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!.
“Eh, at least you’re self-aware. I mean, it’s easier for us to admit when we aren’t the best at things. There’s always going to be someone better than us, and someone better than them. Makes it easier to continue learning.” Tegan didn’t mean to get too philosophical per se. “Hey, at least you want her to branch out. Some parents are very one road only which isn’t always the best.” Tegan had seen it a few times, more than he wanted to – honestly. It was one of the many reasons he saw the kids he saw. Parents are forcing things, causing the child to lose themselves. Children should be allowed to be children, and not have to worry about getting the first-place ribbon or straight A’s all the time.
He waved a hand, as he flipped open his sketchpad to a blank page. “It’s all good. I don’t tend to have people ask me about my art, to be honest. But it’s kind of both. I work a lot in oils, as it’s my preferred medium. I enjoy studying the old masters. But I’m studying to be in Pediatric Art Therapy.” Tegan opened his pencil case grabbed a decently sharpened one and placed the tip onto the page. His eyes landed on the horizon for a moment, before blindly guiding his pencil. The tip never left the page, as he began a blind continuous warmup.
Tegan watched as the young girl stood up and teetered to the horse pasture. "Of course, how silly of me," he smiled, as he followed.
His eyes wandered to the pony that the little girl was pointing at. "Twist, huh? What a fun name! I'm sure you'll be an amazing jumper on them. You're very lucky to have such an amazing mum to coach you." Granted, Tegan didn't know if Cara would actually be coaching her daughter. But it felt like she would probably not trust anyone else unless it was the owners maybe. It made sens though, until Jyoto wanted to maybe get out a bit more as she grew.
“They’re quite the hardworking girls.” He couldn’t help but chuckle along with Cara at her daughter’s statement about being a tour guide. “Is that so? I’m sure you’re a complete expert on this place!” Tegan smiled, leaning back, his hands resting on the grass. He didn’t think he would be getting too much drawing in, since this pair was quite entertaining.
“I have time since Piper’s lesson is long..so it’ll be up to your mother, Kyoto.” He didn’t want to push, since the young girl could say a lot of things. But he Tegan wasn’t the parent here, and if there was a scheduled nap time – then it was best that he respect that. “In the meantime…can you tell me your favorite part about Blue Acres?” Children often did better when questions were directed at them, allowing them to talk about themselves. At least, in his field of work for the most part.
“Still a great feat,” he smiled, deciding to take a seat. His standing height and looming over them wasn’t exactly…friendly enough. So Tegan took action to make the situation a bit more comfortable. He made sure to leave enough space though, so he wasn’t breathing in their faces – but close enough that conversation could still be had.
“Kyoto, huh? Well, you already look as strong as a city! A pleasure to meet you both, Kyoto and Cara. I’m Teagan. I’m a friend of the Ledor-Kita girls. I work for their mothers,” he offered. “Never quite had the chance to see a lot of the Blue Acres, but they’re quite lucky to have a facility close to them.” Granted, nothing like the farm the family-owned. Blue Acres was different, obviously – but it was a bit too clean-cut for his liking. It was popular though, as he could tell.
Tegan tilted his head before apologizing. “My apologies, I didn’t mean to spook you,” he offered, realizing now she looked like she was deep in her thoughts. Also, she had a small child with her. “But that is good to know, thanks,” Tegan finished off, twirling a pencil in his hand.
His eyes took a quick glance around where he was until he saw the small girl with a brush in her hand. “Ah, becoming a professional groom, are we?” Tegan smiled. “Always good to get them involved when they show interest.” That was probably why his employers did so well. Horses were always some part of someone’s dream. While riding wasn’t always in the cards, grooming was. Still a connection and level of trust.
Tegan hadn’t been expecting to kind of sit around for Piper and her sister. He kind of felt like their babysitter, but not really. Since the other trailer was being repaired, there was only one now – and Tegan was in charge of getting everyone to their places. The Ledor-Kita girls were different than a lot of other students at SOS and BA. They had their own horses but for lessons, brought them along. There was no boarding. It was a bit of an odd situation, but they had their own land to have horses. Tegan had seen it firsthand.
Since it didn’t make sense to drive over to Seven oaks, Tegan stayed at BA while Piper was having her jumping lesson. Tegan wasn’t someone that rode religiously like his employers. He knew a way around a horse but didn’t see himself ever competing. A trail ride that didn’t require jumping was ideal for his level. But he loved looking at them. He loved drawing and painting them too.
As any good artist, Tegan had brought his sketchpad with him. Well, sketchpads. He liked having various sizes with him. While some people would happily just start drawing away, Tegan figured he should ask first. He didn’t want to get in the way, and he would draw Piper on Boogey if needed. But the composition of a few horses in their pastures and stalls felt more appealing.
With his supplies in his bag, Tegan went out to find someone that looked like they knew this place pretty well. It took a few tries, but he found someone. A polite smile crossed his face. “Excuse me,” he started. “Are guests allowed to sit and sketch the horses, while they’re waiting for someone to finish a lesson?” Tegan finished off, hoping it wasn’t an odd-sounding request.
full name • tegan james hughes nicknames • TJ, Teags age • 25 birthday • June 14, 1998 occupation • stable hand, volunteer, Art Therapy PhD Student gender • male (he/him) sexuality • bisexual
the appearance
face claim• Shawn Mendes
identifying features• Tegan stands at the height of 6'-2", something some could call tall but for others, average. He has a bit of a lankier, but the still lean frame. A smile often always graces his face, unless he's very concentrated. If he is, his brow will knot together in the middle - and his lips pursed, or bottom lip bit. Tegan dresses usually in bright colors, something that he has learned helps with working with his patients. The patterns and colors often help them relax, making Tegan carry it into his usual day wear.
the personality
likes • art, acoustic music, classical music, long walks, spring, sunsets, and sunrises dislikes • city life, people in a rush, making things too complicated, beef and pork, alcohol strengths • patient, working with kids, playing guitar, the art of all kinds (especially oil painting), sewing (something his mom made sure he knew) weaknesses • baking (is a better cook), knowing his own worth, getting enough sleep (does the whole wake up early, go to be late) dreams • advancing art therapy, getting into a gallery, seeing the Guggenheim and Louvre in person fears • not getting anywhere in his desired career, never finding his soul person, not being able to enjoy everything he wants (a bit of a workaholic) overall personality • Tegan presents as a calm, patient, and caring individual - despite his inner battles. He grew up in a poor household, making him watch his money like a hawk. Tegan doesn't like the idea of being under financial stress, opting to take up odd-end jobs while doing his studies. Thankfully, this has slowed down a bit - after realizing he was spreading himself a bit too thin. Though, he does like to still do more activities than just resting during his so-called free time.
Despite his workaholic and sleep-deprived tendencies, Tegan is a gentle soul. He views the world in a different manner, looking at things in a slow-motion kind of way. While there are times he wants things to go faster, his profession choice - has made Tegan really concentrate on patience. There's no judgment for those that do go a bit faster, Tegan tries his best to focus on the present and not worry too far into the future.
the history
father • Ryan Hughes, deceased at 50 mother • Jess Hughes, deceased at 49 siblings • -- --, 30 - 20 when parents died -- --, 28 - 18 when parents died -- --, 20 - 10 when parents died -- --, 16 - 6 when parents died important people • Letty Hughs - grandma, 74 Robert Hughs - grandpa, 73 Mr. Phillip Evans, former secondary art teacher, 65 (still in contact) hometown • Outskirts of Hickstead overall history • TW: Alcoholism + Parental Sucide Tegan was born as the middle child on the side of a country road, in his parent's beat-up hatchback. Jesse and Ryan were on their way, but with an hour hospital drive – mother nature just did her thing. He was raised on a farm owned by his grandparents with his five other siblings, all unplanned. Tegan doesn’t fault his parents for continuing to have kids, but he could feel the societal and financial pressure. Despite his parents saying things were fine, Tegan knew it wasn’t, and so did his siblings.
While Jesse worked long hours as a cleaning lady for a hotel and Ryan a farm hand, the income to support seven people was limited. Despite the farm bringing in money, most went towards the upkeep and the grandparents’ pockets.
The Hughes children learned how to pinch their pennies quite quickly, making sure they were able to feed themselves. His older siblings sold eggs and produce while Tegan attempted to sell painted rocks. It wasn’t until Tegan was twelve, that life really backhanded him. A fire burned half the farm, desecrating the land and livestock. The financial setback threw his father to alcoholism and his mother to work even longer hours.
Home life became like walking on eggshells. Silence except for the creaks of the floorboards in the two-bedroom shack. His father passed after a heart attack while working on some new fencing, and his mother passed in her own way. As her joy was now gone, and the stress of feeding five mouths was too much. Tegan was fifteen at the time.
Tegan’s grandparents, while not exactly the best people to look over a group of teens – took the children in. They weren’t the people that showed love in verbal ways, they showed love in hugs and good cooking. His older siblings had left home before their parent's death. With the older support system gone, Tegan just made his own world up - to help lessen the stress of having to grow up way too fast.
In school, he found comfort in art. He was always a kid that was creative, but drawing and painting allowed him to ignore his pains. Or at least, make his pains noticeable on paper. His teacher, Mr. Evans noticed Tegan’s pieces – prompting him to keep a closer eye on the teen.
Mr. Evans, out of his own pocket, made sure Tegan had the supplies he needed to continue his art – even after the young man finished secondary. With this kindness and knowing how healing art was to him, Tegan sought out higher education. Something that wasn’t thought achievable in his family.
After years of hard work, Tegan got his degree – and got into a top-choice doctorate program that ended up being close to his hometown. Tegan lives with his grandparents and his younger siblings. The farm, while small now, has picked up and flourished.
He works hard at a local equine therapy ranch for extra money and will do a few commissions if he has the time. Tegan is nearing the last year of his studies, and he hopes to find a practice soon that will take him.
the role player
alias •aofie age • ghost of christmas past other characters • not as long as the bible..yet
