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!.
He could have been a kilometer away and still would have clocked that eyeroll that his baby brother had given him. John steeled himself for a witty comeback, and sure enough, it hit like a brick. Now it was John's turn to roll his blue eyes, "You're never going to stop rubbing salt in that wound, are you?" It was a rhetorical question though, the man knew very well that it was never going to end. After all, that's what baby brothers were for - insults and laughter. Speaking of, a snort of laughter did escape John now, "Trust me, you can interrupt my fun paperwork any time."
It was still odd seeing Max at the barn, the idea of him sticking in one place still felt like an odd concept to John. He had gotten too used to his youngest brother popping in and out of their lives the second he turned eighteen. It was hard to blame him though, he was fairly certain Max had been an accident even though his parents would never admit it. He got away with a lot of shit that Kim and John would have been skinned for, "Plus - it's weird hearing my students say that there's 'some hot guy talking to the horses'." Arguably though, it was on point. All the Ryan men were catches. Granted, it would have solved some matters if his students paid attention to the boarders.
After that, he stepped up to his brother and gave a hug - whether he wanted it or not - before letting go, "Jokes aside, it is good to see you again. How's the wunderlust doing? I feel like this is the longest you've been in town since getting your driver's license."
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
"I'm pretty positive we could find some sucker who would think our manure piles could grow some money trees," John said with a laugh, "Or we can just terrify the kids and the stablehands to think we've gone mad when we ask them to spread it out back in the gardens for that very reason." The look on their faces would be rather priceless. Or, they'd think they've lost their minds and send them to the funny farm. On second thought, John thought to himself, maybe this would be a terrible joke.
Blue eyes watched as Marie leaned forward to hug Wander, uplifting herself just slightly from the saddle. He could not help but to allow his gaze to wander just a little bit across the frame of her body, "Well, if you trust her, I guess I'll trust her to listen to you too. There have been enough bad horse accidents in this family to last me a life time." He was also fairly certain that Hickstead Hospital never wanted to see him again after he blitzed through there when Jake ended up in the hospital due to a bad fall. John knew falling and risking your life came with the territory of riding, but he always thought it would never happen to him or his family. The man supposed though everyone thought that until it happened.
Onto happier things though, like training a mare or two. John laughed, "Well, you just let me know when I can start her and she's ready to go ahead and tired of all that mom stuff." He knew that technically Marie's horses were his horses and vice versa, but sometimes when it came to the broodmares, he preferred to ask permission than not. Unlike his own horses, and the lesson horses, John didn't know the in's and out's of his wife's program - he just handed her the money to have fun and produce champions. After all, she didn't need his help in that unless someone was really being squirrelly.
As they pulled up to the barn now, John still fiend some shock, "You'd pick the horses' needs over my own?" He could barely keep a straight face though as he laughed, bringing Winnie to a stop now, and sliding his feet out of the stirrups, allowing them to hang there. If there was one thing he didn't appreciate during the winter time, it was getting off a horse, "Well, whenever I manage to convince myself to dismount and put your mare away, you'll find me enjoying a nice cup of warm coffee in the office."
The girl must have been lost in her own world while she had been chatting to Jett because she had practically jumped out of her skin when John spoke. He cringed a bit inwardly, but couldn't help but to laugh, "Sorry about that - guess I sneaked up on you." Guess he still had it in himself to be sneaky despite his creaky bones. The young woman seemed to recover though as she turned around to face him. Honestly, she looked younger than her file suggested, she looked younger than his own daughter. But John didn't care - after all, he started out young too.
An eyebrow arched when the young woman, or should he say Dylan Williams, admitted that she was not the newly hired stablehand but simply a girl who had wandered onto the property. In the grand scheme of things, John didn't care too much. Yes, private property, but it was a business. People came looking for lessons all the time, or jobs for that matter, he was just surprised she made it past the office without so much as a glance. Blue eyes flickered to Jett, who seemed content though, "Well Dylan, it's a pleasure to meet you." John said now, glancing back to the young woman and giving her his full attention, "I guess you passed one part of the unofficial interview - my horse, Jett, likes you enough. I have to admit, not many people can plait braids that well in his main."
Dylan did seem quite eager to work, after all, she claimed she was a hard worker. He knew if Marie was standing right next to him, she'd give him the look to make him hire the girl right off the spot. After all, she had been no different than when they were young, "Here - I'll show you around. You're comfortable with heavy lifting, correct? And pushing wheelbarrows? It's all not just riding the horses - I want you to understand that." John motioned for her to follow him, and then, with a grin, he dared to ask, "I do have to ask - how did you make it past my assistant in the office to get to the 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
John couldn't argue with Everett - a lot olympian did put their careers first over their family. That worked for some families though, and not for others. The man supposed he had been a little bit of both, after all, it took a near death accident of one of his teenage children and then some adoption secrets to air for him to take a back seat. But that was water under the bridge now, "Why thank you Everett. I'm pretty happy to say that they do too," John said with a grin, "Just takes age for some people."
The other man's logic made sense about how he adapted to switch saddle and which style of riding. John supposed if he grew up in America out in the midwest, he'd be riding in a different style as well, "Ah, I think we're trying to depart with a few yearlings. Marie has a few colts and fillies she wants to show off in the local horse shows. I'm sure they would be for sale depending on the home." The Ryan's tended to be a bit more selective when it came to selling off their horses, they tried to get some miles under them first, but if the right person came along to fit the right horse, John was certain that even Marie would bend her rules, "Heart horse?" John chucked, "I have heard that tossed around the yard, but mostly from the younger cliental. I think Jett is close, I'm not sure if he'd ever surpass my first horse, King, though. And you?"
A grin sat on the man's lips now, "I have no doubt that you will, although Ferne may be wondering why he's in an arena." He said jokingly, "As for the kids, I tell myself I got Riley to come home, but at this rate, I think the only ones who kids listen to if themselves." As Everett said that a mount block would be nice, John merely nodded and started to walk over to grab it now, Jett following closely to him even with the slack reins. Grabbing it, he brought it back over to the other man and horse now, "Here you go - hm? Oh right, I got Rocket off a friend. He never went to the olympics, but he had a good run at the shows. I sent him off to be a bit more relaxed and soon stuck him into our lesson and jumping program. He took to it quite well, guess it's Rocket's version of retirement life."
John merely nodded to the mount block now, "I'll let you you get up first before I hop on 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
A bit of a chortle escaped John now as he stepped up towards the box stall for Jett to greet him fully. The large black stallion's ears were forward, eagerly reaching out as he nosed around John's hands and pockets before realizing they were empty. A snort escaped Jett, clearly disappointed that he would be settling for scratches and pats, but leaned his head into his human nonetheless, "He was a bit cuddly when he arrived, but I think his personality really blossomed here. I'd feel a little under the weather too if I lived outside of Dublin." The man joked with a wink, "I think he gets some unexpected love around the yard as well."
When Ty attempted to shove off the compliment, John merely shook his head, "Ty, take the compliment. I mean it. Even if it is your job, I'm grateful for what you did for Jett. I know it took time out of your day...in fact, you're here late now." Both he and Porter were good lads, and unfortunately, young. The older man sometimes felt like he was on borrowed time with them, it would probably only be a matter of years before they might want a shot at the glory as well. John wouldn't blame them if they did, they both were very skilled riders - it had been a steal having them on his staff, "If you want to compete, you have my permission. You certainly have been putting in a lot of work and hours, not just here but into your horses. I think the four of you are ready."
He finished giving Jett his love before stepping away, and the black Irish sports horse became more interested in his water and dozing off anyways, "Ah well - I have two prospects in the wings, but admittingly, I have not been putting as much time into them as I should have. I'm sure Marie can lend me one of her mares or young colts or fillies to show off for some shows this season, but I wouldn't use them for qualifiers." John thought about it for a moment before jokingly saying, "I could always borrow Beamer from your girlfriend and risk her wrath." The idea of interviews and press conferences certainly exhausted John just thinking about them, thankfully they were not on his plate...yet, "Not for a while. It was just ass-kissing today. But, let's make sure nobody outside of the barn and the vet finds out about Jett. People will come sniffing around for comments and interviews and I don't need that."
John nodded for Ty to follow him, "Come on, let's go to the office. You can give me the bill and I can have a shot of whisky. I'm curious to hear your show plans since you mentioned it earlier."
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 sworn to himself that he would take care of his 'homework' as he liked to joke to Ivan, his PA, before he went to go have fun with the horses. While the man had been rather business savy since going professional and out on his own, forgo-ing riding other people's horses for his own and Marie's, he still allowed the business side of things to slide a bit. That had turned around since getting the personal assistant though, and the young man managed to keep John on top of things - plus, it was always easier to get stuff down when his students were blocked by the wall otherwise known as Ivan Park.
But now, he was done, and it was time to go play with the horses. John was feeling good about this morning, he had just signed off on the paperwork to hire some new stable hands, the show season was coming up, and it wouldn't be long before himself and Jett made the travel to Paris, France. Nothing could possibly dampen his mood, at least, nothing that he wouldn't mention outloud or even think given it would require to knock on wood. Stopping by the tack room, he grabbed the black stallion's groom kit, before making his way to the stall now.
It would turn out though, that he wasn't the only one visiting the stallion today. Blue eyes saw a young woman, maybe no older than eighteen, standing outside of Jett's stall. John didn't know her, but he didn't handle interviews beyond his groom's so, "Hello there," he called out now, walking up to her and making sure to smile, "Are you one of the new stablehands? I literally just signed off on your paperwork...I'm John by the way. Sorry I didn't interview you - I've been busy."
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
A snort of laughter escaped John at the suggestion, "You might be onto something, Marie. Maybe feeding them our money will give them the extra boost in their diet to go the extra mile. That or their manure would make some great fertilizer afterwards." Granted, it certainly felt like they were already feeding the horses their paper money. The man could hardly complain though, they were doing good business and financially wise - they could afford to make these jokes and laugh about it in the end. John never wanted to take that for granted, "Great. Let me know. I'm pretty certain a few of the lesson horses need it as well. I'll just make it rain that day for Chase Anderson."
Blue eyes gave his wife a curious look, "Hippos kill more than...you know what, suddenly, I'm not comfortable with you riding her." John commented, with a mock-serious voice, "I can't have Wander doing a 180 on you because her spirit animal is a hippo." Granted, it would take a lot more than that to unseat Marie Ryan. Still, since Jake's accident, it had been a humble reminder that no equestrian was invincible - not even a Ryan. They started their walk again now that she was seated back in their saddle, and the man couldn't help but to feel a little sadden the time to this ride was coming to an end. Like Marie, he enjoyed just turning off his brain sometimes to go for a quiet ride with his wife - no antics, no schooling, no nothing. He could turn his brain 90% off and just relax.
"Jumping out of the pasture?" John asked now, "Shit, where have I been?" he mused, mainly to himself now. Was he really that oblivious to what went on in Marie's breeding barn? "After she's weaned off, if you want me to take her for a spin out on any of the circuits, you let me know." Blue eyes snapped back to her, arching an eyebrow, "You might have time for me?" John asked now, hardly able to keep a straight face, "Well, guess I might just have to convince you later to make time for me." And he defilingly didn't hold back the suggestive tone.
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