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!.
Yui had filled her Tumblr with coffee and cream, taking a sip. She would be watching Bode with a new rider today. From what Sabrina told her, Julia was even so excited to start riding. Constantly asking about when she could feed apples or pet the animals.
The weather was a bit chilly, with some rain - so the lessons would happen in the indoor arena. Yui walked over and made sure all the lights were on. As well as all the right Tack was on Gidget.
When everyone arrived, she gave a small wave. “Good morning!”
Bode had checked the weather this morning and knew from one look that all of his classes would be in the indoor arena today. He had an morning class with a new student, whom, he understood, was young, excited, and completely knew. The man didn't mind that, it was always fun to see a child get their first taste of being in the saddle. What he was slightly worried about was Yui Ledor-Kita being present in his class today. At least the observation wasn't a surprise call in.
He had gotten to Helping Hooves early to check in with Yui, say hi to Cayenne, and check in on the lesson pony of the day: Gidget. The tiny paint mare looked up at him and then went back to ignoring him. Hopefully, she would be feeling it. Bode checked his watch, enough time to go grab himself a coffee from the breakroom before it was show time. He headed his way there, poured himself a cup of coffee and allowed himself to relax, clearing his mind of any negative energy and thoughts.
After that, once his cup was done, he washed it, headed to his locker to grab his personal lunge line, and headed to the indoor arena. Yui was already there, with Gidget who was saddled up and ready. The pony looked complacent, but he figured she knew this was just another day in the life of being a lesson horse. Beside the pair, small girl was also there, and not a parent in sight. They must be in the lobby.
"Hi Yui," Bode greeted with a smile, before looking to the small girl, "And you must be Julia. My name is Bode. I'll be helping with teaching today."
Dice roll
Odd number - lesson goes poorly Even number - lesson goes well
Julia was excited to have her first riding lesson. She had practically begged Moses to get her lessons - glad that he finally agreed. She even went to the tack store and picked out a riding outfit for herself - dragging Isa with her for some moral support.
She found herself in front of Gidget the pony, hoping that it would be a good experience. Julia patted the pony on the forehead before they headed out - making sure her helmet, gloves and boots were on properly. Julia followed Yui and Gidget into the indoor arena, wondering what her teacher looked like. She smiled at the two of them as the pony was halted by the mounting block. "Morning! Yes, I'm Julia. I haven't been on a horse before, though I've watched people ride. How do I get on?" She had an idea, but it was always a good idea for it to come from the instructor. Julia held the reins in her hands, focusing on the pony until she was given instructions or guidance.
A chuckle escaped Bode at the young girl's exuberance, "Well, that is the spirit." His dark brown eyes looked to Yui, but the look she politely leveled at him told him that he was officially handling this lesson on his own, and she was taking the backseat. Ah wonderful. He returned to attention to his new student now, "Well Julia, let's first get your stirrups situated for you." He pulled them for her out of the leathers, letting the iron stirrups hand slack now, "Watch me, as you will be doing the same very soon. I want you to put your middle finger up here on the saddle," he demonstrated, "And then pull the stirup to your armpit. I want the bottom of the stirrup to hit you there. That is how we will always measure your stirrups and adjust them with the buckle as so." Another demonstration.
He took a step back from Gidget now, and nodded to the pony, "Now I want you to do it. I'll watch you." He'll save the girth for later, for now, Bode knew from talking with Yui and Galaxy that they handled it prior to bringing the pony out to the arena.
Dice roll
Odd number - lesson goes poorly Even number - lesson goes well
The young girl watched as Yui left the arena to watch from the other side. She had talked to Moses about who her teacher would be beforehand, so she knew it would be Bode. “What? Aren’t you happy when you ride?” Maybe he had a bit of a difficult horse, but Julia didn’t want to press the matter if it bothered her instructor.
As he approached, she stepped back from the pony, allowing him to do what he needed to do. She listened intently as the method of checking the stirrup lengths was explained. It was always fun for her to learn something new - riding horses was going to be a whole new experience. “Okay, I can do that.” She put her middle finger where Bode had his and picked up the stirrup itself with her hand. There was a bit of slack - meaning most likely that they were too long. “I think this side is too long, but I’m not sure?” It was always best for her to ask, especially since she had an expert right there. “Is that right?” It felt like an odd way to measure stirrups, but maybe once she got better at riding she would learn a different way.
Dark brown eyes watched the little equestrian get to work on her stirrups - she seemed to have the concept and thought process down even when the stirrups weren't just quite right. At least, not the right side. Bode nodded though, agreeing with her thought, "You're right. There's some slack, so it should be shorten one hole. You'll be on Gidget for a while, so in time, you'll just know where your stirrups should hang without a second thought."
He nodded to her to finish up, and once she corrected her stirrups, he took her over to the mounting block and explained how to best mount Gidget. From getting up on the left side of the horse, with her left leg, and swinging over with her right. He made sure to position the pony directly in front of the mounting block, holding him there. Bode nodded, "I know you're strong enough to do it on your own, but if you need my assistance, let me know. Once you're settled, we'll get you and Gidget here out on the lunge."
Dice roll
Odd number - lesson goes poorly Even number - lesson goes well
