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!.
Bruce really wasn't one for attending fairs, fetes or galas. The idea of walking around stalls, aimlessly just spending money didn't appeal to him. He did like helping out though, so when he heard that a fundraiser was being put together to help out with Blue Acres, he offered to help out, and when he saw that someone was organising pony ride, he offered one of his horses for that.
After grooming the Gypsy Vanner (or Irish Cob, if you find the word Gypsy offensive), he braided her mane with ribbons and bells, as well as her tail. And, with the mare's bareback pad and blanket over his arm, he led the tobiano over to where a man already had four horses. "I'm Bruce." He said in the Kiwi-farmer way of introductions. "And this is Fancy Flame, or Ash." He arched an eyebrow as Ash flattened her ears as he rubbed her forehead. "She's a great horse for pony rides, I promise. She just got ticked off when I prettied her up." He knew that no matter how Ash acted, once she had a rider on her back, she wouldn't put a foot out of place.
The fundraising event was something Ama was looking forward to. While she wasn’t vending as it felt out of place for her – she still wanted to attend. Her mother came along to help wrangle the triplets. They were excited about the things they could see and play with, as most children were.
Since they rushed out of the house a bit faster than usual, the kids were quite quick with getting ready. “Parker’s bakery has a stand here, sweety,” Ama’s mom nodded, looking at the vendor map.
“Oh, that would be lovely,” Ama smiled. She wanted a drink too, but she could wait for that later. Holding the three leads that were attached to her kiddos harness backpacks – Ama and her family made it to the line of Parker’s. Thankfully, they were up next so no screaming would be involved.
“Hi Hazel,” Ama greeted. “May I please get three ham rolls, one egg and cress roll, and one cheese roll. And one of each of the sweets?” It may have been overkill, but Ama knew her kiddos would want treats later and it was better to have them now. She had packed food as well, and beverages – but it was a fundraising event. She had money to spare.
Dallas shoved his hands in his pockets as he strolled through the park, letting out a long exhale as he hit the crowds. He pulled his hands out to zip his coat up to his chin, the chilly night air was colder than usual and he thought he might need more layers - but as he hit the warmth of the stalls set up he knew that he'd probably be alright in a few moments. He paused to take it all in - looking at the options. He was here to spend his hard earned cash to help Blue Acres get up on their feet. He'd happily just donate but they didn't appear to need it with all this going on.
“Oy! If you want a snog on a cheek by my hot boss, come buy a drink!” He heard one of the patrons call and his eyebrows rose, looking over to the cause he let his feet take him toward the make-shift bar. "And where will he snog me if I buy two?" He joked, pulling out his wallet and surveying the options. It might be too cold for a beer but perhaps something warm.
As Jon had heard that the rival stable had burned down, he jumped at the thought he could organize a street hockey game. Sure, it was England and no one played hockey but he wanted to bring more awareness to it.
He set up two nets and brought a few plastic hockey sticks, having a bit of a struggle trying to find some. He began setting up the area that they had set aside for him. Jon was ready to go when people were wanting to come play, of course he would play as well if the teams needed to be evened out.
Hannah didn't know horses very well, and she wasn't very confident with them either - she had visited Riley a fair few times on the yard to bring him breakfast or lunch when he couldn't stop to come in for it, but that was as far as she went. Still, she didn't think that warranted not helping people in need. She was one of those girls that had to help, and finding out about the barn at Blue Acre's being burned down really hit her with a need to do something. She'd learned about the fundraiser from Lily, when she had signed some of her family up to go over, and Hannah had actually volunteered herself - much to Leo's disgust.
She didn't care, she needed to do what little she could, and so she'd offered herself up to do one of the few things she was good at - singing. She sang at the lounge a couple nights a week and people seemed to enjoy it, so she set herself up with some regular songs that she didn't need to rehearse too much. She had also given people the chance to write down requests - and hoped to God none of them were awful. Setting herself up on stage with her microphone, she gave it a little testing before she opened her mouth to start singing 'Call me maybe'.
ublin’s ace turned a bit red as the chilly air greeted his face. Aofie had left earlier to set up her tent, leaving Dublin to his own devices. It meant he slept in after a long night out and desiring breakfast. While he could make his own, Dublin was a bit too hungover to consider it. Plus, there would be food at the event.
He arrived around 11am after rolling out of bed. There was already a crowd and Dublin sniffed out the closet food joint. Parker’s had some breakfast food, so he decided to start there. The line wasn’t too bad, only about five people in front. His stomach growled, but it would be full soon enough.
Cassandra was devastated at the thought of the barn being burned down - thankfully her herd of three had survived. She was most worried about Charm, her youngest horse. While she wasn't the best with a hammer and nails, she decided to help Hazel run the pastry and coffee stall.
She arrived early and help set up the glass case - filling it carefully with pastries that were freshly baked. She watched as the line began to grow - people wanted coffee before their day of activities started. "I can help the next person over here!" She raised her voice, shooting a hand up to wave the next person in line over to her.
Aurora jumped at the opportunity to help out. She signed up to help with the BBQ stand - helping hand out food and drinks to those who ordered. She opened the lid of one of the coolers and checked the amount of ice inside.
After counting how many cans were in the cooler, she turned to help the first person in line. She knew that some people from the rival barn also signed up to help - but she didn't mind. This was a time for the community to come together and rebuild. She picked up her notebook and began writing down the order.
Cara really didn't get what the big fuss was about - so what if a barn had burned down? Sad as it was, it was not such a rare occurrence as to be the talk of the town for months. It wasn't as though anyone perished or was seriously injured. Oh, she certainly wished a speedy recovery to the business, but she didn't know anyone here and it was difficult to constantly be in a state of disbelief and pain as most seemed to be. It really was ruining her upbeat attitude. The fair was at least fun and she needed fun just about now. Besides, she could get behind mulled wine, baked goods and spending cash for a good cause. Anything to get the town back to some sort of normal.
That is how Caroline found herself browsing the various tents offering food, drinks and various other things. In one corner, she could see a sign saying pony rides and briefly considered indulging in some mischief but with a smirk, she let that idea rest. Amusing as it was, she still didn't have any friends here who would have made such a stunt hilarious, not paint her as a crazy person. Pushing her scarf over her shoulder, Cara stopped in front of the counter as a young woman called out to help whoever was next. Taking the opportunity, she stepped up to the counter, smelling the scent of fresh baked goods.
"Oh, me please! A cuppa java and something fresh baked, whatever you recommend," she smiled at the young woman, pulling out a small wallet.
Damon slowed his pace as he reached the fairgrounds, seeing the large expanse of different stalls set up for the fundraising event - they were all sorts, from large portable bars to brightly coloured tents. He caught the scent of grilled meat and wandered over to buy a burger from a harassed looking Lexi - he caught Leo in the background flipping burgers and singing along loudly and obnoxiously to the nearby radio and guess that was the cause of her expression. Grinning in sympathy, he paid and moved along, eating as he walked so that he could check everything out. Ashley was working and unable to come with him today, but he thought he'd see if there was anything nice to pick up and take back for her - perhaps a pastry on his way out. And something for Josh, who was at a playdate today. He would be coming along shortly though with said playdate for Damon to pick up care of him, but whilst he had a rare moment alone he decided to please himself.
A yurt-style tent caught his eye and he beelined for it, finishing his burger off and wiping his fingers using the napkin provided, tossing it into a nearby bin before he ducked inside. He blinked in surprise, not having checked what the tent was - books! An avid reader, Damon was delighted and wandered in bravely a little further now that he was in his home environment, spotting the tender sitting comfortably in the quiet. "Hi," He said softly, not wanting to startle her but manners insisted he spoke a greeting.
"Be somebody who makes everyone feel like a somebody!"
It was rare that the community came together - she had decided to post posters around town asking for gently used tack to sell - with all the proceeds going to the rebuilding of Blue Acres.
Kayleigh set up her own tent - placing the items for sale on the tables. Each item had a price sticker on them and she was surprised how many people had donated. She turned to one of her workers and smiled. "Are we ready to open?"
The other woman nodded and finished fixing the collar on a hunt coat. "Alright! We are open. Come check out the tack tent!"
Ahhh Dahlia loved the smell of fundraisers. Moses had already made his way to the event as his club was running the fun drink station. Dahlia had shown up on her own, ready to spend some money and schmooze others for their money.
The crisp air kissed her cheeks. She came strolling in with a hot coffee and looked at the map. There was a good selection. Dahlia was still a bit tired from all the evening she had to do last night. She saw the library was holding a tent, so she made her way there. A few waves and hellos were exchanged.
Dahlia found the tent and made her way in. It was nice and cozy, and she could feel the cold melt away.
Maddison had been informed by the Hospital that she was to run the first aid tent at the fundraiser in town - in case there was an accident or someone had decided to sabotage the event. There were a few police officers there as well and they had set up their tent next door.
The brunette had gotten there first, spending her time setting up the cot that they had been given as a treatment area. She packed up three small first aid kits to give out to the others who volunteered with her. It was full all the essentials - so that most ailments could be treated outside of the tent.
Let your hook be always cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish.- Ovid
Serenity was dressed in plainclothes as she walked around the area of the park that the fundraiser event had been set up. She may be here undercover, but she was pleased that she was able to come, as she wanted to support the people who had come out to support blue Acres. "A flat white, please?" She asked as she got the front of the line at the barista stall and she handed over her money with a smile as she accepted the warm travel cup. "Thank you." Walking on, she spotted the pastry stall and headed that way. "A cinnamon roll, please?" She said when her turn came. "Thank you."
The bagged roll was placed into her tote bag, something for later, and she continued to stroll around, looking at everything sipping her drink as she walked, more than pleased with not only the turnout, but the whole feel of the surrounding area.
Kyler arrived to the fundraiser a bit later than most people. He had worked some long hours at the museum the night before and wanted to sleep in a bit longer. Ama and his nieces and nephew left earlier in the day. The house was quiet for a bit as Kyler got adjusted.
His stomach growled as he stepped into the line of tents. It looked like a war camp from Lord of the Rings with how many people there were. He found the closest food line, just some basic burgers and hot dogs. Kyler didn't care what kind of food it was. The line was longer since of the time, buy it'll be worth it.
