Living Large {Open}

[calliefan234]

If this is what we've got,
Then what we've got is gold...

I lead Harley to the dressage ring, ready to practice dressage. Harley's ears were flicking back and forth, slightly anxious. Seeing his anxiety, I give him a slight tug to bring him back to me. After I mounted him, I began a warm up of a working trot, giving a slight half halt when Harley's hooves quickened. After 2 laps, I went across the diagnol and changed direction. After another lap, I signaled for a collected canter, and Harley picked up on the right lead. I sat deep in the saddle and kept my thumbs on top, heels down. We were so in sync that when the arena gate opened, I jerked up, startled.

And I want you,
I want you to know

Notes:
Outfit:
Mood:
Word Count:
Lyrics: Stay the Night* James Blunt
Credits: Kayla Storm

[sammie]

I walk into the arena, not aware that someone else is in there. When I look up and see Vi, looking slightly alarmed, my eyes widen. I'm soso sorry!

[calliefan234]

I smile when I see Sam. "Its fine, I was just so focused, I was in another world." I laugh brightly. "Me and Harles are doing dressage for our placement test with Mr. C, so I've been practicing alot."

[sammie]

I smile, nodding. Cool. My placement test isn't until next fall, but me and Middie have been practicing too!

[calliefan234]

I smile. "Your welcome to practice in here." I say, tossing my dark hair. Harley whinnied to his field mate, and I gave him a half halt. "No." i say firmly. Harley pulled toward Midnight so I turned him around and started a canter against the wall. I made sure I was motionless in the saddle and sat up straight with my elbows bent. Harley responded and soon we were one, cantering across the arena, Harley pounding the dirt with efficiency. He was too compact to be graceful, but what he lacked in grace he made up for in quickness and sturdiness.

[sammie]

I smile when Harley and Midnight say hello, but my gelding immedietely listens to me as I gracefully mount into the saddle and click him into a smooth, collected walk. His muscles ripple as he moves, his head bent down into a perfect position. I sit deep in the saddle with flawless posture and he listens to my every cue.

[calliefan234]

As Harley makes another lap, With a twitch of my finger and a invisible push of my leg Harley crosses the center of the ring. My legs switch positions in under a second and Harley does a gorgeous lead change. I give a slight smile but don't lose my focus. I signal him to walk and in 2 strides he's in a precise collected walk. He tosses his head slightly and I finger my reins, and Harley calms. I take a break and watch Sammie. She was amazing. Me and Harles weren't there yet, but I was hoping we would be soon. Harley's scars, inside and out, were healing, and so were mine.

[sammie]

I hadn't had much time to watch Violet ride, but out of the corner of my eye I could tell her and Harley were really coming along. I clicked Midnight into a smooth, graceful canter and you could tell we were a team. I did an invisible half halt when Middie got too eager to approach his busddy, and he listened effortlessly to my cue. I give a small grin, and we cross the diagonal of the ring in perfect harmony.

[calliefan234]

I smile at Sammie's ride, and give harley a pat. He was still very young and green to be doing advanced dressage work, so I was proud of him. When Sammie was walking I called out "You guys look awesome."

[sammie]

I smile, taking the compliment with ease. Thank you so much. You guys, too.

[calliefan234]

I smile. "Thank you. Hey, wanna go jump?" I say, peering through the window. "The rings empty."

[sammie]

I smile softly. Sure. I say, and click Midnight into a smooth trot as we exit the arena.

[calliefan234]

Me and Sam head up to the ring. The jumps varied form 2'6 to 4'9. I looked at Sammie. "Are these ok? The only request I have is we have the liver pool at 2'9. Im trying to slowly raise it until Harley can jump it confidently."

[sammie]

I nod. No problem. Midnight and I had been partners for years, and we'd competed in tons of showjumping classes back in New York and Virginia. We'd been part of the Youth Equestrian National Team before we detatched ourselves to start working on more proffessional dressage. We'd done a few X-Country classes and competed in the State Finals in that class as well. I was trying to snag back my spot on the YENT, so I could use some light practice. Want me to go first? I ask Violet.

[calliefan234]

I nod. "Sure. Harley needs a little break."