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!.
It seemed to take the other young woman a moment or two to realize that she and her horse were not the only ones on the beach, something that annoyed Harlow. She wasn't the greatest at waiting around to be acknowledged, in fact, she utterly hated it. Harlow hated it even more when waiting was followed up with a cool thanks that came after a correction. Still, she reigned in her bitchy girl attitude for the time being since this girl was unknown to her and this was also not Ryan Sports Hall, "Oh? What were you aiming for if not cute then?"
She inched Alpha a little closer, but not by much. Harlow merely did it so conversing would be easier and they wouldn't have to yell at each other over the waves and the wind, but she had caught that the other girl's horse was a stallion, and she wasn't about to risk anything with Alpha. The young woman seemed to have him mostly under control, but Harlow caught some form discrepancies and it was currently hard to tell with how confident the girl was feeling at the moment sitting in the saddle, and if there was one thing Harlow didn't like being around, it was a lack of confidence, "Ah. It shows," she replied now, "And no, this isn't our first time. We just haven't been here in a while." A snort escaped the haflinger warmblood cross now, as if to remind her of something, "Admittingly, I haven't been giving Alpha here enough attention...so this is our bonding time."
Dark brown eyes merely watched the girl now finick with her position. Perhaps this conversation wouldn't last long. Harlow had half of the mind to turn and leave, she could share a beach and not talk to her, but the follow up question both gave her an excuse to brag and be bitchy, "You haven't seen me before? Do you not show locally or internationally?" She asked now, her brow arching, "I'm Harlow. Harlow Alenko. I train under John Ryan at his barn, but one of my horses is retired to Blue Arces. I'm sure you've heard of them." In fact, this girl looks exactly the type who would board and ride there, "So...you are?"
I made my decision to test the limits 'cause it's my business
thanks aofie!
Twenty One . Professional Jumper . Heiress . In a Relationship with TY XAVIER WEBBER
There was mild chaos after the near collision, mostly from the horses. Brown eyes watched the Brunette's horse try to back up a few steps and pulling against the lead rope. Alpha himself had a moment of stupidity before settling down besides her, but now the gelding was ready to go, as if he could sense his human's rising impatience. Harlow rolled her eyes when the girl actually glanced over her shoulders to confirm who exactly she had been talking to, "Yes. I am talking to you." She snarked back now, but it became apparent that this young woman was ready to dance.
The other woman had her own outburst now, but it was built on laughter and Harlow didn't appreciate it. Hearing her call Ty a mere stable hand made Harlow want to bristle, "He's not a lowly stablehand, he's a groom," she snapped at her. One of John Ryan's groom, but given this was his stables, she doubted that she needed to distinguish that unless this girl was living under a rock. By this point, Harlow wasn't sure if she wanted to believe the girl that she hadn't been flirting with Ty, that's not what her sister's pictures made it look like, but even Harlow knew how loaded it was to bring up picture evidence.
A low whinny escaped Alpha along with a stop of his hoof, but Harlow ignored him other than to tighten her grip on his reins - whether it was annoyance at him or at this girl though, it was hard to tell, "Well. Since you're new," Harlow said in a clipped voice now, "I'll only say this once: Stay away from Ty. He's mine." And that was a bonafide fact.
I made my decision to test the limits 'cause it's my business
thanks aofie!
Twenty One . Professional Jumper . Heiress . In a Relationship with TY XAVIER WEBBER
Dark brown eyes watched as the young man's steps came to a halt, so sudden, that Harlow was certain that she had gotten to him. Her lips could not help but to twist in a smirk as his head tilted back towards her ever so slightly, as if to confirm who the voice belonged to. But Harlow knew that there was no way that Maddox Black could ever forget her voice. They had too many fights and too many competitions between them over the years to either of them to ever forget one another - bitter rivals to the bitter end. The young woman couldn't deny Maddox's prowess on his mare, they had always been one to be reckon with - a challenge that Harlow and her horses were always chomping at the bit to take on.
She watched as turned around fully to take her in, his glare as somber and icy as she remembered. She didn't appreciate the look - like might have just stepped onto a horse's manure pile - but in true fashion, it was his chore words that had gotten to her: "I see you are some how hanging on in the leagues, especially against some very mediocre talents." The young woman bristled, the insult injected like a knife between the ribs, but she kept her cool, "I think you've mistaken me for someone else if you think I ride against the sub-pare. And unlike you, I like to defend my crown."
Harlow's head cocked as the young man shoved his hands into his pockets, informing her that he simply had 'business', and didn't bother to elaborate, "What business?" She demanded, although she may have an idea. A horse. There were a few at Blue Arces now that needed show riders now. But it was hard to picture Maddox Black on anyone other than Dreamer, whenever she may be. As for herself, Harlow wasn't sure if she wanted to air her business to him if he wasn't going to give her his, but it would appear that her horse had other plans, "Like I'm going to tell-" An echo of a hoof step or two cut her off, and a large brown head was peering out from the grooming stall to the best of it's abilities, staring at Maddox now. A sigh escaped Harlow, "I decided it was time to retire Aristocrat, and figured this barn was better suited to retirement life than my trainer's."
I made my decision to test the limits 'cause it's my business
thanks aofie!
Twenty One . Professional Jumper . Heiress . In a Relationship with TY XAVIER WEBBER
At being told to wait 'one moment' by the groom, Harlow actually arched an eyebrow and twisted her lips. Was he serious? Dark brown eyes looked to John, but he was already distracted by the other students. She took in a deep breath, trying her hardest to not already huff at this situation. The young woman was already annoyed, her boot taping as she watched the groom like a hawk approaching her and Beamer now. Besides her, the grey stallion snorted - matching his owner's impatience at waiting now, but he didn't dare toss his head. Now with the groom in ear shot, Harlow spoke, "Finally." And she didn't bother trying to hide her tone.
His follow up question made her frown, uncertain of what he was getting at, "Check my girth," she replied, watching him unroll her stirrups now. Even Beamer looked to the groom now, his ears twitching in curiosity. Harlow could not help but to watch him now as he bent over to move the mounting block closer, and she casually took a step back to really, really get a good look at how he was utilizing his own assets to move that block. His blue green eyes met her dark ones, and the young woman simply stared back, unabashed that might have caught her spying on him: "Harlow, right? I hear I'm supposed to be nice to you. Who is this you are riding?"
She smirked, coyness dancing across her face, "Harlow Alenko. I am John's star rider, so you better like what you see," and she made certain to deliver it with such tone that suggested that the groom should never forget, "And this is Beamer. I'm sure you've met him. I imported him from Bavaria Germany last month." Once everything was situated, appeared to be okay still waiting on her. Although that frown was really annoying her. Why wasn't he fawning over her already? If anything, he looked annoyed to be dealing with her, "Ooo, aren't you cocky?" Harlow countered to his name comment, as she stepped up onto the mounting block.
Placing her foot in the stirrup, she gracefully swung herself over now the stallion, complete with a shoulder flip of her long pony tail, and situated herself into the seat of the saddle. Dark brown eyes stared down at him as she nodded to her stirrups, expecting him to fix them for her, "So tell me, Ty Webber, what's so special about you that got you a highly coveted John Ryan groom slot?"
I made my decision to test the limits 'cause it's my business
thanks aofie!
Twenty One . Professional Jumper . Heiress . In a Relationship with TY XAVIER WEBBER
Alpha had been getting sour with her lately, and Harlow Alenko had no idea why. It was so unlike the sports horse. Usually he was nothing but a cuddly teddy bear with her. Okay, so she admitted that perhaps she had spending more time with Beamer than she had been with Alpha, as the young horse needed it while Alpha could be trusted. That might have something to do with it, in fact, both Ty and John had suggested it to her. Harlow wasn't entirely sure if she believed their idea that horses could have true feelings of jealousy, but at this rate, the young woman was willing to try anything to get her bond back. So, with Ty's help, she had loaded up Alpha into her trailer, and drove him to the beach.
It was a change of scenery, and it was something that the pair of them had not done in a long time. In fact, Harlow couldn't remember the last time she had taken the gelding out for a beach ride. Hopefully, this would do them both some good. As soon as she unloaded him, Harlow could already see a difference and his nostrils flared, taking in the salty air and his tears twitched at the sound of distant waves beckoning them. He still gave her a little sass as she tacked him out, correcting him when needed, and sweet talking him when he was being good, "Maybe at the end, I'll even let you go deep into the water." Harlow didn't care much for getting her Le Meuix gear wet, but she packed the appropriate tack to do so. Besides, this day was about Alpha and not her distain for getting dirty.
Once they were settled, she mounted up and they were off to the beach. While Harlow was allowing this to be her horse's day though, the young woman corrected him whenever he thought he could try and be funny about launching into a speed she didn't want. She worked Alpha, circles and figure 8's right there on the sandy beach before she felt like she could trust him to not be stupid. After that, they let loose and thundered down the sandy shores to their hearts content. As she pulled him up now, slowing down to turn and go in the opposite direction, her brown eyes caught someone entering the beach now: a horse and rider. Harlow's eyes narrowed, suspicious as always. The horse looked nice, and even she couldn't deny their outfit and color coordination was on point, and expensive. But what Harlow didn't like was how that stallion was holding his head, and his rider looked rather preoccupied. While she couldn't kick anyone off the beach, Harlow was always quick to try and nip stupidity.
She and Alpha made her way over to them, and Harlow flashed her sly cool girl smile now, "You two look cute," she called out, "First time beach riding?"
I made my decision to test the limits 'cause it's my business
thanks aofie!
Twenty One . Professional Jumper . Heiress . In a Relationship with TY XAVIER WEBBER
Harlow Alenko couldn't help but to feel a little suspicious when her trainer, John Ryan, had invited both her and her sister to participate in his new jumping clinic. Yes, her sister needed the work, but did Harlow? The young woman wasn't so sure. She never liked sharing the arena nor John's attention with her sister, let alone other John's other riding clients and this clinic was open to everyone, which made it even worse. Anyone could attend, and who knew what sort of riders and bad habits that brought. Yet Harlow had relented, for if there was one other person in her life that she cared to not disappoint, and utterly crave attention from, it was John Ryan.
"I'm glad you can join us, Harlow," John called out as she and Beamer entered the arena, "Once your mounted, we'll get started." While Alpha or Aristocrat might have been the better choice for this clinic, the young woman knew her most recent purchase from Germany needed to get used to an audience and having other riders in the arena. Besides, the jumps would be no bigger than 1.20 meters, the limit for five year olds. Harlow smiled, cool and collected as always, "I wouldn't miss it for the world." Her sister, already mounted and saddled, rolled her eyes. The others who knew Harlow Alenko tried their best to mask their fear or distain, or both for the matter.
She knew that air well from the other riders, but Harlow didn't care. It wasn't her fault that they were beneath her, and as far as she was concerned, she was in a class of her own. Besides her, the grey stallion was huffing and looking around, keenly curious that they were not alone. He typically tended to be well behaved for the young woman, but growing pains were growing pains, and she needed to get his manners in check. Harlow corrected him, quick and short lived, returning his attention to her. Dark brown eyes surveyed her surroundings, her gaze falling on a man she did not know. He was tall and lanky, but his fit frame could not hide under his equestrian garb. His reddish brown hair seemed to glint in the sunlight, and his blue green eyes kept looking to John.
Ah, so this was the new groom she heard about. He looked like a delicious snack waiting to be eaten, "You! Groom!" she called out now, "Come help me mount!" No please said nor needed. She watched as John chuckled. Harlow could only imagine what was being said.
From the middle of the arena, John Ryan wasn't remotely surprised by his student's antics. She was one of his star riders, but unfortunately came with a diva attitude that tended to rub almost everyone the wrong way. He had gotten used to it, and taught Harlow quickly that he could not be one that she aimed her attitude at. Unfortunately, after all of these years of being her coach, he had not managed to get her attitude to change with anyone else. When he had asked her to participate, John had seen the displeasure, but she had agreed nonetheless. Arriving five minutes late was good behavior on her part, only this clinics length would tell how she would behave with the others for the day, "Go on and help her Ty. Don't let her push you around though. I tend to find being nice and polite but firm tends to get the job done with Harlow Alenko."
I made my decision to test the limits 'cause it's my business
thanks aofie!
Twenty One . Professional Jumper . Heiress . In a Relationship with TY XAVIER WEBBER
Harlow Alenko had taken her sports horse, Alpha, out on a hack this morning to enjoy the cool weather before the high sun really hit. Classes with John were off for the week to give everyone a rest after a show, which meant only 'fun' riding was allowed. She hadn't been able to convince her boyfriend, Ty Webber, to go with her simply because even though the students of the famous John Ryan had off, it did not mean that his grooms had off. The young woman relented with that logic, making him promise that once the work day was done, he was going to be all hers and only hers. Harlow's mind was truly fully of the possibilities that she wanted to do tonight between a quick trip to Willow Bridge for their first rated Michelin Star restaurant to showing off her latest purchase from Victoria's Secret, and then, her phone buzzed.
Well, that's odd. She dug into her the side pocket of her riding tights to fish out her iPhone, wondering who could remotely be texting her. A frown hit her face when she saw the name on the screen: her sister. Now that was even weirder, given that they only texted each other in dire situations or to give each other extreme catty comments on how each other could improve their form. Bottom line, Harlow and her sister never talked, and when they did, it was hardly civil. Swiping the phone open, Harlow immediately gasped and halted Alpha to stare at the text: I caught Ty talking with a new girl. And before she could even angrily accuse her sister of being a bitch for no reason, three follow up texts came up with candidly secret photos of just that: Ty talking with a Brunette. A hot brunette girl. So much for fucking working hard today.
"Change of plans, Alpha, we're going back," and she swung her sports horse around fast, and they made a beeline back towards the stables. Ty wouldn't flirt with another girl. He loved her. Her sister was being stupid. But what about this other girl? Harlow didn't know her. Harlow had never even seen her at the barn before. Who the fuck was she? What if she had been flirting with him. What if she was planning on moving in on him? With each canter stride bringing her closer and closer, Harlow Alenko's insecurities about this mysterious girl grew along with her paranoia about someone moving in on her boyfriend. They were back at the stables now, with Harlow swinging off of Alpha. She knew she had to cool him off, but her mind wasn't thinking straight. She was in the obsession stage now, and she wanted answers. She had to find Ty, or blow up his phone. Maybe both.
Quickly, she loosen Alpha's girth now, and ran the the stirrups up to the saddle. Walking him to the stall would surely cool him off, and a nice groom. And in-between, she could figure out what was going on. Harlow pulled the reins over Alpha's head and began walking to the stalls. Her mind completely occupied. They only took one step inside before nearly colliding with another rider leading their horse. Harlow was at fault, she knew it, but her brain was programed otherwise. Harlow Alenko was never at fault, "Hey! Why don't you watch-" and then she stopped, staring at the girl: that heart shaped face, those brown eyes matching perfectly manicured eyebrows, along with the messy but well styled wavy shoulder length brunette hair. It was the mysterious girl from the photos with Ty. Her body bristled up, the anger taking hold. Even Alpha could sense it coming as the horse snorted and tossed his head, wanting him and his owner to retreat. But it was too late, "You! Why are you flirting with Ty Webber?!"
I made my decision to test the limits 'cause it's my business
thanks aofie!
Twenty One . Professional Jumper . Heiress . In a Relationship with TY XAVIER WEBBER
It felt a little weird still to her arriving at any other barn that was not Ryan Sports Horses, but after careful consideration and the recommendations from both John and Marie Ryan, Harlow Alenko had retired her most senior horse, Aristocrat, to Blue Arces Stables. People could say what they want about her when it came to being a cold blooded bitch, but as far as her horses were concerned, the young woman did care about their well being and health. Besides, the warmblood had served her well over the past decade, and it was the least that Harlow could do for him. Retirement seemed to suit the stallion well, although he still required light riding three or four times a week, usually flat work or a nice lazy hack, since management informed her after a few weeks of doing absolutely nothing but being doted upon and groomed, Aristocrat appeared depressed by a lack of a job. So she made time in her schedule now to appropriately ride him when not working with her other two horses at the Ryans' Barn.
The one annoying thing about Blue Arces though, at least for her opinion, was there always seemed to be a lack of stablehands whenever she arrived. It was like they knew she was coming and proceeded to hide. And while that annoyed Harlow quite a bit, the young woman kept her bitching to herself merely to prove a point that she was fully capable of taking care of her own horse without being waited on. She ventured out to the paddocks to collect her stallion now, whistling and calling his name, and it was not long before he left his friends and appeared before her. Thankfully, no one else cared to follow him, so getting him out of the pasture had been no issue at all. Leading him back to the barn now, Harlow simply cooed to him and informed him they were looking at a lovely hack this morning in order to beat the summer heatwave. His ears twitched and swiveled at every word, always comforted by the sounds of her voice.
She set him up in one of the grooming stalls, connected by the cross ties and quickly left to retrieve her grooming kit before she went to work brushing out caked dirt and dust. Harlow was always gentle during this process, as she had discovered early into her ownership and early equestrian life that her horse could be sensitive to the brushes. As she took a step back to admire her work, Harlow caught something, or someone, out of the corner of her eye. She knew that fake platinum dye job from anywhere. The young woman frowned, knowing that in her two months of being at Blue Arces, she had not seen that man's bitchy mare, Dreamer, anywhere. In fact, now that she thought about it - the pair had been absent for a while from the arena. It had been nice, the pair had been one of her main arch rivals at almost every show. Always on equal turf, it was fifty fifty who would take the prize leading to the jump off - but every time she won, Harlow had made certain to gloat about it and rub it into him behind the scenes. The young woman stepped out from the grooming stall, her arms folding as she sneered, "What are you doing here, Maddox Black?" It was a valid question, Maddox had all but disappeared from the public eye, "I was beginning to think I whipped you off for good in Dublin."
I made my decision to test the limits 'cause it's my business
thanks aofie!
Twenty One . Professional Jumper . Heiress . In a Relationship with TY XAVIER WEBBER
show name • Luxury Engineering owner • HARLOW FREYA ALENKO barn • Ryan Sport Horses LLC age • Seven breed • German Warm Blood height • 17 hands discipline • Show Jumping gender • Stallion likes • Apricots, Apples, Blueberries, Grain, Going Fast, Bracing against the Bit, Any sort of Jump, Goats & Other Companion Animals, Cold Weather dislikes • Pears, Watermelon, Hay, Hot Weather, Birds, Flat Work, Patience, Being Ignored strengths • Brave, Big Jumps weaknesses • Hustling Strides, Treats fears • Airplanes - Being moved from Germany to England was not his cup of tea overall personality • If one remembers the scene from 101 Dalmatians where the dogs looked and acted like their humans, the same could be said of Beamer and Harlow. Big. Flashy. Hot Headed. Prideful. Those are the words that are often tossed around when it comes to the German Warmblood. He's young, able, and fully into his prime now. While a majority of his hot mess anxious days are over now, and Beamer has matured into the fully capable horse that he was promised to be, he can still have his silly days. However, he's down to take on any jump or challenge that is thrown his way - even when his two 'brothers' want nothing to do with him.
thanks aofie!
Twenty One . Professional Jumper . Heiress . In a Relationship with TY XAVIER WEBBER
Half Sibling of the Alenko Children, this child was likely either an accident pregnancy prior to Harlow's mother getting married (teenage pregnancy, put up for adoption to avoid shame) or an affaire child on Harlow's father side. Either way, this sibling remains unknown to the children and one parent currently. This sibling is open gender and open FC.
Plot Idea: This Sibling finally learned the truth of their lineage, and they want to know this other half of them. They can either be upfront about it or secretly try to get know Harlow & Co through other means. I was thinking along the lines of Equestrian World (they're the new big thing) and meet Harlow that way, and goes off to a terrible start. How they feel over their lineage is up to Player, it can either be an ugly revenge style or neutral or they want nothing to do with it. If older, Harlow would see them as a threat to her place in the Empire.
Younger sibling of Harlow. May suffer from middle child syndrome. Does not have a good relationship with Harlow. Can be Equestrian or not (although I think Ive been background writing that she is)
Background: Young Harlow did not like having the new addition to the family and the competition for their parent's fleeting moments of love and attention, so Harlow likely did everything she could in her power to shove her little sibling out of the way so she could hog all of the attention. It did not help that their parents sowed a competitive streak between the two of them. This sibling does have a good relationship with their youngest sibling. How they would react to Unknown Sibling is up to player
TAKEN. Youngest Sibling of Harlow, Open Gender and Open Face Claim. Equestrian life is up to player. Has indifferent sibling relationship with Harlow, and great relationship with Middle Alenko. How they feel about Unknown Sibling would be up to player.
Background: The youngest of the clan, this child was raised differently as in they do not have a competitive streak. What they lack in parental love is made up for with their strong bond with Middle Alenko, who likely looked out for them once they realized how fucked up their family dynamic was and how their parents raised them and their siblings.
full name • Harlow Freya Alenko nicknames • Silver Spoon, Barn Bitch age • Twenty One birthday • June 26 occupation • Professional Rider; Heiress gender • Female sexuality • Hetero
the appearance
face claim• Ariana Grande
identifying features• Harlow is a pint size woman at five feet tall, often relying on a variety of shoes to up her height when out and about amongst the common people. She has olive skin, unmarred by scars or tattoos (mainly because her parents always threaten to write her out of the will should she get them). Her eyes are a dark brown, along with her hair. Although she has been known to go through a metamorphosis of hair color choices, ranging from dark brown (her natural color) to blonde to silver to white and anything in between. When her hair is not under a riding helmet, it is often in a signature high pony tail and pointedly styled. More often than not, Harlow typical goes for 'old hollywood' style make up with cat eyes set to kill - deeming her boyfriend the only one worthy of viewing her face au natural.
the personality
likes • Her Boyfriend, Her Horses (and their Pedigrees), High End Fashion, Big Statement Jewelry, Bossing People Around, People knowing Who She Is, Fine Dinning (Particularly Michelin Star Rated), Red Wine, Disney Adulting, Winning Big (or else nothing matters) dislikes • People who Talk Back to Her (or stick up for themselves, really), Dumb Girls or Boys who dare Flirt with her Boyfriend, Tacky Jewelry, Fast Fashion (it is also Tacky), Standing in Line, Uncultured Swine, Being Corrected, Coming in Second Place (or anything other than First), When a Horse throws a Shoe, Trashy Cocktails strengths • Eventing - Particularly Show Jumping (Go Big or Go Home), Pouting, Throwing together a Killer Outfit weaknesses • Jealousy Issues, Stupidly Competitive, Chocolate dreams • Marrying Ty, Varity of Equestrian Goals fears • Getting Written Out of the Family Will, Her Competitiveness Causing the Death of a Horse, Ty Dumping Her overall personality • Harlow was born with a silver spoon in her mouth and a black AmEx credit card in her chubby little hand. Raised in an environment that typically bounced between warm and overly doting along with absentness shaped her into who she is: a spoiled rotten young adult. Harlow is not used to being corrected by people, nor talked down to, which will often ruffle her feathers when done so. She's used to getting what she wants, so when she's denied something, it often throws her for a loop to the point of where she think that she could buy her way into anything - something that she took after by watching her parents in action. They raised her to be competitive no matter the subject, from school to high tea etiquette to equestrian sport, it's been hammered into since she could understand words. To round out her personality, Harlow suffers from jealousy, particularly when it comes to her significant others, and can lead to over zealous protectiveness which has doomed her many of times. Deep down, Harlow is deeply insecure about being written off or left behind, and she hadn't always had the best environments to learn how to be a decent person outside of her bubble. Harlow does have her boyfriend, Ty though, whom she offers a different insight into her personality - warm, funny, bright, if not competitive, caring, and fiercely protective over her horses. Yet sometimes, she cannot help but to fear that maybe he'll find a more down to earth girl and leave her.
the history
father • Jason Kai Alenko, 55
mother • Jana Lumi Alenko, 54, Wife
siblings • ----- Alenko, 18; Alenko, 16, & one Unknown Half Sibling (who, is about to become her biggest equestrian rival)
important people • Ty Webber, 20, Professional Groom for John Ryan
hometown • Hickstead, UK
overall history • Harlow was born the oldest of three biological children between Jason and Jana Alenko, heiress to a vast empire of Luxury Hotels that span across Globe, but most heavily noted in the United Kingdom and Western Europe. The Alenkos fall under 'old money' in Hickstead despite being transplants - a move prompted by unknown adultury on one of her parents side. As noted above, her parents raised her on a combination dose of being warm and overly doting and switching to hard discipline and cold absence, which shaped her mind as a young child as she grew into a young woman. She was taught to be compeittive and fierce, a quality sowed between her and her siblings which made them callous and unruly towards each other as well as the outside world. Each raised in the family business so that they could eventually elevate into branches in the Empire and eventually take over together.
Outside of the business world, Harlow developed a love for horses and riding competitively, something that her parents nurtured given that it was a sport of the rich and money took you far. It helped that she was also growing up in one of the horse capitals of England - starting out at Seven Oak Stables when but a small girl, and then moving on from the stables when her parents decided to send her to boarding school overseas which could also accommodate her riding. Boarding school only lasted a few years though, as Harlow entered her teenage years overseas and outside of the watchful eye of her parents - lead to some antics that caught wind globally.
The Alenkos pulled her back, along with her siblings, to move into private tutoring in Hickstead, and upped the ante on their parenting views, taking both prongs of it to the extreme. It grew Harlow's attitude out in public and at the Barns she landed, quickly being labeled the ultimate Barn Bitch that people simply skirted around and grooms dreaded being assigned to. It certainly didn't help her relationship with her siblings either, making it worse to where each Alenko child could only hold curt conversation with each other or screaming matches, Harlow utterly convinced that her younger siblings were out to ruin her, even though she had no evidence to prove that other then they actually got along with each other and competed in the Equestrian World as well.
One day though, her world changed in the oddest way, as she was riding at Ryan Sport Horses Stables, as she was taking on a clinic to improve her riding. The clinic had been going well, and per usual, Harlow had bullied almost every one (well except John and Marie Ryan, of course) into promptly either telling her that she was already perfect or to leave her alone, all except one, whom Harlow must have missed upon entering the stables. John had called one Ty Webber into the clinic to take over when something came up, and Ty had the audacity to pick up on something right away and called Harlow out on it, in public. It left her utterly baffled and infuriated, the only redeeming quality being his looks as far as she was concerned.
What left her even more infuriated though, was after some snipping and arguing back and forth, Harlow gave into his correction demand and discovered that it had worked for both her and her horse, a vast improvement to what they were doing only mere minutes ago. Disgruntled, she promptly dismounted, handed her horse over to him, and left -storming out. Yet she came back the next day, specifically requesting him to be her groom so she could demand anything and everything she wanted out of him - determined to embarrass Ty Webber and make him miserable simply for calling her out. Only, it couldn't seem to be done. Much to Harlow's annoyance, Ty did anything and everything she asked when it came to her horse, and he could easily needle his way out of stuff he didn't want to do - finding a clever way that not even Harlow could disagree with.
This battle of wills and stubbornness carried out for quite some time, and Harlow found herself growing rather infatuated with Ty, possibly borderline obsession. But she never wanted to act on her feelings, he was beneath her on the social ladder right? A mere groom. Sure, Harlow had done some internet digging and poked and prodded, but what did she really know? Still, fate had other ideas since one day she walked in and found one of the other riders flirting with Ty. Harlow found herself utterly livid, and once that other girl was separated from Ty and outside of sight, she wrecked that girl's ride and life for the day at the barn. Petty, yes, but she couldn't help herself and at the end of the day, she promptly asked Ty out. The rest was history.
Today, Harlow is utterly certain that nothing can ruin her life. She's on top at the circuits, she has a loving boyfriend, and more or less, is queen to an empire and rolling in cash. Little does Harlow know that someone's about to walk into her life and potentially ruin it all.
