Post by rowes on Jul 28, 2008 12:05:04 GMT -5
Steven led the proud looking stallion into the dimly lit arena. He chewed on his lip and stopped in the middle. ''Come on boy. My whole farms riding on you being a good show horse.'' he whispered to the stallion who eyed him in return. He held the end of the leather lead and flicked his long tassled whip on the floor, directing his stance. Starbucks raised his head and corrected his legs on command. Steven raised his hand signaling for the horse to stay still. He quickly put the end of the lead rope over its back and ran to his side, viewing him from where the judge would see. Nodding slowly a smile crept onto his face, ''Good boy.'' he said gruffly, taking hold of the lead again. Starbucks snorted and nudged his back. Steven laughed and fed him a small handful of oats. ''Okay, now lets see what your gait's like.'' he sighed, setting off round the ring. The stallion followed, lifting his delicate feet off the dusty floor. He floated effortlessly next to his owner in a steady trot. After one circle of the arena they once again came to a halt. ''Okay so we've established you can trot. Now how about canter?'' he said, taking the expensive show halter off his ornate head carefully. Hanging on the fence he cracked the whip, sending the horse into gallop. Steven was suprised at how flighty he was, it had been a while since he owned and Arab andhe'd forgot how spirited they could be. ''Shhhh,'' he hushed. Calming the horse down to a desired canter. Once he was on the outside track Steven flicked his whip so it touched the stallion's hind legs. He watched the horse's movements carefully, studying every move, watching for any faults or gliches. Obviously there was some, he was not perfect but he was a outstanding stallion. ''Whoa.'' he hummed, letting Starbucks glide to a peacefull walk. ''Money well spent.'' he grinned patting the stallion's arched neck.