he was looking for and an excuse to get up. Doing so, he pushed himself out from the desk and up from his chair, and went on his way. The walk to the borders section of his barn was a short one, and he couldn't help but to wonder who had managed to sneak by the office unnoticed. Granted, without Ivan in the front office, it was very easy to do. Sure enough, he saw a man there now - hanging out by two obnoxious horses that John knew well - in fact, he knew the man as well. A grin broke on John's features now as he called out, "Well, if it isn't my baby brother, Max. Hope you were planning on saying hello to me as well rather than just visiting your horses."
whatever it takes 'cause I love the adrenaline in my veins
thanks aofie!
FORTY THREE . EQUESTRIAN . OWNER OF RYAN SPORT HALL HAPPILY MARRIED - Marie Iylah Ryan. THREE CHILDREN MANY FUR BABIES
The man could not help but to gawk at her, "Not my first cup?" And boy, did those gears start to turn as he thought about the coffee offer given to him this morning by the very woman riding next to him. It probably took John a solid thirty seconds to figure out that his wife had been bluffing though, the coffee tasted just like her usual batch, and therefore, she had been joking, "Wife, you nearly gave me a heart attack. If I had died just then and there, what would you do without me?" Well, she'd be fine since Marie Ryan was a very strong, capable, and fully independent woman, John was just looking for another excuse to make her roll her eyes and unleash that laugh of hers.
Cerulean eyes watched her continue to inspect her mare's feet, not that John minded, given it gave him the perfect view of certain assets. Thankfully, John was still able to keep his wits about him, and while Marie appreciated his joke, the man did not appreciate the follow up, at least, pretended to not. A dramatic sigh escaped him, "I swear, all of these horses just eat our money. Might as well switch out their oats and alfalfa for all our pounds and notes." He added a head shake for good measure, "Joking aside, I'll call the Ferrier when I get back and look at the books for who needs them removed." There was no doubt in his mind that it was more than just Wander who required them removed.
"Hey, at least hippos are not ones to be messed with," he countered now, "And quite frankly, I think Wander has the attitude of a hippo over a whale. Although I'm not sure about Winnie." He watched Marie safely mount back up now, and he gave his own mare a solid pat for being a good mare and waiting patiently, a feature that not all horses seemed to have, before gently asking her to move forward now to begin their lazy loop. Deciding he was safe, he kicked his feat out of the stirrups, allowing them to stretch, "Thankfully, no lessons on the docket today. I have to ride Jett and a few others, and you know, look at bills." A sigh escaped him at that one, "I might need some good cuddles from you after that one." He thought it over, "I think you and I have a gala invitation that we need to yay or nay also. Your thoughts? It's the winter one for the UK branch of FEI. Otherwise, what's on your plate today? Besides cuddling me, of course."
John merely waved the other man off now, "Nothing to apologize for. You weren't stepping into anything personal. Although I can see why you'd think that." He had certainly met his fair share of professional equestrians who would have taken offense over such a question, in fact, John could think of a few students of his who probably would too. Laughter escaped him when Everett mused over the fact that John had managed to miss the past two games, "Yes. I did. Tokyo was my own fault - literally, knocked a pole over in the last jump of the last round - cost me everything. Rio - well, that was family stuff, and I had to put them first." And while some people would think that was reasonable, not everyone would. He remembered when Benoit Lavinge and his wife, Olivia, informed him at a recent show that they just stuck their son with his godmother because they couldn't let his antics distract them from their professional lives. Shaking his head at the thought, John returned his attention to Everett, "Bit of both. I think Marie likes selling locally more, but I can't deny its nice when a German rider buys one. I'll be keeping Jett though, not ready to give him up. I don't think I ever will be."
Laughter escaped him at the other man's admission over the jump now, "Ah, how humble of you Everett. You did it a western saddle, I feel like that's some bragging rights." From what little he sat in one of those saddles, they did not feel like they were made for even the smallest of cross jumps, "Ah yes. I can't deny that my professional work and family life blend together way too much, especially with the kids competing. At least I managed to convince one to return home." Granted, Riley only had one horse here - she kept her other at another barn.
Cerulean eyes watched Everett now as he managed the girth on both sides of the grey horse who barely batted an eye nor a ear at the slow constricting feeling. Granted, there was a reason why he had given Rocket to his friend for the day, "Ah well, Seven Oaks is a good barn. Good staff and coaches as well. I have no doubt they'll keep you growing with your two horses - as well as accountable." A grin danced across his lips at Everett's joke, "No coach for me, but maybe my wife." Somehow, Marie could still find minor flaws in his rides when she took breaks from her own work. Seeing that Everett was taking the bridle now, John moved to grab Jett's and set him up, "Solid head indeed. Even if we cross an unexpected deer outside, he shouldn't even blink. Given the ground, we'll start in the indoor for you to get used to Rocket and for me to burn some of Jett's energy before we go for a lively walk of a trail ride. Sound good to you?" He grabbed his helmet now, placing it on his head before unclipping Jett completely from his cross ties and halter - fully bridled, "Let's go. Do you want a mounting block by the way?"
whatever it takes 'cause I love the adrenaline in my veins
thanks aofie!
FORTY THREE . EQUESTRIAN . OWNER OF RYAN SPORT HALL HAPPILY MARRIED - Marie Iylah Ryan. THREE CHILDREN MANY FUR BABIES
John certainly couldn't argue how expensive his upcoming trip was going to be - he was willing to cover his two grooms, and Ivan, but everyone else would be on their own. The problem with being an equestrian, especially one on an international competing level, it was stupidity expensive. The joke often was that buying the horse was the cheapest part, "Yeah. I have to say, sometimes I have moments where I think I must have been awfully foolish to get into this," John said with a laugh, "But I can't deny that it hasn't been worth it." He knew that he had been incredibly lucky with his fame and fortune as far as his career went, Marie's as well, and the man knew he would never take that for granted when he knew so many other local equestrians struggling with finances and affordability - John always swore to himself that he would never, nor would any of his family members, be out of touch with the reality of what they have.
"Glad to hear that the farm is going well. I wouldn't say this around mum and dad, but I'm pretty certain it's flourished under you two quite well. Probably even more so than when they were running it." At least, it certainly felt like Clover Lane had branched out as far as community went. John didn't remember much of that growing up, but then again, he had always had his head else where rather than concentrate on what his parents were doing with their sheep, "If you need any extra hands when it comes to the lambs, I may be willing to be bribed into helping if the vet students and Jameson Hughs isn't enough. I'm sure I haven't gotten that rusty." He mulled something over, mainly to distract himself by the growing stomach growls over the scents of delicious food, "Now, don't tell mum and dad that I asked this, but when is their anniversary again? They're coming up on their 50th, right?"
whatever it takes 'cause I love the adrenaline in my veins
thanks aofie!
FORTY THREE . EQUESTRIAN . OWNER OF RYAN SPORT HALL HAPPILY MARRIED - Marie Iylah Ryan. THREE CHILDREN MANY FUR BABIES
Even in the horridness of the moment, Marie still managed to make him smile with her caffeine high comment. A small, dry laugh escaped him now, "Maybe it will give him the jump start that he needs." John replied now, before leaning over and kissing the top of her head. It was pretty much all that he could do to keep himself calm now, given that being bull headed and hysterical didn't appear to work in hospitals. Although all of that came to a halt with their other son's appearance. John had so many questions that he wanted to throw at his oldest son, but leave it to his wife to take over the questioning in a calming matter despite everything going on, and managing to make sure that Ben's feelings were not overlooked as well.
The man cringed inwardly that he had forgotten to ask his son how he was doing, unlike Marie, who had made it her first priority before asking about the situation. He would have to chalk it up to panic, and perhaps, after all of this was done, he would apologize for it. But later. Right now, Ben's explanation was far more important to him: "There was a riding accident. We were messing around on the cross country, you know how Jake loves a competition...He hit a jump wrong and they had a rotational. The horse seems okay, got up pretty quick, but he rolled over Jake and ...there was a lot of blood .." John could feel the blood drain from his face, figures it would be some stupidly brotherly competition that would cause them to be in this mess.
He closed his blue eyes, a sigh escaping him as he ran a hand through his hair, trying to rein his emotions in. Everyone knew Jake was like this, but Ben especially did. The two of them were always up to trouble, and it took everything in John's power to not lay into him. Truth was, John hadn't even realized that the boys had been out on the cross country field, and he was certain, neither did Marie or any of the grooms, "I always tell you two to be careful out there..." was literally all what he could manage. Maybe the truth was that it was the horse's fault, but at the same time, the rider also had to take care of the take off, the pacing, everything, and John was having a hard time not putting fault into both Ben and Jake in the moment.
The next statement caught him a little off guard though: "He needs a transfusion and apparently I'm not a match. I don't understand... But I can't help him." Well shit. That was another topic in the making, one that John didn't want to deal with right now since it didn't matter nor was it the right time. It was one of those situations that the man realized that perhaps they should have brought up ages ago, but it never felt like the right time and he never saw how it could hurt anyone. Clearly, life decided to prove him wrong, "Not everyone is always going to be an exact match to a family member. Don't worry about it, Ben." Hopefully that would placate any suspicions for the time being. Soon enough, a nurse came to grab him and informed him that he needed to get prepped for the transfusion. John simply obliged and nodded, "Stay with your mother, Ben." And he gave his nod to Marie, before following the nurse and leaving his family behind in the waiting room.
whatever it takes 'cause I love the adrenaline in my veins
thanks aofie!
FORTY THREE . EQUESTRIAN . OWNER OF RYAN SPORT HALL HAPPILY MARRIED - Marie Iylah Ryan. THREE CHILDREN MANY FUR BABIES