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!.
Leo chuckled as Bear bounded after the ball, skidding across the gravel and grabbed the object before racing back to his owner. Even at his ripe age, the dog still loved a chance to play chase. He chuckled and gave his ears a ruffle as he returned and dropped the ball. "Good lad," He praised, sending him off again as he kicked the ball across the yard again.
As he heard the sound of hooves, he called Bear back over to him - he knew some horses were skittish around dogs, and Bear knew his place. "Bed," he instructed, and the dog padded over to the seated area out of the arena, where one of his many beds was waiting for him, along with a bowl of fresh water.
Dice roll
Odd number - lesson goes poorly Even number - lesson goes well
Leo hadn't given an advanced lesson in a little while, and he had to admit he was looking forward to it. Leo loved teaching everyone, of all ages, sizes and abilities, and he particularly enjoyed watching people progress, but it was always a good test of his brain to switch from one side of the scale to the other - from beginner to advanced. He'd had a good think about what they should work on today, though first he needed to learn who the horse and rider were and then go from there.
He waited in the arena for the horse and rider, as was the custom, his old German Shepherd dog sat at his feet where he stood at the gate to welcome the client, and Leo reached down to ruffle his ears, making sure he knew he was a good boy.
Dice roll
Odd number - lesson goes poorly Even number - lesson goes well
He had to admit, he was faintly surprised that Chris had signed up for a lesson with him - not that he shouldn't, Leo was always professional when it came to his work, as Lily insisted, but not many people actually knew that about him. They made assumptions. But this was one of those few times that did not call for a joke or a prank of a misdemeanour. He knew a little of Chris' ability, so they both had that in their favour, and Leo knew him well enough to know how hard he could push Chris and when he needed to support rather than gently berate.
He hovered by the open gate, keeping a lookout for his cousin as he checked his messages and answered a couple of texts.
Dice roll
Odd number - lesson goes poorly Even number - lesson goes well
Leo clapped his hands together and let out a breath onto them, trying to find some source of heat against the unusual cold of the April morning. He wasn't for this - the cold - he preferred heat, and warmth and sun. Summer boy through and through. At least he had a full diary of lessons for the day which would keep him going. He'd ridden his early, much to his own displeasure at being up that time, but at least they were out in the field and their beds were done for the day, ready for their coming in later.
He grabbed his coat from the gate post and slipped it on, zipping it up and feeling a little less of the chill as he milled about, waiting for Othello. He remembered the name, and so he was pretty sure it was the same kid he'd met a few weeks previously. He was looking forward to having a lesson with him and seeing what the young lad was made of.
Dice roll
Odd number - lesson goes poorly Even number - lesson goes well
"Steady up mate, save it for the ring," He muttered to the chestnut as he let out a squeal and a flying buck. The horse snorted for a response and Leo chuckled anyway, always delighted with Phoenix's show of flashy delight and excitement. He heard their name called next and he steadied the horse back to a trot, unable to achieve a walk as yet and settling for a quick jog at best. As they entered the ring, Phoenix felt the atmosphere of the crowd and tried to bolt forward, jumping in Leo's hands. He held him together long enough for the bell, and then the rocket was off.
It took a surprisingly soft and gentle touch to keep the horse under control - too much and he resisted, becoming a battle of wills that nobody won - too little and he was away from you. The first was a bit of a flying leap of faith, but Leo knew the little pocket rocket well and held steady, turning him with support of the inside leg to avoid him cutting the corner. They flew round the corner in a well practised blink of an eye, with only the rattle of one pole - Leo knew it was wrong but he still turned back to check it stayed in its cup. It did. With a little hollar, he patted the chestnut and managed to get him back to the jig-jog almost walk, ready to wait their turn in the jump off.
"Come on then lad, let's go show them what we've got," Leo encouraged the young horse. Hotspur had grown up over the last year and Leo was keen to see how he performed today. He had a tendency to be nervous and was a bit of a stopper at times. Leo had managed to increase his confidence, and felt that today was going to prove whether it had worked or not. He gave Hotspur plenty of time to check out the warm up and relaxed into the setting. He didn't refuse any of the warm up fences, though he gave them a good look at first.
Heading into the ring when he was called, Leo took Hotspur on a trot around the jumps, the big bag spooking as he went, until the bell rang and they went for the first. It was a bit of a wiggle to the jump as Hotspot thought about it, but he went. The double was another question mark, but Leo kept his legs firm and they just about made it. The rest of the course went surprisingly well, if a little sticky at times. As they finished clear, Leo beamed and slapped Hotspur's neck. "Good boy!"
Leonardo Samuel White - there's a lot to be said for the man. However putting aside his ego in life, the lad has a natural talent for achieving softness and understanding in a horse and is surprisingly good at translating that to others. He began riding as a young teenager, and poured hours into his training, ensuring he expanded his knowledge by riding horses of all levels, attitudes and behaviours. He has a particular liking and gets on well with horses of a more fiery and difficult nature, but just as easily enjoys a horse who knows what to give and when. Over the years he's developed his skills with a range of instructors, spending plenty of time with well known names such as Carl Hester and his coach, Daniel Bremner. Taking time out of his schedule to attend clinics, both ridden and observational, to soak up more information.
As an instructor, though a prankster by nature, he's a fair and easy going person, with the patience of a saint for both horse and human. He will push you that bit further than you expect, and won't allow childish behaviour or lack of trying. He's honest and he'll call you out on your crap, but not unkindly. He's sympathetic to a degree, but he won't beat around the bush or mince his words. If you want someone who'll give it to you straight, without bullcrap or big words and going round in circles, this is your guy. He quite likes to go outside the box and sometimes his methods might seem a bit odd or you might wonder how they fit - but they do work, and he'll celebrate the triumphs and cheer you up on the lows all the same.
Leo offers two private lessons per week, or one group lesson of three riders.
class objectives
Leo likes to do an assessment lesson first, to understand the level both you and your horse are at, before delving into the next part of your training. He does like to go from the ground up, therefore some work can begin on the ground before mounting, but he's all about building solid foundations and building a strong house upon them. He'll help you not only develop suppleness, softness and strength in your horse but also a relationship between you both and a level of understanding you may not have expected. He's well versed all the way from walk and trot tests to Grand Prix level, so nothing is outside scope.
availability
8th - 21st April group (intermediate) 1. CHRISTOPHER THOMAS WHITE - Duchess - Intermediate - Thread 2. @name - horse - level 3. @name - horse - level
Leo had never done barrel racing before - never competed in it at least. He'd always wanted to try it, even as an English rider the fast and fury of it seemed right up his street. When he'd seen the class entry online for it, he hadn't been able to resist - though it had taken him a minute; neither of his horses were trained in western, and whilst both were fast (Phoenix being particularly quick on his hooves), neither of them would quite know the skill needed to whip around the barrels. In the end it had been Lily who'd suggested Roots, a relatively spritely but mannered gelding who, despite his age, could still turn quick off the mark. Leo had only practised a couple of times in the outdoor school before deciding it would do - finding the western saddle comfier but bulkier than he was used to, the horn very useful indeed, and the horse more responsive than he'd expected as a nineteen year old.
Now as they entered the shoot, he felt wholly unprepared, especially as Dime danced like a live wire beneath him. He held onto him, reins in one hand as he practised - though that still felt odd - and when he was announced and his time came, he clicked to the horse and leant forward, throwing his hands up his neck. Dime shot off, quicker than he expected, and they went a little wide on the first turn. Trying to save time, Leo moved his seat and hands to cut off some space but Dime was too sharp and tipped the barrel with a shoulder, sending it down. Damn. Leo was more careful on the second turn and they had it almost perfect. Grinning in triumph, Leo flew for the third barrel. Too eager. The horse caught his excitement, Leo was off on his angle once again and this time a hindquarter just gave the barrel a wobble. Oh well. "Yeehawww!" Leo gave a whoop and holler all the same and sent the horse galloping for home, legs flailing. There was something so freeing about it - he couldn't lie. Once through the timer, he gave the horse a very happy pat and went to cool him off and unsaddle him.
"I've never had a drink... an alcoholic one anywho." Leo raised his brows, unable to help the surprise on his face. As an avid drinker, he couldn't imagine a life without it - despite how he'd seen the things it did to people; like his father. "Any particular reason or just in need of a drinking buddy?" He asked, a little hint that he could potentially be that buddy. He had nothing against people who didn't drink, surprisingly he respected them for it, but he couldn't help but be nosey and ask why not. "And, between exercising horses and working as a groundskeeper here, I like heading home at the end of the day and crashing." Leo frowned a little, he understood the appeal, but he was also very much a people person and he found being around other people weirdly relaxing. "Well, if you ever find a spare moment and want someone to take you out for an OJ, let me know..." He offered with a quick grin.
Leo tried to keep on his very best smile, so that Nat would know he wasn't trying to be a tool, but that sometimes it just sort of happened. "I'm thinking that I should be having this discussion with my sister." He laughed a little at that and gave a sheepish grin. "I wish you the best of luck with that." and he honestly meant it too, because his sister had had the same conversation with him very many times and it had made not an inch of difference. He laughed again at the bow, finding his day having improved for the joking back and forth with this new found friend. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." Leo tilted his head curiously, "Bible talk?" He asked, kindly switching out the word 'babble' that he had at least the presence of mind to realise that would be offensive.
"There's a fresh box here every morning." He tried not to look too shifty as he glanced to the box, stuffing the rest of the cookie in his mouth. "Every morning you say..." he mused, wondering whether he could manage to get in and out without being seen for the sake of the cookies. How many could he get away with taking too? Would it be too much to prank every day? Even he might struggle with that one, the ideas would probably run thin soon enough. Maybe he should come once a week and take the whole box - would anyone accuse him of being the cookie thief? It took him a minute to notice Nat had gone off to sit down, and he followed suit, thoughts still stuck on food. "Why the pranks?" Leo blinked and brough himself back to the present. "Oh that?" He shrugged, "just a bit of fun, keeps me out of mischief, believe it or not." He was a natural trouble maker, and he got bored easily, if it wasn't this, it would be something else - like the bar fights he somehow found himself in every now and then too. Really though it all came back to being a kid, when he used to pull stupid shit to entertain his siblings and make them laugh, drawing them away from the misery of household life or what their father had just been up to - and he'd just never grown out of it. Even when people didn't find it funny anymore.
He caught the frown but didn't think anything of it, making the assumption that Nat might have been trying to place whether he'd met Lily before or not. "No, Sir. Unlike like my sister, this place is pretty much the only place I go between where we live and the store." His eyebrows rose at that, surprised. "You should get out more," He realised that it probably didn't sound the way he meant it and he pulled a face, "I mean that, the town's pretty decent, you should get out for a drink or something, ya know?" He suggested, knowing he'd probably then find out the guy is a non drinker anyway so it's a moot point - though the bar did do nice mocktails too, he'd tried a few when the girls had been pregnant.
Leo quirked a brow at Nat's laugh, his own lips turning upward without permission. "Just... don't influence her too much." At that, he grinned full force. "I won't promise, but I'll try my very best?" he suggested with an innocent look - or as innocent as Leo was able to manage. He hadn't met the woman yet, that he knew of anyway, so who knew if or when the opportunity would present itself regardless. He doubted he'd even know who his sister was unless she had a particular likeness to him or introduced herself and it struck a reminder in him.
The laugh made Leo chuckle a little, he liked the guy, he seemed friendly enough especially having walked into one of Leo's traps. "Trust me. If I made this, it would be the weight of a brick and work well as hockey puck." He nodded thoughtfully at that and took a cookie, it was a valid point and not one he would have considered, given he could barely cook pasta. "Just checking, most people aren't quite as gracious when they get stuck in one of my pranks - not unless it's revenge." He joked, though he had to admit some people were better than others. "Where we grew up, females did all the cooking and cleaning and worked and kept the yard tidy. Dyl tried to teach me to bake, and the result would have ended with us both needing a visit to the dentist." Leo nodded in understanding, chewing a mouthful of cookie with an appreciative noise. "So you definitely didn't make these then? Because they're amazing." He took another bite, trying to remember to chew before he spoke. "I can't lie, our house is the same anyway, none of us men can cook, or not as well as the girls anyway, and certainly not me. Cook up a prank, that's more my thing."
"Thanks," He might be an annoying twerp at times, but he was always a polite one at the very least - most of the time anyway. The beer had only just been place down before he picked it up and took a long, healthy swig, grinning when he returned it to the mat with a happy noise. “Well, I guess that’s true. You do pay to drink here and pay me for working at the barn.” Leo tilted his head, "I guess I do.. so you'd better make sure to really kiss my ass little cuz." He joked, he didn't really need any ass kissing from Chris... or well, maybe a little would be nice. Just to keep the ego afloat and all that. Leo didn't want to turn down a compliment. “You will say when you’ve had enough of me right?” Leo rolled his eyes, swigging from his beer again - damn it just went down way too smooth. "Oh yeah, I'll be sure to tell you, though I think it'll be obvious by then." If that ever even happened, and he couldn't see it - Leo was a family man, through and through.
His eyebrows raised at the appearance of the bowl, though his ears had already picked up on the noise and he'd be trying to inconspicuously see what Chris was offering before it had even made it to the bar. His hand dipped into the mix without conscious thought, always thinking of his stomach, he just couldn't help himself. “No, honestly I’m sure they know you are a good customer by now. How long have you been coming here anyway?” Leo shrugged, another handful of mix shoved in his face. "Uhhh since it opened probably." He laughed, he'd been coming here ever since he'd moved to this part of the country, it was pretty much the first thing he'd sought out - a decent place to drink, and now they were stuck with him.
“I just moved here! Dating someone right now does sound nice, but I’d like to settle in first.” Leo laughed and rolled his eyes, "Oh come on, get in there before people get to know you and start running the other way." He joked, shaking his head, "In all seriousness, you have the best opportunity, being a new and fresh handsome face for the girls to fawn over - a mysterious dark stranger from out of town.. they should be batting their pretty eyelashes at you every night, especially working here." He swigged his beer, disturbed to see it half empty already. “Did you have anyone in mind though?” Leo shook his head, "Not immediately, but I can easily set you up if that's what you're thinking.. or wingman you?" He brightened up, "We should do that! I'll take you out for a night on the town, and wingman!" He grinned, already sold on the idea and wondering if he could drag James and Logan out to join them.
More trail mix, the bowl didn't seem nearly big enough. “Oh really, is there this year's most popular toy under the tree?” He wrinkled his nose in thought. "The super soaker is quite a big one, but there's also an electronic car thing that is going to go down an absolute treat for sure." Leo thought about the presents wrapped under the tree. Sometimes he really wished he could be a kid again - well, a kid with parents that had actually brought proper Christmas presents' like he and Bella did. “I mean, I wouldn’t say no. Those Nerf guns always seemed fun.” Leo grinned, "you'll be coming round at Christmas right? We'll get the guns out and have a go," He wiggled his eyebrows above the rim of his beer.
He couldn't help but let out a slight laugh at the kid's eye roll - it was a very familiar expression he received on a regular basis. "Well, if my life is ever in danger and I need to throw a pretty face at it, I know exactly who to sacrifice then." Leo laughed more openly at that and inclined his head in acknowledgement. "And I am the prettiest face you'll find in town, so that's a very valid response - I won't even be offended as you hand me over." He joked back, though he might be a little concerned about being given away. He gave the horse a little scratch on his neck to help settle him when he attempted to pick up a jig jog once again, but as wired as the animal was he slowly began to come down off the edge of his adrenain.
"You're funeral. I think I value my life too much." Leo laughed at that too and gave him a nod, a fair expression on his face. "Completely understandable, and right you are. She's not one to be messed with, but I get a free pass for being blood related." He did not, but he had more bravery than sense a lot of the time, and he knew she wouldn't really mind. It wasn't like Leo always intended on being annoying, most of the time it happened by accident, but occasionally he could be quite useful for things. Adonis tossed his head and Leo clucked to the animal, applying a little pressure with one heel, and then the other to ask the horse to shift first one way and then the other away from the pressure, getting him to concentrate on something for a moment other than his own attitude.
Leo was always cautious about divulging his past. It wasn't just his to tell, it was his siblings too, and that made a difference. That aside, he wasn't much of a talker when it came to his history, he preferred to leave it where it was, in the past, and not to dwell. "Sorry to hear that mate. Guess if you can make it work though, I can make it work as well." He nodded at that, "You'll be surprised at what people can survive when they want to, just make sure you do more than survive it. Thrive." He was starting to sound like some ridiculous guru and he chuckled, rolling his eyes at himself.
He didn't give the kid a chance to respond before he was gone. Adonis went from zero to a hundred in no time at all, keen to open up and just run. He gave a squeal and a kick up of his heels, which Leo laughed at and sat with ease, used to horses that like to throw shapes beneath him. He enjoyed riding a horse that was enjoying themselves, and he gave a little "Whoop," of joy as the animal did it again. "It'll slow you down though, mate," He warned the horse, hearing the thundering of hooves catching up to them. "That was dirty!" Leo laughed and glanced over his shoulder, "Rule number one, never fight fair!" He shouted back, letting his reins loosen so the horse could have his head until the end of the track came up toward them. He glanced over his shoulder again to see if Ronan had managed to gain a lead on him before he sat tall again and brought Adonis back to a trot first, then into a walk, letting him stretch out. "Better for that, young man?" He muttered as the horse felt more relaxed and at ease beneath him now.
"Yeah, good luck with that." Leo chuckled, knowing he must have seemed either moronic or just very very brave and he shrugged, his grin a little wry. "I'm guessing you must have met my sister, Lily, by now? I grew up facing that scary bossy boots, ain't nothing gonna put the fear of God in me worse than she can." Though he could admit he'd met a few that had come close. Perhaps it was just the family connection, or the triplet connection, or perhaps it was just Lily herself that was terrifying as he wasn't the first to believe it, but who could tell. He inclined his head in response to the bow, one fellow recognising another with respect.
He began attempting to dust off some of the mess, but it was a hopeless case, and all he did was transfer some of the glitter from his shirt to his palm. Well damn. "As for the case of my sister, I have no doubt that you'll meet at some point. She would have done something like that, should our lives have been... different." Leo raised a brow, wondering where that thought of Nat's was going exactly. It sounded like perhaps him and his sister didn't have the easiest of histories. "Maybe her and you would be a bad combination, I doubt she needs your kind of... influence." He chuckled at that, wriggling his eyebrows jokingly. "Oh well in that case she seems right up my alley - I do loooove to influence." He laughed heartily, knowing that those words often put the sense of horror in people.
Leo following Nat, keen to at least free his hands from glitter, and not thinking about the rest of it for now. He didn't even notice that a little puddle of glitter with every step he took. "Cookie?" He grinned and nodded, like the big kid he was, reaching in with now clean hand and taking one. Just the one, which was incredibly restrained for him. He hesitated with it almost to his lips. "This isn't retaliation is it? Some salt cookies or something just incase you need to get someone back for something?"
I can absolutely do that!!! That's easy! Checking the diary it looks like we have a couple of options in August or the second weekend of September? Is that enough time? What else do we need?
Leo gave a sheepish grin at the raising of Nat's brows, doing his very best to give his innocent look. He was very good at it, he'd perfected it over the years and it had gained a 88% success rate. That might be exaggerating things a little, especially when it came to bringing Lily into the equation, but without her he was sure it'd be 99%... Nobody made it to 100, he wasn't unrealistic. "You realise that Cara's going to kill you?" Leo pursed his lips in consideration for a moment at the young woman and her surprisingly fierce expression and then shrugged, Lily's angry face swimming into view in place of Cara's. "I'll take my chances." He said with an accompanying confident nod.
Leo grinned again as Nat took his hand and shook it. He always appreciated a good sport, it made things all the more fun. Well done to the lad for taking the glitter on the chin. Literally. "Yes, I have been warned about you. A warning I passed onto my sister, since she rides at your place." Leo laughed and nodded again. "That's a fair warning to give. I hope to run into her at some poin-" and then he was caught unawares and pulled forward into a hug. He made a noise of surprise as he automatically reached out to steady himself by grabbing on to Nat. Glitter immediately met his palms and he grimaced, feeling the grind of glitter on his shirt too. Well that served him damn right. "It's nice to be able to put a face to the name." Leo laughed and patted the lad on the back as he released himself, looking down at the mess he now also contained. "Fair play to you, nicely done." He admitted with a hearty laugh.