[BRUCE TANE ROPATA]

"Good girl." Bruce said as he rubbed the Vanner's forehead as he unclipped her lead, leaving her where she was standing while he gathered the things he needed. Leaving a selection of rope halters on the arena fence - because he wasn't sure what size the horse attending the lesson would need - as well as a carrot stick and 12-foot lead rope. "Are you going to listen today?" He asked Ash as he returned to his mare, smiling as she gently butted him in the chest with her nose. "I think you'll be fine."

He gave a welcoming smile as two men and with their horses the arena with his horse. "Welcome, and welcome back." He said. "I'm Bruce and this lovely lady is Ash." He patted the bay tobiano on the neck. "Over there you will find everything you will need, a rope halter, a long lead and a carrot stick. It may look like a riding crop, but the stick is an extension of your arm, rather than something to use to discipline. Once you've swapped halters and found a space for the two of you we'll get started."

While he waited, he clipped the lead back onto Ash's halter, not that she needed it, but it was easier if he needed to demonstrate something. "Today, we are going to start by playing some games with our horse. The same ones as in our last lesson." He said with a smile toward Everett. "The first game is quite simple, it's called the friendly game. What you are going to do is run your hands all over your horse." He demonstrated by running his hand down and over Ash's back and down her hind leg. "It may seem silly, but it helps create a strong bond between horse and human, and it will give you a good idea of any no-go zones your horse may have." And those no-go zones, was what the carrot stick was for, but he'd go onto to that if there were any places that couldn't be touched. "There should be no place on you horse that you can't touch. This is also a good time to let me know if you have any questions."

Dice roll

Odd number - lesson goes poorly
Even number - lesson goes well

EVERETT LUKAS STROME
JULES REECE BEAUCHÊNE and blanche

[EVERETT LUKAS STROME]

Everett had thoroughly enjoyed his lesson with Sunday. They did well, which encouraged him to try it with his palamino gelding - Fernie. He gave the palamino a thorough brushing, knowing that even though they were doing natural horsemanship, he wanted to make sure his gelding was looking good. 

He adjusted the leather halter on the horse's face, before clipping his lead rope to the ring and leading the gelding to the outdoor arena. Everett waved at Bruce as the pair entered - leaving the gate unlocked as he knew someone else was coming to join him. "Hello Bruce, I thought I'd bring Fernie along this time." He led the palamino over to the pile of gear and started the process of changing halters. Once he got Fernie reorganized, he moved the gelding away and found his own space. 

The man glanced at the gate to the arena, smiling when he realized it was Jules and Blanche who were joining them. "If a horse has a spot they don't like you touching, does that mean something?" Fernie was generally a good horse, but sometimes his back caused him some issues.  

April 23 2024 // outfit & Fernie // JULES REECE BEAUCHÊNE

thanks aofie!

[JULES REECE BEAUCHÊNE]

Jules was ready for his lesson with Blanche. While the two had a good bond, it was still good to see what Blanche’s limits could be. He guided her over to the lesson where Bruce greeted them, with another student, Everett. Jules said his hellos and got Blanche ready. She seemed to give bombastic side eye but Jules made sure to give the other rider and horse their space. He followed the instructions, and began at Blanche’s head, making his way down her neck.