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!.
Even though it was still the middle of winter, John Ryan knew better than to put off plans. He knew that before he knew it, spring would be upon him and then his life would be sucked away between competitions, training, and the arrival of many foals. And while he did his best to stay on top of making appearances, either at friends' parties or events, the man knew that it was inevitable that he would just disappear from town all together until that small lull between spring and summer, and he'd magically reemerge from the farm like a bear out of hibernation. It was this exact disappearing act is why he had managed to convince his friend, Everett, to risk coming out to the horse farm today for something other than work.
John had actually met Everett through a contact who had sworn by the chiropractor - one of the best in Hickstead, supposedly, couldn't go wrong with him. Sure enough, he called the kid up when one of the mares was having back issues and fixed just like that. Unfortunately, John had a bad habit of wanting to befriend everyone whether they liked it or not. The man just couldn't contain his charisma and given that Everett had generally been an extrovert, he had managed to slowly widdle his way into dragging him out for social gatherings or just a bromance ride when needed. And then, the rest was history. They both had their own lives though, but when they did see each other and it wasn't a house call - it felt like time or life had hardly ever gotten in the way.
So he summoned Everett for a cold but sunny morning hack. A snort escaped Jett, the black horse growing impatient while Rocket, the grey, dozed off, "He'll be here soon and then we'll go out. Although just because we're going for a hack doesn't you get to be a nutter, you have to let Rocket keep up." Another snort escaped his steed. Blue eyes rolled. John liked Jett. The horse was athletic, smart, and very willing. Unfortunately, the black horse was also impatient. He would never be like King, and the man finally had to accept that the old horse, long passed away, cannot be replaced. He heard a car or a truck pull up outside, "Ah, that may be him," he announced to the horses now. Leaving to investigate, he poked his head outside the barn door just in time to see a younger male climb out, "Everett! I was beginning to think that you had chicken out at the idea of riding one of my horses." He joked now, walking over to greet him.
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
It was odd for Everett not to be working in the mornings - given other than Sundays he had clients. John Ryan had become a dear client of his over the years, both his horses and himself. The man had invited him to come to his Stables for a ride - though he had never ridden English in his life.
Everett hoped the man would go easy on him. He had even stopped at the tack store the day before to buy himself a pair of English riding breeches - something he hadn't ever had in his closet, glad Kayleigh was helpful in his moment of need.
He left his apartment after having breakfast with his parents and sister - his father insisting he didn't need help with the morning clients. It wasn't long before Everett was driving the roads that lead to Ryan Sport Horses. He pulled into the gravel driveway - feeling odd that he didn't have his chiropractic equipment with him in the back.
"Morning, John. Do you really think I would chicken out? I hope I'm not going to be riding the wildest horse you have!" He closed the car door and approached the older man, holding his hand out for a handshake. "How have you been? It feels odd not coming here to work on one of your horses." It was pure proof that the man worked too much!!
It was funny seeing Everett, now that John actually got a good look at him, he noticed that the other man had actually gone out to by breeches, "Morning, John. Do you really think I would chicken out? I hope I'm not going to be riding the wildest horse you have!" A snort of laughter couldn't help but to escape him as he drew up close now, "How should I know? You trail riders and your western saddles, you have those big ass horns right on the saddle. I assume it's the saddle equivariant to the panic bar in the car." Granted, Everett didn't have any kids, so maybe that joke would have been lost on him since he'd never had to teach a teenager how to drive. It was too late to backtrack now though.
He reached out to shake his hand now though, gripping firm but not hard, "I have you on Rocket. My grandchildren ride him when they visit me here at the barn, so he shouldn't be too much for you." In fact, the retired grey would be no problem at all, but John figured half of the fun was keeping Everett on his toes, well, until he was sitting up in the saddle, "You are looking sharp though in the breeches and tall boots though, so maybe you should think about converting." Enough teasing though, maybe they should get down to business, or at least, the trail horses.
"How have you been? It feels odd not coming here to work on one of your horses." He laughed, breaking the handshake and gesturing for the other man to follow him now. Everett did have a point, it was almost weird having him out here to just...well, ride and not work. John couldn't help but to grin, "Yeah, it does feel weird not having you work. Just means that we really were due to hang out outside of our usual environments," he commented now, heading into the barn, "Everything's good. Riley, my daughter, finally seems settled in from Germany. She got back in the Fall...some groom followed her, I'm not sure about that yet." He was feeling awfully suspicious about that, "Otherwise, Marie finally mandated to me that I need to hire a PA. So I'm dealing with that. What's up with you? How are the folks?"
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
"Hey now, the horn is used more than just a safety blanket. That's for the beginner crowd. I just use it to keep my lariat handy in case I need it." Other than that he didn't touch the horn, unless he fell like he was going to fall off. His two Quarter Horses were saints and wouldn't spook, unless something truly did. Everett smiled and returned the handshake. "I appreciate not being thrown on the back of a four year old. Though I do admit I'm a bit embarrassed riding the horse the grandchildren are stuck with."
Everett laughed knowing that John would get his joke. English riding was completely different than what he was used to, so a beginner horse was exactly what he needed. "Kayleigh gave me the funniest look when I asked for help buying tall boots and breeches. Beige was the only color they had in my size." The tack store owner had to a double take when he asked for English apparel. "We'll have to see how today goes, then we can discuss me switching disciplines." That would be too much of a drastic change for him, but he didn't want to say no.
"Maybe we should do this more often. I can even ask to borrow the trailer and bring one of my two over." Everett was too much of a workaholic though, needing someone to pull him away from work from time to time. He let go of the handshake and followed John inside the barn. "It must be nice having her back? Though this suspicious groom, is he a boyfriend of some sort?" It seemed there was some tension there and wanting to be a good friend, he would try to lend some advice if it was asked. Other than what happened to their clinic back in Germany, everything went smoothly for them as a family. "You? Get an assistant? Wow, what made you change your mind?"
As he walked further into the barn, Everett admired the building. There was some serious handy work that went into it being built, something that intrigued one of his hobbies. "Working way too much, everyone wants their horses worked on now that Spring is around the corner. Starting to do work on dogs and cats as well once we find a chiropractor that specializes in it." It was his mother's idea of wanting to expand the family business. Hickstead was a great place for them though, constantly getting business.
"They are both doing well. I think my mother is trying to desperately convince my father to retire. But that's like trying to rope a stubborn bull."
He wasn't surprised when he got a well deserved retort for his joke about the horn of a western saddle, "Okay okay, I probably deserved that," John replied now, still holding onto that smile of his as he threw his hands up in surrender. As for the four year old comment, "Ah well, I want to keep our friendship verses causing you to go running for the hills simply because of who I threw you on," the man offered now, "Besides, just because the grandchildren ride Rocket doesn't take away from the fact that he is a good horse for you." Plus, John trusted the grey to not do anything stupid like testing out Everett while they were out on the trails. Rocket was strictly a no funny business kind of horse, he had always been that way, and that was why he refused to ever sell him off.
Truth be told, John wished that he had witnessed the whole interaction between the other man and Kayleigh when he came in saying he needed tall boots and britches. He could only imagine what had been going through the woman's mind, "I mean. You're already sporting the look," John teased now, "I kinda feel bad you felt compelled to buy some of the gear. I don't think the horses would have judged you for showing up in your boots and chaps. That actually probably would have made a great picture as well, "Guess you will have to trailer one of your horse over here next time."
As they made their way to the barn now, he allowed Everett to take in the barn now. It's not as if he hadn't been here a thousand times before, but John liked the fact that no matter how much people visited, they were still taken aback by the design and structure that he put into his barns. Sure, it was a little over the top, but John had the money to burn and his business was a little different from Blue Arces and Seven Oaks after all. At Everett's question about Riley and the mysterious groom now, John couldn't help but to laugh, "I am thrilled to have her back - not that there was a much of a time zone issue with face time, but video chatting just isn't the same," and then, he made a face, "As for the groom, I have a suspicion he is. He's come over from Germany, which is where Riley was. I'll do my best to not prod though and let them inform me themselves." At least, that's what Marie wants him to do.
"You? Get an assistant? Wow, what made you change your mind?" A snort of laughter escaped John as he nodded for Everett to follow him to the horses now, "I think age," he said jokingly, "Either that, or I am getting busier. Just started to get a little chaotic for me and keeping track of everything. Plus it felt like I had a hold on all of the horses, but hardly anything for my life and schedule."
Leading the way, he stopped outside two stalls now where both Jett and Rocket were waiting. The two horses peaked out of their stall doors at the approaching of the foot steps, clearly keen to see if they would be escaping soon. John couldn't help but to smile at the greeting pair, mainly because he knew they were curious as to why they were inside while the rest of their friends where outside. Blue eyes glanced over at Everett now, curiously, "People want work done on their cats and dogs also?" He couldn't judge though, given that he had work done on the horses all the time, "The things people do for their pets." John mused now, "I am glad to hear that the folks are doing well though. Stubborn bullheadedness aside at least."
Nodding to the pair of horses now, he commented, "Well, you know Jett, but the other one is Rocket, your steed," he said jokingly, "I'll get them quickly tacked up and we can head on our way. I figured we can do something leisurely in the flat open area and then we can decide where to go from there and how comfortable you're feeling."
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
Everett smiled, glad that John had accepted the joke. "I do feel like you do have a point. There have been times I admit to hold onto when Fernie or Sunday decide to be fresh." He did try his best not to use it, though sometimes the fact it was there gave him a plan B, in case something insane happened. "I appreciate that. Don't really think any of my clients want me injured. And this may come as a shock to you but I dislike having chiropractic work done on myself."
He nodded, glad that the horse he was on would put up with his beginner antics. There would be some growing pains for him, but at least he knew the basics. "Thank you. I'm quite looking forward to meeting him. How long have the grandchildren been riding?" Everett wouldn't be surprised if they were on the back of a pony as soon as they were born. "I guess I could have, though I feel like I'd look funny. And I read somewhere that wearing jeans are bad for English saddles." Or that's what his sister told him anyway and she rode English more often than he did. "I really don't mind either way, or we could go on the trails by Seven Oaks?" There was plenty of room for anyone to park their trailer as they all connected to the White's property.
As the two men entered the barn, Everett admired the barn even though it wasn't a new facility for him. "Understandable, though I feel as if this idea of letting them tell you is something Marie came up with." He knew John well enough to suggest that the idea hadn't come from him. "I do hope they are able to feel comfortable being back home."
Everett shook his head. "You aren't old, trust me. Age is just a number. I think it's the fact that you are getting busier. What is a life, anyway? Horse people don't know what that is." He knew that all the barns he got called out to were all hands on deck, and the days were long. There was no time for a social life or even a romantic one. "How as the assistant been doing? Keeping you on track so far?" He knew he was forever thankful for the receptionists at the clinic for keeping him on a schedule, or else he would be out hiking a trail instead of working on a client.
He continued to follow John, unsure of where they were going. As they approached two horses, he stopped - just in case one decided they were going to bite. "I mean, they have spines too, do they not? I do find the cats odd, but the dogs can be fun. Depends on their temperament." He had some close calls with biting lately, though most of the patients tended to enjoy the treatments as it gave them relief. "It's great to hear, though I do wish I could make him less stubborn. And how is your family doing?"
Everett recognized Jett immediately, the horse was hard to forget. His eyes flickered over to the grey gelding, glad that he didn't seem phased about his surroundings. "Did you want some help with the grooming? If I remember right, brushing the horses is the same." He grinned. "That sounds like a plan. Lead the way."
"I think the grandchildren have been in the saddle since they popped out," he said with a grin, but it felt pretty typical given that every single member of John's family rode, "Although, admittingly, I was tempted to try and stuff them into a saddle bag for joy riding when they first were born. But Marie insisted that was frowned upon." The man had been joking of course, both now and at the time, but it was still always fun to bring up - since truth be told, if he could have gotten away with it, he would have tried. Given all the baby photos he had seen since the age of internet, a newborn sticking out of a rather large saddle bag didn't seem entirely farfetched.
As for the jeans and saddles comment, "I don't know about it being bad for the saddle," he started now, considering he himself felt like he was rarely in jeans while he was running around the barn, "But I can confirm that the rare occasion I've done it, it's super uncomfortable." And John decided to leave it at that, since there was no need to get into a man's anatomy and how jeans pulled in all the wrong places when in an English saddle. Plus the rubbing on the legs. All the thoughts of it now just made shiver run down his spine. As for Seven Oaks, "Ah! Seven Oaks. I haven't been there for quite some time," mainly because all three of his children boarded there so he preferred to give them space, "But I remember hearing the trails are quite nice there. I've mostly just done guest clinics at the arena facilities. Should be easy enough for me though to get there next time we ride."
Speaking of children, Everett's comment was right on the nose, "I do confess that you're correct there. Marie told me to let them come to me. Something about patience." It was funny, John could have all the patience in the world when it came to horses, but sometimes it felt like his children were subjected more towards his impatience. It was something that the man was working on, but truth be told, it did get the best of him from time to time still. This business with Riley was no different.
Laughter did escape John when the younger man swore to him that age was nothing but a number. Truth be told, it didn't feel that way some times - especially when he was getting up in the morning. However, he did not feel the need to comment on that. After all, today was for fun and riding, not to discuss any problems that Everett could probably solve with chiroppractory. Walking through the Barn Aisles, some curious horse heads were poking out to investigate their footsteps - no doubt wondering what the men were doing. John paid them no mind, "Ah, the assistant. His name's Ivan. Nice kid. I think he has something to prove. I don't mind though."
The two horses that they needed now where just up head, both heads poking out now to greet them. John couldn't help but to notice how Everett hung back, "You're fine, I swear they're both saints." He commented now, nodding to Jett and Rocket, "And funny, I would have thought the cats would have been more inclined to being worked on, but glad to hear its all a good fun challenge for you." He pulled Rocket first from his stall and hooking him up into the cross ties, before following suit with Jett, "Family's doing good. Marie will be preoccupied with all of the foals soon. Otherwise, uneventful which is fine with me."
He nodded for Everett to follow him quickly to the tack and groom room, knowing the horses would be fine for the short time with them away. Plus those cross ties were breakaways, "Of course. Nothing fancy here when it comes to groom," he said with a grin. Leading the way, he stepped inside and went to assigned horse cubbies and pulled the kits out, handing Rocket's to Everett, "I assume you know what to do with these." He said with a grin before nodding to the door and back to the horses, "Time to get cracking."
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
"That doesn't sound surprising to me at all. I assume your parents did the same with you?" He didn't start riding until much later - his parents hoping that it would help him focus and wear him out as he had too much energy half the time. "I'd have to agree with your wife on that one. I know how bomb proof your horses are but, newborns are delicate." He didn't want to go into detail about how the baby could suffocate in the saddle bag - it wasn't exactly pleasant conversation.
Everett nodded, he was sure it would be uncomfortable in an English saddle. "I was going to ask Kayleigh about it but she seemed to be busy that day. I never thought you would be one to ride in them. I do hope it was for a fun ride and not a jumping lesson?" Working the horse on the flat would be more comfortable in jeans, though it was the only thing he ever rode in. "I swear I'm at Seven Oaks every day. I'll have to come watch a clinic next time you are there though. I could also come get you and one of your horses if that works better." He could easily have it arranged with someone who had their own if he could borrow one.
"And I thought you were one who had all the patience in the world. Or would that only be with things that are not human?" Everett was always impressed how the Ryan family's horses behaved during their chiropractic sessions. He knew that it took a lot of patience and work to get the horses trained how they were. He glanced up at the lighting on the celling, impressed with the look of the barn. "I don't think I've heard of him. Is he new in town?" He also would admit that he didn't know everyone in town - though if he had a horse he was sure to at least have heard of him. "What makes you think he has something to prove?"
Everett took a glance at the grey horse he would be riding. The gelding seemed calm enough, for that he was thankful for. He knew how to ride, but riding English would be a whole different ball game. "Glad to hear. I knew I'd be in the right hands." If the Ryan grandchildren rode him, so could he. "How many foals are you expecting this year?" He followed John into the tack room and watched as John put the grooming kit down on the floor by Rocket. "Dang, I thought you of all people would have a groom to get your horses ready." He joked, picking up the rubber curry comb from the plastic kit and began curry brushing the grey.
"Nah, horses were kind of a fluke in my life," John said with a grin, "I like to joke that I'm the male version of National Velvet. At least for the first half of the movie. Came across a loose horse one day when I was coming home from the farmer's market, and I took him home to my parents' sheep farm. Pretty certain I tried to hide him first but that didn't last long." And there was only so much hiding one could do with a 1200 lb animal when the rest of the residences of the farm were maybe 100 to 200 lbs. Either way, King had stuck out easily amongst the herd of sheep. That or Max had ratted him out, it had all been a blur.
As for the jeans, "Nah, certainly not for jumping. There was a hot second I decided to take a few western pleasure classes for fun when I was in the United States for some shows. I did it on the side, of course. But I noticed the last World Games that, no offense, all of these German riders were taking a stab at the western classes even though we all know the Americans would wipe the floor. So I thought I'd try it out as well." And while he could see the joy and beauty in it, the style had not been his cup of tea for a number of reasons. It had still been fun though, and John would be lying if he had said that he hadn't come away with new knowledge and technique.
John nodded his head when the other male made mention that he'd have to watch a clinic the next go around that Seven Oaks hosted one, "Watch it? Uh, I expect you to enroll," he said with a grin now, lightly punching Everett in the arm. Although his friend seemed to have the last laugh with that patience comment. A slight sound escaped John as he dramatically shrugged his shoulders, "If you ask Marie, I lack patience with certain aspects of our children. I think it's a dad problem. Want to be helpful all the time even though I should probably leave them alone and let them figure it out." John found that to be the hardest part of about parenting, learning to let go.
"Ivan? I think he's new in town, something about relocating back to home or something like that." He couldn't really remember off the top of his head, "And I don't know. Something in his walk suggested to me had something to prove. Either way, he was smart enough to be wearing the right sort of shoes to follow me all over the barn and pastures while I interviewed him. So. Smart kid. I had one girl show up in heels."
Everett seemed rather relieved by the concept of riding the grandchildren's horse, and quite frankly, there was nothing wrong with that. Plus, John wouldn't have left him out to dry wit one of the hot youngins. While some people thought it was hilarious to put their friends on the fast horses, John didn't like that. People needed to move at their own pace and comfortability, "I mean, I want you to enjoy your ride. Can't exactly scare you off from ever coming back." He said with a grin now, "And I'll be honest, the foals are Marie's department. They sort of just adorably show up and I pay their bills. I think we have a few set to come though. Maybe like three or four if I remember correctly."
With the grooming kits out and by their respective stalls, it was time to get to work. But that joke didn't go unnoticed by John, who simply laughed, "Every once in a while, I give the grooms a break and take care of my own horse." He countered, but the joking tone was there. He knew it was all fun and games now. The true bromance date was about to begin. John set to work now with the rubber curry comb, getting to work as he called over the stall, "Are you going to need a diagram on how to saddle up?"
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
"Oh wow. I had no idea that's how you got into riding. Was the horse you rescued a proven jumper and that's how you got into show jumping?" His story about how he got into riding was much more boring of that. Both of his parents threw him on the back of a pony in the hopes that the young boy would burn his energy.
He continued to brush the grey gelding, hoping he was doing a good job. Though it had seemed the gelding had gotten a bath recently and was relatively clean. "I do like to think my fellow German citizens are good equestrians, though Western riding really isn't our thing." He laughed softly as he switched from the curry comb to the hard brush. "What did you think of it anyway?" As Everett never competed but he did take Western Pleasure lessons when a coach was available.
"Uh, right. Unless you bring a horse that can jump with a useless rider then I'll just watch." He had watched some English disciplines at Seven Oaks, but it was completely different than what he was used to. "There are things they have to learn on their own. Honestly, it's like training a horse and then selling it. Though I'm not a father so I don't know if that's true or not." He shrugged his shoulders as he continued getting the gelding ready, finishing by brushing his mane and tail.
After cleaning out the gelding's hooves, he was ready to saddle up. "Another new person in town? That's always fun. It's always nice knowing I'm not the newest citizen." He joked, having been in Hickstead for what seemed like forever now. His German accent was practically gone. "Maybe he's ridden or been around horses before? That's a huge bonus when it comes to working here." It was like if someone came to work with his family. Having experience with animals was a must.
"Not everyone would be so kind. I'm sure there are some people who would love to see the chiropractor on a young hot horse." He would be the laughing stock of the community, though he also didn't know how this lesson was going to go. "Once they are born, I may have to drag my sister along to come see them. She always loves seeing the foals." That made his sister sound like she was pretty young, but she was only young at heart.
"Oh good, I would hate to hear you work them to the bone. I understand that running a place like this means it's easier when the grooms help out." If he asked nicely enough, the stable hands at SOS would brush his horse for him if he was late for his lessons due to a client. "I think I can figure it out. The girth is probably the only thing that's really different. I'm ready to tack up if you tell me where his tack is."
"Proven jumper?" John asked, "Perhaps he was proven when we started to play around and get into some shenanigans." He said with a laugh, "Lots of hijinks and growth for both of us." He hated to admit it but sometimes he felt like he had a sort of Cinderella story when it came to how he got into horses and competing. It was purely by accident, and then someone referred him after they saw the untapped potential. The man had been lucky, and he figured that out as he matured in life and discovered that not everybody was lucky like he had been. It was an expensive sport, and it kept money and connections to keep the dream alive along with skill.
He busied himself with the rubber curry come, and couldn't help but to laugh when Everett made a comment about his fellow country men, "Oh no, I can't deny that. Balkenhol and Ahlmann have given me a run for my money several times, and crushed me just as many." Credit is due when it's due, "But I have to say, I don't think any German rider can best an American when it comes to those western sports. They're fun though. I felt like I was relaxing in a hammock on the beach with how that saddle is built and how smooth they have their quarter horses and such." It certainly was a different experience, humbled him a little more when it came to western riders as well.
John laughed when his friend pointed out that if he enrolled, he'd need a horse that could do everything with out him, "Alright alright, case in point." While he was all about fun and games, John wasn't a fan of torturing people. He did find himself mulling over Everett's words, comparing raising children, "You have a point. But I'm also bad and end up keeping some of the ones I can't bare to part with. I think the thing people don't tell you about being a parent is even after your kids have grown up, you cannot help but to still worry about them." And perhaps that was the most annoying thing about being a parent, letting them go.
Switching out brushes, blue eyes looked towards his black horses and chuckled quietly to himself as he had noticed once again that Jett had lulled himself to sleep thanks to the groom. Shaking his head, John continued on with his brushing, making a mental note that he'd have to politely wake his horse back up prior to working on his hooves, "No, I think you lost the award for newest resident. Feels like Hickstead is always a growing place though." It was funny to think about his hometown being this booming place, it used to just be this tiny, overlooked place. But now its grown thanks to a multitude of things and people seem to flock in regularly, "Think he's done some armature stuff back in the day. He has a curious gate, I'm not one to question it though. It does the job well and seems to get around the horses just fine. Bonus, he's not afraid of them. I feel like sometimes you get that with those PA types."
"You're free to come see the foals. I like them to get used to humans early on, helps with the vet stuff and learning how to lead line." And even if he didn't, he wouldn't deny a friend a chance to see some adorable foals. Gently, he woke up Jett now, who almost seemed perturbed by this until he realized what was going on: his hooves being cleaned, which only meant one thing in the horse's mind. John could feel the still in the air now that his horse knew what would be coming - a ride. Perhaps a different sort of ride then what the horse was expecting, but a good hack never hurt anyone nor dulled the spirit of a champion, "Nah, I like my grooms happy!" he called out from under his horse, "Not only do they deal with Marie and I, they also have to deal with some of my clients." And John personnally knew he had some difficult ones.
He finished up with Jett and popped up, getting out of the stall now and tossing the hoof pick back into the grooming bucket, "Follow me. To the tackroom we go." And he lead the way, and a short distance later, he was opening up the AC roomed and nodded to a locker labeled Rocket, "You'll find his gear in there."
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
Everett nodded, he knew a little bit of show jumpers. Or at least what joints and body parts they used more than horses in other disciplines. "I'll take that as a yes then. Maybe it was his hidden talent and you found it." He had heard stories about it happening, though his two were bred and meant to do Western events.
He double checked and made sure the grey was groomed properly, seeing that the older gelding had slowly fallen asleep while being groomed. 'Don't take that the wrong way. I know you are an amazing rider yourself. I just was pointing out that usually the Germans are better at English riding." That though fell into their stereotype, which really shouldn't matter but some people made a big deal about it. "I do find the saddle comfortable. Though for jumping it's probably better not to have one, right?" He tended to avoid jumps on the trails, not knowing if either of his horses would enjoy it.
"Do you think the ones you want to keep could be good lesson horses? Maybe start a program?" It would be a win-win situation, the horses would have a perfect home and they would have a job to do. "Thank goodness, I don't like being the newbie for too long. What do you think of him so far? I'll have to go say hi to him when I see him." The small town was quickly becoming not so small - his father's clinic was slowly growing due to new people moving into town. "Thanks, let me know when you need me. If you don't mind, I can convince my sister to come out too." Johanna Strome was a competitive rider herself - and just like any other female, would give anything to be around foals.
The blond had met a few of the grooms, often having them bring the horses needed to be worked on and John was busy. "The ones I've met so far have been nice. How do you keep them happy anyway?" He really only had his parents who worked with him - they were looking for others to help. Everett patted the grey on the shoulder before he followed John into the tack room.
"Does he need a martingale or anything too? Boots maybe?" He began pulling out the English saddle and half pad from the locker, grabbing the black full pad and bridle.
He smiled at Everett as he thought out John's story. The man himself admitted that he had never thought of King's talents such as a hidden jumper, but now that he spoke about King - it seemed that way. John took a step back now to inspect over Jett, making sure he at least looked the part of John Ryan's prestige horse for going out on the trails. While he doubted he run into anyone on his land, given his students didn't often go for hacks, he just always liked to make sure. As Everett pipped up about German riders though, John couldn't help but to laugh, "None taken. Peter Thomsen and Michael Jung have politely crushed me a few times. I'm still bitter about the 2012 Olympics." The fact that it had been London had only added insult to the second place win.
As for jumping in a western saddle, "I wouldn't try it. I can't imagine that would be comfortable for either you or the horse. I'm sure someone has invented some sort of hybrid saddle out there for that though." Even John himself didn't always feel comfortable jumping out on the trails in his English saddle unless it was a fallen tree that he had looked at and cleared out debris around it earlier. The conversation took a curious shift into the idea of a schooling program, something that John may have to mull over, "I'm not sure. I'd have to discuss that with Marie and maybe my sons if they're intending to simply stay competing at the local level. My grooms and select clients keep me busy enough along with my own eventing schedule." Still, it was a curious enough proposal that he wasn't willing to chuck it out right then and there.
"Ah, Ivan's nice. You shouldn't have any issues saying hi to him," John commented now, brushing off one last speck of dust he spotted on Jett's black coat, "He keeps my schedule going and there have been no hiccups, so I'm happy with him. I'm sure he wouldn't mind making another friend. And your sister is always welcome to join as well to see the foals." They began the walk to the tack room now, and he was milling over Everett's question. How did he keep the grooms happy? Now that was a question. Laughter escaped John, "I just make sure that they understand that they can come to me if there is an issue either at the barn, with a client, or a personal situation. They're allowed time off as long as they clear it with me. While I admit its hard with running a stables, and my own schedule since I take the to shows with me, I try to make sure that there's a decent balance between work life and their own personal lives. I rather not drive them into the ground like some others."
He was pulling Jett's tack now when the question about additional tack came up, "He should be fine without the martingale since this is a going to be a relaxed ride, however," John said now, adjusting the saddle in his arms and nodding towards a closet, "There should be a clear storage bin with his name on it that contains his bell boots and leg guards. Cause while I trust him to not be stupid with his head with you, Rocket still forgets where he puts his feet." He headed back out to the stalls now to begin tacking up, calling out to Everett, "Rocket will be fine in the cross ties for you! They're quick release too so no worries on that end either!"
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
"You'll get them next time. The 2024 Olympics will be here before you know it." There was already buzz around his clients about the qualification competitions coming up - and wanting their horses looked at before they headed off on the road. "Everyone wants their horses and themselves to have an appointment with me before they leave on the road." He glanced at the older horse, telling from the first glance that Rocket fit into the Ryan program. "Are you going to do the qualifications for it?"
He nodded, it seemed to make sense to him. "I do admit that I've jumped small jumps with my saddle. Though that was on the trails and we didn't really have another choice." There were often situations like that, though having an entire jumping lesson would be a different situation. "It's worth looking into if it works. I understand though it's busy running a place like this." Lesson horses meant more to look after and that wasn't always possible. He was lucky he had his two horses and a coach to ride with when he wanted a lesson.
"So, he'll be the one calling me if your horses need an adjustment then?" He always tried to be organized himself, thankful his mother kept their appointments in their system. "Oh good. She'll probably keep her schedule open for that. It'll make her year." The horse bug seemed to have bitten both Strome siblings. "And that's the way to do it honestly. My father tends to be that way as well. Making sure I don't have too many clients to see in a day, and leave time to ride my two." He often tried his best to group his Seven Oaks clients before and after his allotted lesson time.
He nodded, carrying the first load of tack over to the cross-ties. Everett set the saddle on the saddle rack and headed for the second load. He pulled out the bell boots and the set of front boots from the clear container, setting it back in the locker before heading to the grey horse. "Perfect, I think I've got everything. I think I know how everything goes, though if you wouldn't mind helping me with the girth? I didn't realize how different it was from the Western one." He started by placing the black full pad on the back of the gelding, then placed the half pad on top. "Should I go on the lunge line first? Or do you trust me enough to ride on my own?" Everett grinned, not really minding either way. He knew he wasn't ever going to be a pro rider.
"Ah yes, Olympic Trials," John mused out loud, "I probably will. Gotta make up for missing Rio and Tokyo." In John's defense though, he had a lot on his plate during that time between the various situation with the kids and just the chaos that was COVID as well. With his family back to being drama free, and the business doing well both competition and breeding wise, John was ready to get back to the international stage once more. It wasn't as if he left, but the man had never quite put his full effort into his showing career post London 2012, "I'm sure Marie will want me to show off some of our horses anyways, not just Jett."
Blue eyes could not help but to look at Everett curiously now, "You've jumped in your western saddle? Now that is impressive." Granted, the other man just admitted that it was out of need than wanting to, which on a trail, John fully understood. As for the prospect of lesson horses, he just nodded, "Something to add to the idea pile and there's nothing wrong with considering it." It did however mean more mouths to feed, although one could argue that there were certain retired horses that John and Marie didn't want to let go and they were considered mouths to feed as well. The boarders tended to offset the breeding program though, their board foot many bills for John, especially when his career went to the back burner and Marie retired completely.
He nodded at Everett's question, "Perhaps. Although it might be from Porter and Ty more often than not over Ivan. Technically, Ivan signed on for handling my things verses handling the barn over all. I'll try and keep the two separate for now, but I won't be surprise if it all melds together. He seems like the sort who likes to tackle a lot though, even when not asked. John smiled that the Strome would juggle their schedules around so they could see the foals, but he couldn't blame them. The babies were awfully cute and could not be ignored, "Ah yeah, well, you're a good owner to make sure you still have time to put your ass in the saddle. I'm hoping to do better myself soon enough."
The various trips to the tack room seemed to go off without any issues, and both horses remained patient in waiting. Although Jett seemed to huff a little at the sight of the saddle, knowing full well what would be coming soon - an outting. John supposed he should be happy the stallion was always looking forward to a ride and working, verses hating it all. Given the time of year though, the man couldn't help but to wonder if the black horse might have an extra spring in his step and that poor Everett and Rocket may witness a show. He got Jett quickly tacked up now, all save for the bridle when he heard the other man's voice call over, "Hm? Of course."
Gentling taking the girth from Everett now, he attached it to the right side of the saddle billets before carefully walking around Rocket, and pulled the girth up from under the grey horse's belly, "So same concept as the cinches where we will just gently pull the girth up til it's tight, two fingers can be incerted between Rocket's belly and the girth. While Rocket doesn't mind the girth, I just try do it gently as possibly while still getting the maxium results." And with that, he went to work. At Everett's next question, John couldn't help but to laugh, "I trust you. I trust Rocket to. Plus, I had them lunged earlier prior to your arrival anyways, so he will be good to go." Once he was done with the girth, he gave the gray horse a good pat before looking at Everett, "Alright, are you good to bridle before the moment of truth?"
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
