I stared blankly at her for a moment, not believing she really pulled that card. My father? Really? If it was anything my father would want, it was for me to be happy, wouldn't it? And yet here she is, telling me that the very reason why I couldn't ride a horse was because of his carelessness.
"Dad? You're bringing Dad into this?" I asked, my voice cracking every other word.
"Yes. Because that's why I can't have you riding Clover, or Ricochet, or any other horse."
"I still don't understand!" I slammed my fist down, while raising halfway up out of my seat.
"Your father!...And because of that horse...!" She spoke in little segments, unable to get a full sentence out.
"That horse? It wasn't his fault! You know it wasn't his fault!"
"You are not riding a horse, and that's that!" She said, and that was concrete. I couldn't believe my ears, the words my mom was saying. I couldn't ride horses - ever. At least, not with her permission. We all just stood there, staying so silent you could hear a pin drop a mile away.
"I can't sit here anymore." I mumbled underneath my breath then picked up my plate and my drink, and went upstairs to my new room.
I placed my dinner on the desk underneath the loft, and pulled out my laptop. I opened it up, pressed the power button, and took a few bites out of my pizza while waiting for it to boot up.
"Enter Password" flashed on my screen after a few minutes, and I typed in my password, "JohnnyBGood". It accepted the code and unlocked to my desktop. After waiting another few minutes, I opened up a browser and went to my email.
No new messages - thats what it informed me. I sighed as I scrolled down the page, making sure it wasn't a mistake. But it wasn't - I hadn't gotten anything new since yesterday. My eyes soon drifted towards the left of the screen, were my contacts were listed. "Garrett; Mom; Dad;" were the only three listed. I leaned back into my chair and stared at the lonesome sight.
Every so often it would hit me, how alone I was. How many friends I didn't have. It wasn't like I was the popular girl in school. In fact, since I lived on a farm and owned horses, people referred to me as "Horse crazy." That was my nickname all the years I lived there. Which is why I didn't want to move at all, once I was informed we would be near a city. Once word got out that I lived on a farm, you can bet thats what my new nickname would be, "Farm girl."
My mind just couldn't shake off what just happened, though. No matter how many different websites I visited, no matter how many horse games I played online, I couldn't just be happy again. I wanted to ride a horse. And that's when I remembered something I had thought earlier, "I could never ride horses - at least, not with her permission."
A smile crawled its way onto my lips, and my curser moved its way to the search box. "Horse stables in Golden, Colorado."
So many searches came up, with many different stables named and listed. "Good grief," I breathed, overwhelmed by how many stables I could pick from. I clicked on each and every stable that was nearby. It didn't occur to me how much horse lessons would be! I didn't have a job, and I didn't get any allowance. The search was hopeless. The cheapest riding lessons was $35, and I doubt my mom would give me that much money per week. Besides, what would I tell her I spent it on? I couldn't let her know I was breaking her one strict rule – riding horses.
I sighed as I chomped on my last bits of pizza, and gulped down the last drops of pop. After that I took my things downstairs and put them in the sink – mom and Garrett had left for their evening walk, so I didn't have to worry about running into them. I retreated back into my room and turned on the new shower that was installed in my bathroom. I waited until the water was almost burning hot before I stepped inside – my favorite thinking spot.
Today, however, I wasn't thinking about school, worrying about how it would be in a new place, or even thinking about what my teachers would be like (topics that have been in my mind for a little bit). All I could think about was riding a horse. Feeling its power beneath me as it walked, trotted, cantered, galloped, jumped. And yet, the only way I could do so was to go behind my mothers back. But in order to go behind my mother's back – I needed money. Ugh! Why did money have to be a factor? The one thing I didn't have was money. And I doubt I could get a job – I had a lot of chores and responsibilities at the farm. Taking care of the horses, yeah, but since this new place was so run down, fixing up the yard and even repainting (or rebuilding) would be added to the list.
Half an hour later, I finished up my shower, got into some warm pajamas and hopped into bed. It took me hours to finally fall asleep – but how could I sleep when my mind was thinking so much about horses and the one rule against them?
The next morning my alarm woke me up at around 6:30 a.m. The bus gets to the corner in an hour, which is plenty of time for me to get up, do my hair, get dressed, and eat a waffle on the way out. At 7:20 I was at the bus stop (didn't even say bye to mom, I was still upset at her from last night – she didn't even say good morning, so I think I'm justified, here).
The bus ride wasn't so bad. I picked a seat in the back, next to a window. I figure if I positioned myself right, with my face looking out the window, people would ignore me. I must smell odd or something, though, because each kid that got on the bus, stop after stop, stared at me, wondering where I came from. Its like they are a pack of wolves, except instead of smelling fear, the can smell how new you are.
No one dared to sit next to the “odd new kid who stares out a window,†and that was fine by me. By the looks of them, I didn't want them to sit by me, anyway. I could pick them out easily – their groups. The first girls who came on were easily the cheerleaders/preps of the school. Their blonde hairs put up in ponytails and pigtails, iron curled to have perfect loops in their perfect hair. They had on the best designer jeans and blouses, and watched their step on the way through the bus aisle because even their shoes were too good to get dirty. I couldn't help but compare them to myself – I had on some run-down jeans and a grey striped sweatshirt on and my work boots. I must have looked like a slob.
Inisde the school was even worse. Everyone had a crowd that they fit into – a group of close friends they could confide in. Except me, of course. There were the usual groups – the jocks, the nerds, the preps, the goths. But a few extra ones I noticed as we were all in the cafeteria, waiting for classes to start. The choir, the band geeks, the comic geeks, the video game geeks, the rednecks, the city folk. I don't think I quite fit into any of those categories, so I did the same thing as in the bus – found a corner next to a window to sit at. And just like on the bus, I got odd glares from random students passing by. Did I smell so foul they could all smell me?
It seemed like hours passed before the bell ring and everyone said goodbye to their groups. We all dispersed into an integrated group, pushing and shoving our way into the classroom. I honestly had no idea where my room was, so I crept on people until I heard them blurt out which room they were in.
“I'm in 205.†One of the preppies said to her friend at the cafeteria as she passed my table.
Great, I thought to myself, I'm in a preppy's classroom. At least I knew who to follow, though. As the leader preppy got up, I watched as she migrated into another group heading the same direction. I slowly followed behind, not even trying to get in first. Last was just fine with me. I could probably find a better seat that way, anyway.
“Sidney, I presume?†The teacher asked as I slugged through the doorway. I nodded.
“Front seat, please.†He smiled.
Well, there went that idea.
The rest of the day went on normally. I didn't get called on once by that first teacher, who was my English teacher. He was too busy lecturing the kids in the back row who were making fun of everything he said. I honestly thought it made his class entertaining, but I guess he didn't think so. The kids eventually ended up with a ticket to the principal's office. Their parents must be so proud.
My other classes made English seem fun, however. Algebra was next, then biology (plants grow by using the sun and bees?! Who knew?!), then lunch period (where I hung out in my corner seat alone), and phys ed (Whoever thought phys ed should be after lunch was just a monster), and finally Spanish.
It was only at the end of my dad that I was happy to have went to school. I was in my soon-to-be normal seat, staring out the window, when a sign caught my eye.
On the old, splitting wood sign it read “Pine Brook Stables – Boarding – Training – Lessons,†but under that was what really made it worth my while.
“Help Wanted.â€
I went home that day and did my chores as normal. I mucked out the stalls, groomed Rico and Clover, and helped clean the yard a little. Garrett made good on his promise and had bought and installed a few water sprinklers in the yard. There was also a considerate amount of seeds on the floor, which the crows and birds were very appreciative of. After my chores I went upstairs in my room and closed my door behind me. Mom had left to get some groceries for dinner, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
I opened up my laptop and placed it on my desk. It seemed to take forever to boot it up. But as soon as it did, I opened up a browser and typed in “Pine Brook Stables, Golden, Colorado.†A lot of searches came up, but the first one was exactly what I was looking for.
“Help Wanted!
Someone to muck stalls. 18+ preferred, minimum wage.â€
My heart sunk halfway down in my stomach. 18 and up? I wasn't 18 yet...But at the same time...he did say “preferred,†not “must be over 18.†My spirits went up a little, and I decided that after school I would visit the ranch.
Mom came home about an hour later, when I was long done with looking at the ranch. I helped her put away her groceries, and asked if she needed help with dinner.
“No...†She said softly, “But we need to talk.â€
I groaned a little as I sat down at the kitchen table, waiting to see what more she had to say about the horses.
“Emelia, I know you really love horses. I do, too. That's why I can't get rid of Ricochet or Clover – they're part of the family now. But you have to understand that they are dangerous horses. They are powerful, they are careless. Its so easy for them to accidentally hurt you, or even...†She sighed and squeezed my hand. “You know what happened to your father. I don't want the same thing to happen to you, too. Do you understand?â€
I nodded. I understood. Riding horses had its risks – you could get injured. You could end up like my dad. But isn't that the same with driving? The same with running? Swimming? Flying? Everything had their risk. And every day, we take risks. I had made up my mind – I was riding a horse. Whether my mom approved it or not.
The next day I rode my bike to school, so I had to wake up an extra 45 minutes early. I told my mom the night before my plans to ride my bike.
“I just want to get to know the place a little. I have a map with me, though, I won't be late for school.â€
“...I don't know...†Mom didn't sound convinced. But Garrett looked at me happily, “I think that's a grand idea.†He smiled – so mom agreed, too.
Lunch and classes were the same – boring and long. Classes seemed to take even longer than usual. But I wasn't sure if that was because of my anticipation, or my teacher's failed attempt at making school “fun.â€
Once classes were over, I quickly packed my things and rode to Pine Brook Stables. I parked my bike against the fence, and chained it up for no one to steal.
I walked up to the house , which was in front of the barn and pasture fields. I knocked on the old white door, but didn't get a response. I looked through the window to the right of the door. The dark lighting and silent nature confirmed that no one was there.
I stepped off the porch and looked through to the barn. I didn't want to go all the way in – what if he didn't want anyone there? But I really had no choice.
After some searching I found a small gate that led into the back yard. I reached over the fence to unlatch it, and locked it back up after I came in. A small pathway was lined out in mulch/dirt that led to the main barn. I walked down and followed its lead, looking at how run-down and old it seemed.
The pasture was nice, though the soil didn't look well for the horses. At least all of its grass was green. The fence was aged with stains and a darkened color from its experience in rain. The barns had also seen better days. Much better days. The outside looked so old and dirty that you would think it'd be the worst place to house a horse.
But once inside the barn, everything seemed so neat and clean. The stalls had just been mucked, it seemed like, and everything in the barn looked like it was newly installed. A few horses greeted me at the doorway, peeping their heads out of their stalls, wondering who the stranger was.
I smiled as I walked over and pet a few of them, who neighed happily. I guess they were pretty loud, because soon I heard a gruff voice yell from deeper inside the barn.
“Who's there?†It growled, deep footsteps emerging from a hallway.
“U-um, my name is Emelia. I'm here for the job.†I stuttered, walking slowly to where his voice was coming from.
“The job?†The voice asked, thoroughly surprised.
“O-on your sign. Its says help wanted. On your website, too...â€
“Oh, yeah. You wanna muck stalls?â€
“Yes, sir.â€
“Mucking stalls ain't something for the weak.†He added. His voice getting much closer. Before I knew it, I had stumbled upon a tall, work-built middle-aged man, about Garrett's age, probably. His hair was turning gray, but he had quite a few black hairs popping out. I believe pepper n' salt is the description used now-a-day's. His hands were dirty and bruised, how the ideal working man's hands should look. He was wearing worn out jeans, that were fading in color, along with a grey shirt and light tan jacket that was unbuttoned. His shoes were working shoes, like mine, built finely for both heavy duty work and horse riding.
“I know, sir. I live on a farm myself. I muck out stalls for my mom.†I said confidently, lifting my hand for a handshake. He analyzed my hand for a while, as if searching for something. Whatever he was looking for, he must have found it, because he took my hand and shook it.
“When can you come in for work?â€
“After school.†I smiled. His head jerked towards me.
“School?†He repeated, unpleasantly. “I'm pretty sure I made clear that I wanted someone over 18. I don't like working around school schedules. Too much hassle.â€
“Please! I just want to work here. You don't even have to pay me.â€
“I have to pay you if I'm going to employ you.†He stomped passed me, wheeling a barrel full of dirty shavings to the designated soiled area.
“Well, I was thinking-†I said as I turned around on my heels and followed him, “Maybe, instead of paying me in money, you could pay me in...well...horse back riding lessons.â€
“Horse lessons?†He bellowed, half laughing. “Don't you live on a farm yourself, missy?â€
“Yeah, but-â€
“But what? Ride your own horses on your own time.†He shook his head and stopped at the next stall, opening it up and grabbing his pitch fork. I took in a deep, agitated, breath. I grabbed hold of his pitch fork and worked it out of his fingers. I positioned myself and dug into the stall.
“Has it been cleaned for the week yet, or is it just a daily mucking?†I asked.
“Daily.†He said briefly, crossing his arms and watching me with one eyebrow raised.
“Look, I just really want to ride a horse. I can't ride the one's at home. I was looking for a stable so I could take lessons, but I don't have a job or money to pay for it, and my mom won't pay for them, either. I was really hoping you could hire me, and in return for work, you could just give me lessons once a week, or something.†I spoke as I dug into the shavings, balanced them on the pitchfork, and threw them into the wheel barrel.
He was quiet for a while, pondering as he watched me work. My heart was beating so fast – I hoped and prayed he would allow the arrangement.
“When you're done with this stall, get the one next to it. I'll show you where I keep the fresh shavings. After that you need to groom Diablo, here. His owner pays for a thorough grooming – bath included. The wash room is right over there. If you need help, please hesitate to ask.†He barked, then left the stall.
“By the way,†he yelled halfway to the entrance of the barn, “Your first lesson will be Monday. Bring riding shoes.â€
~~
Hey, everyone! I really tried to make this chapter shorter than the other one, I really did, but there was so much to cover! If you kept with it, then I thank you! :D Please keep reading Rebel Rider – its just getting good, trust me. ;)
<3 IotaNine
IotaNine & Kal El
2012-11-02 00:13:13
Back to Black Part 1
By ParelliChick
The sanctuary hung with the sounds of the choir. There were other sounds, like the organ and piano, but others still I was trying to ignore. The sounds like sobbing and sniffling. I was also trying to ignore the big black boxes that sat at the alter, the tears streaming down my family and friends faces. They were gone. I didn't care anymore. I didn't care about Mercy's foal, Giants scratches, or even my fiesty mare Uranium's problems. I just wanted to go. Leave this place that had caused me nothing but misery. First were my grandparents. Then my mothers siblings, then my fathers, then my cousins. Now my parents and sister. Dead.
That was three years ago. I was ten then, now I'm hopping from state to state with my four horses. It was difficult at first with Mercy and Faith, then Giant's scratches got worse, then of course, Uranium just didn't like leaving. But we had to, it was either stick together and leave, or be seperated. It was harder the first year, I didn't have anything to distract me from my parents deaths, fresh in my mind, and my sister and I were so close. Then I had a hard time leaving my friends at the new schools. I learned to detatch myself emotionally though. I set up camp in the nearest forest, stole what I needed and got by OK. But that was before I met HIM. Jason worked his way right through my defenses.
In case you are wondering, Jason is an Angel that God blessed the earth with. This guy is PERFECT. But, he has to go. In the little town town of Oakland, Ohio, I had found a stable to board my horses for free, and a hotel owner that couldn't resist the little foal trick while I hacked into his room registery and got myself a free room in a five star hotel. I loved Ohio, the people were so easy to trick. Execpt my teachers. All my horses had a huge colic attack at the same time, my teacher saw right through the forged doctor note. So I bailed that class and changed my schedule to double drama. He didn't mind one bit that I was almost always tardy and had his class twice a day.
We were in English class, and we had to write what we had down over the summer. I swear my skin tone permanitly went down three shades. What was a believable summer break? It was so long. I was on the run. My skin color returned to normal when she said that we had to read it aloud. One horrible case of mono coming right up.
___________
Hi! This is the first time I have written a good fiction one of these! Tune in next time to see if this girl (who is unamed because I can't think of one) finally settles down thanks to Jason, who is a person in real life. Yeah, he's perfect. As far as I know, Oakland Ohio is not real.
Parelli Chick
ParelliChick & Lady of the Mist
2012-11-08 20:12:03
Title: Spirit
By: Horsesforever12
I looked out at the dew on the grass that blanketed the ground for miles. i new that that the wild mustang ran free on the western mountains towards the north...where the sun was lighting them up like wildfire. i put on my boots and walked toward the glistening mountains. when the sun was already half way up in the sky, i reached the top and scanned the horizons. i heard a whinny and turned around. there, no more than 1 foot away, stood the spirit horse. he reared, his mane blowing, eyes wild, and ears back. i breathed in sharply, too surprised to move. the spirit horse snorted at me, then walked closer. i reached out my cold, quaking hand. his breath felt warm on that cold November morning. the whiskers on his muzzle tickled my hand. then my hand touched his nose...
wait for more from Horsesforever12!!
Horsesforever12 & Jedi
2012-11-09 18:44:08
Captured!
By Sockylola1
Agne grazed close by her dam, who was watching her closely. her mother was the lead mare, her sire the lead stallion. She was their only daughter, so even though she was a yearling, her mother always kept close to her. An old mare neighed shrilly, warning the herd. Agne's sire looked around, swiveling his ears to pick up a noise, any noise. There was nothing, and he put his head back down. Agne eyed the mare. She didn't give calls for nothing. A whirring noise, quiet at first, disrupted the silence of the herd. It got louder, and Agne's sire looked up again, this time her dam looking too. It was big, and it flew like a bird. But it was more of a monster. It was close, flying low to the ground. Agne's sire and dam squealed a warning. "Follow me!" Her dam neighed, galloping away from the monster. The herd followed. The monster was close behind, driving them on. It was screaming in their ears now. Agne was scared, running wildly. She had no sense of direction, only following the horse in front of her. She could sense the monster. It was right behind her! She took on a burst of speed and galloped hard. They ran and ran through the canyon, the monster keeping them from stopping. They came to a dead end. The monster dropped heavy nets, with large rocks on the ends on top of the horses. Agne got trapped under one. She reared, kicking her legs. But it was no use. It only got her tangled up, and she fell hard. Soon, the iar was filled with horses neighing loudly. The sound of stamping hooves died away, leading Agne to believe everyone had been caught. But when she looked out of the net, she saw limp ones, with no horses in them. Then, a rough hand grabbed muzzle, and before she could react, the hand had tied her mouth shut firmly. Then, he looped the rope around her neck tightly, so it rubbed when she moved. The human untangled her from the net, and she scrambled to her feet. he lead her roughly up a narrow path, leading away from the nets. She tried resisting, but the man was strong, and was quick to hit her flank with the side of the rope when she planted her feet. SHe walked along reluctantly. They came to a clearing, with a long row of doors to the side. He opened one of them, and pushed on her flank to turn her into it. She refused, not wanting to be locked up. The man then hit her hard in the side with the rope, as he had done when leading her.The shock made her obey quickly. He shut the door, opening the top of it. He tied her rope to a ring on the wall, and left, going back down the path. She tried to pull away, but the ring held strong. She watched him bring in horses, and put them in the rooms. After a while, he came back, giving her hay and water. She ate it hungrily, drinking the water quickly. Then, she dozed off.
Night had fallen. Agne was awoken by a girl, opening her door. The girl grabbed Agne's rope, leading her out. Agne walked along, obeying the girl. Agne was led down the path, to the nets. They were empty, the only traces that horses had been there were hoofprints. The girl led Agne to a stump, holding her steady. Then, she landed lightly on Agne's back. It reminded Agne of a mountain Lion, clinging to her back, trying to attack her. She reared, than galloped, away from the rooms, the nets. The girl stayed on, as if expecting Agne to run. They galloped away from the ranch under the moon, running away.
To be continued.....
sockylola1 & Spirit
2012-11-09 22:53:31
Hunted! (part one)
By sockylola1
Chapter One
The tall shire shuddered. He heard loud rumbles, engines, as his dam had told him. He was a bay, with a black mane and tail. He was named DarkCloud, and he had only heard the sound of engines once before. That was when his mother and father had been taken. Did the same fate await him as well? He had gone on alone after his family had been taken, and now the humans- the hunters, were back. He galloped away through the forest. He found himself in a cleared path. "This is perfect. Much easier to run here." he thought. The engines were getting closer, filling his ears, and his thoughts. He ran harder. How much longer until he would drop? Not that long. A half hour later, he collapsed, exhausted. The engines were deafening, then they stopped. He heard the sound of a door opening. More doors. He tried to count them. twenty- at least! footsteps came toward him. "I thought he wouldn't stop 'till we came to the end of the earth!" he heard one man say. DarkCloud flicked his ears nervously. What were they going to do to him? He soon found out. A rope snaked around his neck, then tightened. He gave a feeble neigh of protest. A man laughed. "Can't do anything now, Stallion!" More ropes. One on his hind leg, and he felt it being tied to another rope, which was tied around his stomach. He stood up, his strength returning. His leg was useless, hung in the air by the ropes. rearing would be too dangerous. He could fall again, and then he would be vulnerable. "I already AM vulnerable." he thought. A man brought out a long stick, with a slim rope hanging at the end, a tassel on the end of the rope. he tapped DarkCloud with it, on his shoulder. He turned, and then the man tapped him on the chest. Instinctively, he backed up. The man kept tapping his chest, while the men holding the ropes followed along with him. DarkCloud suddenly realized he heard a clanging noise. His hooves were stepping on metal! He was backing up, his hind legs going uphill. It was a metal ramp! He had seen his mother and father being led up it when they were captured! Then they were driven away. But it was too late. He had backed all the way in it, and the men tied his ropes to rings on the wall tightly, then slammed the door in his face. He squealed, butting the door with his head. He felt dizzy after doing that a while, and quickly stopped. He heard the faint sound of engines again, and the ground beneath him began moving. They were moving fast, the men not caring whether he got hurt or not. he slide around, often kicking himself in the belly with his tied up hoof. He neighed, afraid. How long would this last? He hit the door one more time with his head, then there was a flash of light, and everything went black.
Chapter Two
When he awoke, he was in a room. There was hay on the ground, which was brown, and damp. Fresh hay was in wooden holder, with water in a bucket on the opposite wall. a opening, larger than his head, was above a shut door. He walked forward, realizing he could use his hind legs again. But his neck still had ropes trailing along the ground. He looked out, swiveling his neck back and forth. Men were waiting close to his stall, staring at him. He quickly pulled his head back, hoping they hadn't seen him. "Hey! The Stallion is awake!" He heard footsteps. There were about five of them, looking in at him. More joined them. Ten now- fifteen. "What should we do first?" Asked one man.
"Halter. Then bridle. Then saddle. Then rider." Said another.
"Here, I got a halter! Looks like it'll fit him." Said another man.
"Hand it here, Tony," said a tall man, with big arms. I back away. "That big man looks stronger than me!" I think. The man walked into the stall. He gruffly threw a rope, thicker than the one's on my neck. He shoved a "halter" over my nose, and buckled it tightly to my face. I neighed, surprised at what had just happened. The man hit me on the flank sharply. I was quiet. "What do I do?" I wonder. The man leads me out, and i follow along obediently. I don't want to get hit again. "I think I'll put on a bridle and saddle now." said the man.
To be continued.....
sockylola1 & Spirit
2012-11-20 02:41:07
Title: the princess and the horse
By: Horsesforever12
The girl breathed out slowly and reached for the handle for the door. She opened the door quietly, slipped out, and shut it. There was no turning back, for the castle doors could only be opened from the inside when they were locked. She headed for the kingdom’s stables. She put her hand under the stable’s door and found the key. She opened the door and went for her black stallion, a French thoroughbred named Dusky. He had big, fluffy feet, and a mane like silk. He was worth his weight in gold, and was captured by Mariah’s father who had traveled to France once to bargain with the French. The princess saddled him up and mounted; galloping out of the stables. Her dress fluttered around the stallion’s rump and legs, and the two of them looked like one as they rode under the moon. The crisp nighttime air made you shiver with excitement, making your nose and cheeks turn red. The steady beat of the horse’s hooves made Mariah feel enlightened; for, she had never rode at night. She was a good rider, for her father had taught her. She had often never noticed a horse’s hoof beats, but that night she was noticing everything with enthusiasm. The crickets, the wind, the loud breathes of her horse, and often enough, the gushing of the river. Above all, she noticed herself. She felt different, almost mature and like an adult…and the freedom…the freedom she noticed most. She felt like a bird, just gaining the ability to flap his wings, soar above the clouds, and engage new and exciting heights. The wind whistling sounded like a song: Gallop faster, run greater, soar higher. You are free! Mariah almost sang along with it, more excited than ever.
To be continued.........................................
Horsesforever12 & Jedi
2012-11-20 23:29:37
Gallop With The Wind, part one
by: JumperInTraining
Eloise watched the palomino horse gallop over the ground, his hooves pounding over the grass. For the millionth time, almost literally, she wondered where the horse had come from, why he wouldn't let anyone ride him. "Who did this to you?" She wondered, thinking of when the stallion had arrived. He'd had bruises and scrapes all over his body.
As she looked at him now she noticed that since he healed, he looked perfect. Perfect except for his white-ringed eyes, reflecting his fear and nervousness of now and the past. The eyes tugged hard at her heart.
He let out a shrill neigh and started into a bucking and kicking frenzy when he saw her coming towards him. Coming towards him? Eloise, so lost in her thoughts, hadn't even noticed it when she'd climbed over the fence and started walking towards the skittish horse. Somehow though, she couldn't stop. She kept walking forward, her legs unable to stop. And then all at once, she was on the ground with an excruciating pain in her shoulder. She tried to move her arm. "Ow!" She shrieked. But at least she could move it. Good, not broken.
Her shriek had surprised the stallion and he stopped moving and looked at her, evaluating the situation. She stayed still, not wanting to worry him worse, thinking about how glad she was that her mom wasn't home. She didn't even blame the horse for kicking her, on purpose or by accident. She'd so foolishly advanced towards him before he was ready for human contact.
The two stayed like that for a while. How long? She didn't know, only focusing on the horse. Then, curiosity got the best of the horse and he tentatively walked forward, pausing every few feet to make sure it was still somewhat safe. Nervousness and excitement surged through Eloise but she quickly smothered it, not wanting the horse to pick up her feelings.
When he was less than a foot from her, her mind started working over-time to find a name for him. No! Eloise scolded herself silently. No names until I can keep him. She was certainly not expecting it when she felt his muzzle nuzzling her feet. Then her legs. Somehow she managed not to jump at this pleasant surprise.
Stormy, Thunder, King, Dancer? Stop! She got annoyed with her brain. Always doing stuff without her say-so. Grrr.
When he reached her face he let out a low nicker. A nicker! The friendliest of all horse sounds. He started nudging her and she started to hum. Eloise hoped that humming would keep his attention without scaring him off. Her plan worked, although it startled him. He froze. Layed his ears back. Widened his eyes, showing more white. Eloise stopped humming. He relaxed.
"Note to self," she thought,"no sounds. But how about a little movement?" Slowly, she moved her arms to her sides, wincing as her badly bruised arm exploded in pain. Miraculously, he didn't stiffen. He didn't lay his ears back. Instead, he nickered. The stallion seemed like he felt bad for her, about what he'd done. "I should show him that I'm alright." she thought to herself. Yeah, okay, good idea. She started to sit up. Verrrrrry slowly. Eventually, she was sitting straight up, being careful not look straight at the horse. She didn't want to look like she was threatening him. He backed up.
"Oh no. I've ruined it." she thought she thought. But she hadn't thought. She'd said. Out loud. The stallion reared and trotted a few feet away and flattened his ears back. Then he cantered to the other side of the pasture. "Stupid me. I was so close to him and now who knows if he'll ever come near me again?" She thought bitterly and angrily to herself.
To be continued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
JumperInTraining & Page Turner
2012-11-22 23:30:49
Forever?
Dragon Girl
Lizzie stared blankly at her pony. "Why am I a horse???!!!!And what do you mean by: You'll stay here forever???!!!" The white pony shook her head. Lizzie noted that she was a unicorn now. "If you are mean to a magic horse, you become a magic horse. Oh, and by the way, you're not a horse, exactly. You are a winged ponycorn. Icemoon is your home forever now. And your name is not Lizzie, nor is mine Snowbell. I am Queen Skinfaxe and your name is Moon. This stallion is King Shadow." Moon wailed. "But why? It's your own fault that you got in my room and slept. Once I got over the shock about you talk'n, I wanted you to sleep in your barn!!!!!!!!!!" Skinfaxe snorted. "It stunk in there! I f you had cleaned it more often, or kept your patience a little while longer, you wouldn't be here. Now, that is your quarters, and your going to sleep there. In the morning you can come out and meat the others. Good night!!!!!" So she did as she was told and fell into the dark folds of sleep.
This is Club Pony Pals, the official Pony Pals game and virtual horse world. Here you can adopt, ride and care for the pony you always wanted. Our site is based on the Scholastic books about three girls by Jeanne Betancourt.
