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!.
John Eoin Ryan is an Olympic Classed Equestrian based out of Hickstead, UK. He has made numerous appearances in the Olympics with Team Great Britain for Show Jumping starting in Athens 2004. His most recent appearance was Rio 2016 and recently secured a slot for Paris 2024. In addition to the Olympics, Mr. Ryan has appeared in numerous FEI World Champion Games. Other abroad shows include USA - Florida Ocala International Horse Shows, USA - Washington International Horse Show, and USA - Kentucky Rolex. Nationally, Mr. Ryan has appeared in the recent 2024 UK season including the Badminton Horse Trials, Royal Winsdor Horse Show, the Devon Horse Show, and the London International Horse Show. While Mr. Ryan may not always be available for schooling, rest assured his staff at Ryan Sports Hall are more than capable to fill in.
class objectives
Mr. Ryan breaks his Flat 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 by Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Ryan, or one of his two grooms. 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. Mr. Ryan 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
individual 1. TY XAVIER WEBBER - WSH Hiroko (Hiroko) - walk x trot x canter 2. IVAN LEE PARK - Ziggy (lesson horse) - walk x trot x canter
April 14th - April 20th group 1. @name - horse - level 2. @name - horse - level 3. @name - horse - level
John Eoin Ryan is an Olympic Classed Equestrian based out of Hickstead, UK. He has made numerous appearances in the Olympics with Team Great Britain for Show Jumping starting in Athens 2004. His most recent appearance was Rio 2016 and recently secured a slot for Paris 2024. In addition to the Olympics, Mr. Ryan has appeared in numerous FEI World Champion Games. Other abroad shows include USA - Florida Ocala International Horse Shows, USA - Washington International Horse Show, and USA - Kentucky Rolex. Nationally, Mr. Ryan has appeared in the recent 2024 UK season including the Badminton Horse Trials, Royal Winsdor Horse Show, the Devon Horse Show, and the London International Horse Show. While Mr. Ryan may not always be available for schooling, rest assured his staff at Ryan Sports Hall are more than capable to fill in.
class objectives
Mr. Ryan breaks his Show Jumping Classes into 4 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 at flat and jump by Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Ryan, or one of his two grooms. 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 jump ability. Mr. Ryan 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
[b]Name:[/b] [b]Horse:[/b] [b]Level:[/b] 65 cm or X jumps; 80-85 cm jumps, 100-110 cm jumps, 120 cm or higher [b]Group or individual:[/b] [b]Chosen week:[/b]
thanks aofie!
FORTY THREE . EQUESTRIAN . OWNER OF RYAN SPORT HALL HAPPILY MARRIED - Marie Iylah Ryan. THREE CHILDREN MANY FUR BABIES
God, how he hated paperwork. It was nothing but the bane of his existence. John Ryan thought that was always the problem when starting a business, nobody ever warns you about the paperwork that follows it - the horses just add on more expense. A sigh escaped the man though, mainly because he knew better to complain, even if it was internally done. He was very lucky that they were not struggling, in fact, Ryan Sports Hall appeared to be excelling between an uptick in students, Marie's breeding program, and then John's return to the show arena garnering attention, the money was there. Yet, money didn't do math for him, it merely added to it.
"This is what you get for telling Ivan to take the day off," John muttered to himself, dropping the pen down on his desk as he leaned back in his chair to close his eyes. He needed a break, or so he told himself, but what that break might be, well, the man didn't quite know. Destiny though, or some greater power, must have heard him though because there soon were footsteps outside of his door and a knock on it, "John? There's some guy hanging out at the borders section." Cerulean eyes opened, glancing at the door, "Claudia, can you give me more than that?" His student just stared at him, "I don't know, he's hot." And just like that, she waltzed off as if she didn't just drop a hypothetical bomb on his lap.
He stared after her, blinking, utterly puzzled by this. Well, it was the break he was looking for and an excuse to get up. Doing so, he pushed himself out from the desk and up from his chair, and went on his way. The walk to the borders section of his barn was a short one, and he couldn't help but to wonder who had managed to sneak by the office unnoticed. Granted, without Ivan in the front office, it was very easy to do. Sure enough, he saw a man there now - hanging out by two obnoxious horses that John knew well - in fact, he knew the man as well. A grin broke on John's features now as he called out, "Well, if it isn't my baby brother, Max. Hope you were planning on saying hello to me as well rather than just visiting your 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
The man could not help but to gawk at her, "Not my first cup?" And boy, did those gears start to turn as he thought about the coffee offer given to him this morning by the very woman riding next to him. It probably took John a solid thirty seconds to figure out that his wife had been bluffing though, the coffee tasted just like her usual batch, and therefore, she had been joking, "Wife, you nearly gave me a heart attack. If I had died just then and there, what would you do without me?" Well, she'd be fine since Marie Ryan was a very strong, capable, and fully independent woman, John was just looking for another excuse to make her roll her eyes and unleash that laugh of hers.
Cerulean eyes watched her continue to inspect her mare's feet, not that John minded, given it gave him the perfect view of certain assets. Thankfully, John was still able to keep his wits about him, and while Marie appreciated his joke, the man did not appreciate the follow up, at least, pretended to not. A dramatic sigh escaped him, "I swear, all of these horses just eat our money. Might as well switch out their oats and alfalfa for all our pounds and notes." He added a head shake for good measure, "Joking aside, I'll call the Ferrier when I get back and look at the books for who needs them removed." There was no doubt in his mind that it was more than just Wander who required them removed.
"Hey, at least hippos are not ones to be messed with," he countered now, "And quite frankly, I think Wander has the attitude of a hippo over a whale. Although I'm not sure about Winnie." He watched Marie safely mount back up now, and he gave his own mare a solid pat for being a good mare and waiting patiently, a feature that not all horses seemed to have, before gently asking her to move forward now to begin their lazy loop. Deciding he was safe, he kicked his feat out of the stirrups, allowing them to stretch, "Thankfully, no lessons on the docket today. I have to ride Jett and a few others, and you know, look at bills." A sigh escaped him at that one, "I might need some good cuddles from you after that one." He thought it over, "I think you and I have a gala invitation that we need to yay or nay also. Your thoughts? It's the winter one for the UK branch of FEI. Otherwise, what's on your plate today? Besides cuddling me, of course."
John merely waved the other man off now, "Nothing to apologize for. You weren't stepping into anything personal. Although I can see why you'd think that." He had certainly met his fair share of professional equestrians who would have taken offense over such a question, in fact, John could think of a few students of his who probably would too. Laughter escaped him when Everett mused over the fact that John had managed to miss the past two games, "Yes. I did. Tokyo was my own fault - literally, knocked a pole over in the last jump of the last round - cost me everything. Rio - well, that was family stuff, and I had to put them first." And while some people would think that was reasonable, not everyone would. He remembered when Benoit Lavinge and his wife, Olivia, informed him at a recent show that they just stuck their son with his godmother because they couldn't let his antics distract them from their professional lives. Shaking his head at the thought, John returned his attention to Everett, "Bit of both. I think Marie likes selling locally more, but I can't deny its nice when a German rider buys one. I'll be keeping Jett though, not ready to give him up. I don't think I ever will be."
Laughter escaped him at the other man's admission over the jump now, "Ah, how humble of you Everett. You did it a western saddle, I feel like that's some bragging rights." From what little he sat in one of those saddles, they did not feel like they were made for even the smallest of cross jumps, "Ah yes. I can't deny that my professional work and family life blend together way too much, especially with the kids competing. At least I managed to convince one to return home." Granted, Riley only had one horse here - she kept her other at another barn.
Cerulean eyes watched Everett now as he managed the girth on both sides of the grey horse who barely batted an eye nor a ear at the slow constricting feeling. Granted, there was a reason why he had given Rocket to his friend for the day, "Ah well, Seven Oaks is a good barn. Good staff and coaches as well. I have no doubt they'll keep you growing with your two horses - as well as accountable." A grin danced across his lips at Everett's joke, "No coach for me, but maybe my wife." Somehow, Marie could still find minor flaws in his rides when she took breaks from her own work. Seeing that Everett was taking the bridle now, John moved to grab Jett's and set him up, "Solid head indeed. Even if we cross an unexpected deer outside, he shouldn't even blink. Given the ground, we'll start in the indoor for you to get used to Rocket and for me to burn some of Jett's energy before we go for a lively walk of a trail ride. Sound good to you?" He grabbed his helmet now, placing it on his head before unclipping Jett completely from his cross ties and halter - fully bridled, "Let's go. Do you want a mounting block by the way?"
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
Even in the horridness of the moment, Marie still managed to make him smile with her caffeine high comment. A small, dry laugh escaped him now, "Maybe it will give him the jump start that he needs." John replied now, before leaning over and kissing the top of her head. It was pretty much all that he could do to keep himself calm now, given that being bull headed and hysterical didn't appear to work in hospitals. Although all of that came to a halt with their other son's appearance. John had so many questions that he wanted to throw at his oldest son, but leave it to his wife to take over the questioning in a calming matter despite everything going on, and managing to make sure that Ben's feelings were not overlooked as well.
The man cringed inwardly that he had forgotten to ask his son how he was doing, unlike Marie, who had made it her first priority before asking about the situation. He would have to chalk it up to panic, and perhaps, after all of this was done, he would apologize for it. But later. Right now, Ben's explanation was far more important to him: "There was a riding accident. We were messing around on the cross country, you know how Jake loves a competition...He hit a jump wrong and they had a rotational. The horse seems okay, got up pretty quick, but he rolled over Jake and ...there was a lot of blood .." John could feel the blood drain from his face, figures it would be some stupidly brotherly competition that would cause them to be in this mess.
He closed his blue eyes, a sigh escaping him as he ran a hand through his hair, trying to rein his emotions in. Everyone knew Jake was like this, but Ben especially did. The two of them were always up to trouble, and it took everything in John's power to not lay into him. Truth was, John hadn't even realized that the boys had been out on the cross country field, and he was certain, neither did Marie or any of the grooms, "I always tell you two to be careful out there..." was literally all what he could manage. Maybe the truth was that it was the horse's fault, but at the same time, the rider also had to take care of the take off, the pacing, everything, and John was having a hard time not putting fault into both Ben and Jake in the moment.
The next statement caught him a little off guard though: "He needs a transfusion and apparently I'm not a match. I don't understand... But I can't help him." Well shit. That was another topic in the making, one that John didn't want to deal with right now since it didn't matter nor was it the right time. It was one of those situations that the man realized that perhaps they should have brought up ages ago, but it never felt like the right time and he never saw how it could hurt anyone. Clearly, life decided to prove him wrong, "Not everyone is always going to be an exact match to a family member. Don't worry about it, Ben." Hopefully that would placate any suspicions for the time being. Soon enough, a nurse came to grab him and informed him that he needed to get prepped for the transfusion. John simply obliged and nodded, "Stay with your mother, Ben." And he gave his nod to Marie, before following the nurse and leaving his family behind in the waiting room.
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
At his wife's revelations about the things she could do to his boots alone, John couldn't help but to grimace. He clearly had stepped in something by saying that she had long been off her game, and perhaps, may have just summoned Marie back to her full prime. Hopefully that wouldn't be the case, although the threat of his coffee was too much for the man to handle, "Woman - do not touch my coffee. Not until I get that personal assistant job filled up." At least then, if his coffee was ruined for the day, he would have extra help in getting his mind on task verses fretting over everything and anguishing over his coffee at the same time.
Even from the distance, John could just feel his wife roll her beautiful eyes over his antics - by now though, this felt like a daily ritual. He'd say something silly, and Marie would just merely roll her eyes. He didn't mind though, the immature boy inside of the man often felt pride and accomplishment whenever he got such a reaction out of her, and qualified it as a win. They approached now, and he watched Marie slide off the mare now to investigate her hooves. Blue eyes could not help but to watch when she bent over, adjusting Winnie so he could get a better look. A snort escaped the mare, and John merely chuckled, "Hey, I'm allowed to admire. And who says I am not concerned for your fellow pasture mate?"
Before he could even ask Marie if everything was okay, her conversation with the mare confirmed that everything was fine, "I'm glad to hear that. I don't think I would want to have to call the vet or farrier over and explain that we were drag racing pregnant mares." Of course, he was merely exaggerating the explanation, but it still painted a delightful picture in John's head. Once she was mounted back up and joining them again, the man let out a gasp, "Did you hear that Winnie? She called you a whale. I, for one, think you still look like a distinguished lady."
He couldn't help but to flash a smile before nodding, "Walking sounds good. I think even Winnie was huffing towards the end of that race. Shall we do a lazy loop around the barn property and then give these gals a good days of rest?"
Perhaps the good news was that upon laying eyes on Ty Webber, the young man hardly looked worried. John told himself that this boded well, at least, just a little bit. Granted, he paid his grooms to be level headed and non-panicky, but the man was willing to bet that whatever had happened to Jett, had it been career or life ending, Ty wouldn't look as cool as he did in the moment. Nor, did the young man look like sick when he opened his mouth to talk: "Someone decided to throw a party in his pen and get a cut. The vet just left. He cleaned it out and put two stitches in. He'll probably have to be on stall rest for a few days though." The explanation alone was enough to let a sigh escape John.
The black horse himself seemed to sense his human's presence as well, since it wasn't long before Jett was sticking his head over the stall door now looking for treats. A wry smile pulled at John's lips, "You sir, don't get any treats." He informed the stallion now, still giving the horse a good pat on the neck before returning his attention to his groom now, who continued to talk: "Of course this had to happen on your day away. I do hope this didn't cause you to leave earlier than you wanted. But, I know how important Jett is to you.". John smiled now, nodding his appreciation, "Well, I appreciate you taking care of the situation Ty, and handling it with care. I'll see what I can do about giving you a bonus of some sort. And do not protest that."
Bonuses didn't happen very often outside of the competitions, but if an employee of his handled putting out a figurative fire swiftly and efficiently, John Ryan was always willing to express gratitude when it was due, "It's like Jett knew we had an upcoming show. Although, it sounds like he will be back up and running in no time." The man shook his head now at Ty's question, "Nah. I was mentally checked out anyways by the time you called. Just gave me an excuse to leave a bit earlier. No issues at all." Laughter did escape him though, as he mulled the visit over, "Lots of politics over at the headquarters, the kind where you have to pay your respects and shake a bunch of hands to keep the relationships up. I'm sure you and or Harlow will be doing it one day yourself."
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
"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
John Ryan had left the grooms and his personal assistant in charge of the barn for the day while he took a day trip to London to visit the England's Equestrian Federation Headquarters. It had been a long day, full of paperwork and stopping by to see some familiar faces and peppering them with jokes about how they sold out their days of horses for boring offices. It had been a good time, but like all trips, John felt that yearn to head back towards home after five hours. While the trips never exhausted him, the man was always one for putting on a face and doing networking, he always felt like one of his horses felt the need to be stupid while he was gone.
And sure enough, when he was saying the last of his good byes did he get a text from one of his grooms, Ty Webber, "Shit." He muttered, blue eyes looking over the message, "Fucking Jett." It was serious for John to be throwing around the f-bomb but it could not be helped. The black irish sports horse was his main mount now for show jumping and just about everything else, and currently, his favorite mount as well. The text wasn't very elaborate, just that Jett had hurt himself. John knew why the young man kept it brief and short, he didn't want to freak his boss out while he was a few hours away. Sighing, he texted Ty back that he'd be back as soon as possible.
Loading up into his truck, he headed on his way out. Saying goodbye to the busy streets of London once more and heading back to sleepy but comforting Hickstead. It was the evening by the time he pulled into the lot of Ryan Sports Horses, dusk settling in on the evening sky. Not bothering to lock the truck, he headed inside now and making a beeline towards his horse's stall. Sure enough, a black head greeted him and blue eyes saw the groom close by and in the stall, "Ty, lay it on me. What did he do this time?"
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
As Marie poised her face into the very expression that someone might mistake her for an angel if they were to get thrown from their horse did she then crinkle her nose. John knew that little move well from his wife, and the man was certain that she would be coming up with a quippy misdirect in no time. They were always merely threats, the days when she had acted on them had long since gone by, and yet, her tone and the mere delivery seemed to always keep him very much on a playful edge, "Is that so, my dear wife?" he asked with a laugh, flashing that award winning smile, "I may have to call your bluff. I can't remember the last time I found the ole rubber snake in the boot or creamer in my coffee."
Even though John liked to tease his wife over how she treated her mares and foals, it was often hypocritical of him to do so given that like Marie, he wanted the horses to go onto illustrious careers as well. One, well, they deserved their time in the spot light, and two, well, it was nice for the bills. But John was always proud when he saw a Ryan horse go onto make a name for themselves - even when they move on from the homestead. Wander, and for the record Winnie as well, didn't seem to care for their humans emotional thoughts over their well beings though, like all animals, they likely just wanted to return to their stalls and eat their grain.
But sentimental thoughts had no room when it came to racing, especially a gleeful one such as the one he found himself in against Marie. These moments had been few and far between ever since the kids had entered their lives, but now that they were all grown up and living their own lives, John loved how they were creeping back into their married life. While it had never lost its spark, priorities had shifted for over twenty years, but now they were coming into focus, not just with barn but with themselves as well, "Sounds like solid winnings! You're on!" He called out to her as they closed in, and the gate was approaching. The mares were neck and neck now, and Winnie, despite her pregnant belly, appeared to be all in for leaving her barn mate in the dust.
Still, he made sure to hold her head back just slightly, more for their own safety as the stormed down the field. And then, as they pulled ahead, there was commotion just behind them. Glancing over his shoulder, blue eyes saw that Wander had stumbled, but thanks to Marie's form and the mare's sheer determination, the pair kept up right and on course, although the stride had been lost, "Looks like you and I are going to win girl," he muttered to the mare, patting her neck as they crossed over their imaginary finish line. John pulled back now, shifting from gallop to walk and then turning her around to face Marie, "And the crowd goes wild for John Ryan!" He faked some cheers as they walked over, "But he will happily submit his winnings to his lovely wife so that she may have her beauty sleep and a night of sitting by the fireplace with peppermint hot chocolate."
Blue eyes fell to the mare once more, "And how is your racer? I had a moment of worry before I realize you'd never forgive me for going easy on you."
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
Laughter escaped him over the thought of the mares gossiping about the powerful hind quarters. Now it was all what he was ever going to think about when he saw them milling in the pasture and purposefully ignoring the stallions and geldings. John knew that if his own main steed could talk though, Jett would most certainly appreciate it.
Winnie seemed to be making her way down the path with such ease at this rate, John almost had forgotten that she was pregnant if it weren't for the girth of her sides between his legs. And while he was still uncertain if he wanted to put his full trust in her to lead the way, the man still could not help but but to allow his blue eyes steal a glance at Marie, who merely rolled her eyes over his sweets addiction. Still, it looked like his wife couldn't resist blowing him a kiss, which he caught after letting one hand go from the reins, "Oh? I feel like that's bribery," he said with a laugh now, "Suddenly, I feel like I need to think back on all the times cookies or any other baked sweets appeared in the kitchen and if there's correlation to something you wanted or needed."
At the idea of the mare being derpy, John watched as his wife slid forward to cup the mare's ears and reassure her that she was most certainly not derpy. His blue eyes lingered on the curves of her body, and simply reminded himself that he should make fun of her horses more often, "Okay okay. She'll be internet famous for both." That at least felt like it covered both of their desires - or at least, John's teasing.
When he professed his utterly, what he thought, utterly sweet words to his wife, John had missed the small movement of Marie's body shifting in the seat of the saddle. The roll of her eyes should have signaled that he should be ready, but the man had gotten so used to such a delivery that he didn't think anything of it until it was too late: "Are you going to sit there, all sentimental, or are you going to let your mare get her heartrate up?" Then came the wicked grin. "Race you to the gate!" And then, just like that, they were gone and John's blue eyes had nothing but to admire but both the backsides of the woman he loved and her pregnant horse.
"Well shit, Winne. Why didn't you warn me?" John asked the mare, and she simply snorted. He gathered the reins up smoothly, and squeezed to give her the encouragement she needed to move forward. The slip into the canter was seamless, and John had forgotten how smooth her canter was as they raced after the other pair now, hoping to not be left completely in the dust. They soon were upon Marie and Wander, although they stayed a hair behind as he called out, "That was sneaky of you! What does the winner get?" The gate would be approaching them soon, and he had to decide if he wanted to be a gentleman or not, granted, John supposed Marie would be angry at him if he didn't give it his all.
• 
