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!.
Cassie was excited getting another student. She was always doing what she could to encourage more people to ride Western. With her recent success in the show pen with Willow, more people were looking into who she was and where she was teaching.
She left a note for Bailey in the grooming area, informing her they'd be riding outside. Cassie had already finished riding her three horses, glad that they had all behaved themselves on that particular day. She would have to do an assessment lesson with her before she knew where to put her in her weekly lesson schedule. The blonde made her way to the outdoor arena, leaving Charm in the hands of Maddie - who had agreed to groom him for her. The buckskin was becoming fond of the dark haired stable hand.
Once she made it to the outdoor arena, she put her sunglasses on - waiting for the arrival of her new student. Cassie made herself busy, creating an obstacle course for the two - some of them easier than others. It was almost a test of some sort, but it would help Cassie figure out what needed to be worked on and with who Bailey could do group lessons with if the younger woman decided that.
Shortly after, the sound of the gate opening and closing behind her signaled to her that her student had arrived. "Hey, you must be Bailey, right? I'm Cassie. I'll be your coach for this afternoon. Why don't you get on when you are ready and you can tell me about yourself and your horse." She turned herself around and set the last pole on the ground, dusting her hands off on her jeans before turning her focus back to her new student.
Cassie felt Leon tense up under her touch - leaving her wondering if something had bothered him earlier in the day. She dropped her arm to her side as she watched him turn around - the smile staying on her face as he said her name. "Ah my dear, I could recognize you from anywhere. Did you change or something?" She wondered if he did, knowing how brutal some of the fans could be. Thankfully though, Leon wasn't the Maple Leaf's superstar - he had a bit more relief with the fans due to that one.
"Did you fly okay? Connor get on your nerves yet?" She was slightly jealous that he only had a four and a half hour flight from Edmonton, but that was nothing compared to having to fly back home to Prince Albert. It was a grueling 10 hour flight, excluding the drive from Saskatoon. "Do you have your luggage or shall we get going?" She kissed him in return, regrettably letting go afterwards. Cassie gave him a look, noticing that he was looking quite tired - wondering how much sleep he was actually getting.
Cassie poured a bit of oil into the frying pan as the steak wedges were in the air fryer, prepping the steaks with her secret homemade steak seasoning before putting them in the frying pan. “True, but in my opinion it’s so much nicer to enjoy a glass of wine on a nice sunny day.” The weather really didn’t put a damper on her mood - she was far too happy most of the time anyway. As the steaks were sizzling away, she replied to Leon. “Yeah but since we aren’t technically UK citizens yet, its our job to complain. Right, Wes?”
She flipped the steaks as soon as they were ready, using the tongs nearby. “It’s really nice after a long school year. Please promise me you’ll go somewhere too.” Her brothers deserved to go on a vacation somewhere - running the winery didn’t really mean they had a break, but there must be someone who could cover it for them while they went away. “Is that something you do every year then? Or do you get the soil tested?” The timer dinged for both the steak and the fries, Cassie quickly pulling the pan off of the burner to let the steaks rest while she dealt with the fries. “I’m just saying, it’s always an exciting atmosphere.” There was a huge difference between the arena in Prince Albert compared to the one in Edmonton - both had passionate fans but 18,000 plus people would always be more intense.
“Hey, please tell me if I’m being rude. I just want to make sure everything is done at the same time in terms of dinner.” She did enjoy being in the kitchen and cooking for other people, but she did often get told off for being too pushy. “Okay, dinner is ready. We can start with the salad course while the steaks rest.” The blonde closed the air fryer to keep the potatoes warm, picking up the wooden salad bowl with serving utensils shortly after. She carried the bowl over to the dining room table, setting the bowl in the center. “Alright you two, lets dig in.”
Cassie nodded, happy that she had been called competent. She was thankful that her aunt was the one who taught her how to bake. "Whenever you need a date night with Tristan, I'd be more than happy to cover. Don't worry about paying me, just think of it as a present." Baking was something she enjoyed doing - it helped her with her mental health. She also knew Hazel worked far to hard - running the bakery was a handful!
"Did you want me to work on the fudge or shall we do everything together?" Cassie made sure her hair was up in a ponytail as she shuffled over and began gathering the wet ingredients, knowing that milk and eggs would be needed as well. "Oh good, have you had a chance to ride your horses too? Something to clear your head." She was busy with her three horses - glad that Morgan was able to help out when she was in a pinch with school.
Cassie glanced at the electronic mixers, glad that Hazel didn't go about it the old fashioned way with such big batches. "You bet. My students are itching do to their classes outside, three horses to ride and coaching? I feel like I'm in a circus sometimes." Cassie laughed, though it kept her distracted from missing her boyfriend. She was also trying to make more time to see her brother too.
"Oh, I'm glad he healed up nicely. Did you two get sick and tired of each other?" She didn't really have anything to compare it to - though from when Tristan came into the bakery when she used to work for Hazel, she could tell they truly loved each other.
Cassie took a moment to fix the ball cap on her head - it was tilting off to one side now due to her hairstyle for the day. "Oops, good recovery on the transition. That was the right call getting her to walk and trying again." She was happy Willow was getting more comfortable with the new rider - the dark mare wasn't as young and green as she once was.
The blonde nodded, it was always nice to hear there were people who were able to introduce a variety of people to riding. She knew they could be healers - as spiritual as that sounded. "That's nice! Do you ride the same horse every time then? Or do they like changing it up on you?" Cassie wasn't one for gossip, but there was chatter about Helping Hooves. It seemed lie the Ledor-Kita family had a great idea. "Are they nice enough over there?"
"When you feel she is ready, lets practice some loops on either side. It'll help get her to listen to your aids." It would also be helpful preparing both of them for the course ahead - something that Cassie tried to do with all of her students. Her Grandparents and Mother would do it with her too - it was a good way to prepare them.
Hailing from Prince Albert, Canada, Cassandra was basically born on the back of a horse. Her mother is currently a dressage coach back home and her grandparents run a fully operational ranch. Cassie has trained and competed in barrel racing, trail riding and reining. She began helping teaching lessons at 16 years old, helping various riders back home prepare for competitions or continue learning about horses.
Cassandra has also helped with roping, but more for the use of herding cattle on the ranch rather than competing. She has learned from various riders while participating in various clinics.
class objectives
Cassandra believes that riding should be enjoyable - never really putting an enormous amount of pressure. She gives constructive criticism, often giving her students homework to work on for the next time.
Cassie had heard rumors of there being a barrel racing class at the upcoming show. She knew Willow was the one who was the most ready. The blonde had unloaded her travel tack trunk and the bay Arabian mare off of the trailer, glad Aurora had agreed to come with her as support. Between the two women, Willow was brushed and tacked up quickly - Cassie deciding to pull out the baby blue outfit for herself and Willow. She slid her feet into her cowboy boots and placed her felt hat on her head before bridling the mare and leading her off towards the warmup ring. It felt odd being one of few Western riders, though there always seemed to be more and more every show.
She warmed Willow up, making sure she conserved her energy for when it mattered most, but Cassie still made sure the mare was alert and warmed up. As it was time for her class to start, she steered the mare over to the starting gate. The dark bay mare was getting antsy, stomping her feet and shuffling around. Cassie reached out a hand and settled the horse down, holding her still while they waited for the buzzer. The gate swung open and the buzzer went off shortly after, Willow shooting into a gallop quickly after. Cassie rode the mare straight for a few steps before turning right towards the first barrel, making a tight turn around it before galloping towards the second one, straight across from the first one. She made sure that the mare was on the correct side of the second barrel, slowing her down for a second as they did another tight turn. It was as if Willow's hooves barely touched the ground as they headed for the third and final barrel. Cassie cutting as tight as she could around the final barrel before loosing her grip on the reins, letting the mare full out gallop towards the finish like and out of the start gate.
Once they passed the timers, she brought the mare back to a jog and then a walk, patting the mare on the shoulder before heading back to the warmup ring to cool out the mare. "If I knew you were that fast, I would have asked for a barrel class sooner!" She laughed as she heard their score of nine seconds.
Cassie leapt at the opportunity to join Leon in Toronto for the All Star game. It was easy enough for her to find a substitute to teach her classes for the week and as usual, Naomi and the staff at Blue Acres were more than happy to care and ride for Charm, Eddie and Willow.
The blonde found herself at the airport, getting Wes to drop her off so she could see him one more time before she left. She checked herself in, preparing for the seven hour flight across the pond to her home country. Ontario wasn't somewhere she had gone often as a child, but it would be nice to be back on home soil. She checked her watch, seeing she had a bit of time before her flight left. Cassie headed through security and decided to hunker down at her gate. She easily killed the time - listening to music as she waited. Within thirty minutes, the announcement was made that it was time to board. She showed the airport employee her passport and ticket before wheeling her carryon behind her. The flight itself flew by - it was packed, which meant that she had people on either side of her. She spent the time reading, watching movies and was also able to sleep.
As the plane touched the tarmac, she woke up - missing the announcement completely. The woman turned on her phone as soon as she landed, knowing Leon would already have landed by the time she got there. Cassie unbuckled her seatbelt and got up, grabbing her purse and carry-on before heading off of the plane. She knew the Toronto airport very well by now - as it was where she often connected from. She sent a text to Leon as she waited at the baggage carousel, knowing he would have to pick up his hockey bag.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw someone familiar. A bright smile came to her face when she realized who it was, quickly making her way over to him and gave him a tap on the shoulder.
Cassandra nodded, getting her students back into the swing of things was always a struggle - no matter if they were prepared for it or not. "It really all depends on the class. Most parents are pretty good at getting their kids to keep in shape during the summer." Most of her students rode horses, which kept them in shape enough. Cassie wasn't someone who expected her students to be Olympic athletes. "I can't remember, you didn't like gym class right?"
She reached down and gave Rocket a few pats on the head, glad that the older dog knew how to settle down. He had been introduced to many situations as a puppy. "Yes! That's my down time too. Most people will be enjoying a more relaxed lesson. When was the last time you two rode anyway? Maybe I'll throw you both on the lunge line." She knew her brothers weren't avid riders, though they were surrounded by it growing up. Cassie sat up properly again after rewarding the dog for being quiet. "You could both take turns riding Willow? She's calmed down a lot since you last saw her." Charm was still too young and Eddie was still his usual stallion self, with way too much energy.
“Yeah, same. Though when you offered that I could help, I was too excited to sleep last night.” Christmas was her favorite time of year. She knew that Parker’s Pastries was always sold out of their Christmas goodies - from her time working there. The blonde rolled up her sleeves and washed her hands, making sure to scrub under her nails as well. “Those sound amazing. Always a hit! Maybe we could also make some chocolate peppermint fudge too?”
She didn’t realize the shop was practically empty. After washing her hands, she dried them off. Cassie walked over and took a sip of her coffee, glad for the warm drink on a chilly morning. “Oh good. I felt so terrible after I heard what happened. Just promise me you won’t work yourself too hard?” The blonde set her coffee mug down and followed, grabbing another apron before putting it on her. “Oh, I’ve been good. Also busy with teaching both at the barn and at school. I’ll be glad for the Christmas holidays.” She would be flying home to visit her family for a few days - something she always was looking forward to.
“And Tristan? All healed up after the accident?” Cassie began gathering the measuring cups and spoons, remembering where they were from when she worked there.
Cassie chuckled, she wasn't someone who was into being a gold digger - even though her boyfriend made plenty of money. "Call me crazy, but money shouldn't have anything to do with it." She was lucky enough to know him before he made it as a professional hockey player. Though he wasn't the kind to be cocky or rude.
"I was going to say, I'd be behind the times if 3 months was the relationship time. Anyone catching either of your eyes though?" She picked up a snack and popped it in her mouth. The blonde had already said she had a boyfriend, so she wasn't expecting the question back at her. "Huh, that's an interesting way of putting it. I'll stick to the men, thanks." Cassie was respectful of everyone and their choices - as long as it didn't hurt anyone.
She took a sip of wine as she listened to the rest of the conversation. "If you do that, do let us know how you are able to juggle two relationships at once." Having a long distance relationship was enough to juggle for her, let alone have a second relationship behind Leon's back. "How do you keep track of everyone on that app anyway?" She had heard of several people finding the one on a dating app. It was something she would suggest to her single friends though.
"Do you take lessons around here? And do they do self defense classes too?" She was lucky enough to work and live in safe areas - though there were always weirdos around. "Same, it was way too chaotic for my liking. We should go for a trail ride sometime?" As it was Spring, Cassie was preparing her horses for yet another outdoor season. "I don't think I'd be able to either, but I just want to be prepared." She glanced at the other two's wine glasses, seeing that they were getting empty.
Cassie took a slice of bread and cut some of the cheese for herself. "Yeah, Naomi got lucky on that one. The new facilities are better than the original." It was the only thing that made the boarders happy after having to share a barn. She was grateful that her three had somewhere to live while they rebuilt the barn. "Did either of you want more wine or something else to drink?"
Cassandra walked around as Nulpi rode Willow, keeping her head up and watching. The other rider in the arena seemed to get the hint - sticking to keeping to her own. Cassandra didn't often have to raise her voice, but she always kept her eye on her students - no matter what their experience level. It was all part of her job.
"Oh! Helping Hooves, right? I hear they might be getting a coach soon?" She lived in Hickstead long enough now to get all the rumors of the equestrian community - whether she liked it or not. "Glad to hear. Are you saying you are stubborn like me?" It took the blonde awhile to admit she needed help herself sometimes, being used to being the oldest sibling and on her own. "After the circle, you can get Willow to start jogging. Let her stretch a bit as you ride around." The blonde knew the mare well enough to know the Arab mare was starting to get impatient to walk.
The blonde was impressed with how far Nulpi had come in her lessons - equally surprised that Willow was coping with a new rider. "What kind of riding do they do there?"
Cassandra laughed and shook her head, counting the potatoes she had already peeled, making sure there were extra in case Leon or Wes were extra hungry. "Really? You'll have to tell me what those are later." She knew from her German classes in High School that Germany was very much into Fairy Tales - and creepy ones at that. Once all the potatoes were peeled, she pulled out her air fryer tray, spraying it with avocado oil before setting it beside her.
"I think I'd rather have wind be a problem than rain. This place gets too much of it anyway, don't you think?" When it turned Winter, it took Cassie awhile to realize she wouldn't be getting any snow like they did back home. It was something difficult for her to get used to. "That would be a great idea. I'd assume those would happen during the day, so maybe offer some sort of snack special?" She assumed only crazy people would do something outside in the dark, unless the trail was lit with lights. Cassie chopped the potatoes and put them on the tray, sprinkling some spice mix she found in the cupboard on top. She lightly drizzled some canola oil on top and mixed them with her hands. She continued prepping dinner as she heard Leon talk before chiming in herself. "School is still going until June unfortunately. Might go visit Mom and Dad though. Depends how the team does, no pressure!" She often made it to at least a playoff game or two in Edmonton, which meant she had time to visit her family.
"What about you, Wes? Any fun wine tours coming up?" Cassie put the air fryer tray in the air fryer and started it. She washed her hands before she got started on heating a frying pan for the steaks.