Post by Kirsten Jade on Jun 17, 2012 22:46:43 GMT -5
Limitless Time - with Kirsten Jade
Dark Sunrise - with Melanie Mackenzie
Workout for the DUBAI WORLD CUP.
Melanie sat on the rail overlooking the GHF track. It was empty and peaceful. No worries, no work, no aches and pains. Yet she was still unable to relax. I really ought to be making my way back home. After all she did have two hungry mouths to feed. She sighed. What was she even thinking she could do this all over again. She made such stupid mistakes. It was always her.
Kirsten watched her younger sister stare off into space. They both needed some time to relax and they definitely needed to talk. There was too much tension around the barn and she hated it. It was affecting her horses and their performance. It was time to get everything out in the air and resolved. Then Akita Rose Stables could make their comeback. She smiled slightly. She knew what would cheer up her sister and would be a good setting for their talk. She nodded to herself. She would set it up. She turned around and headed to the holding barns.
Melanie closed her eyes and forced herself to get off the rail. It was time to go home. She just needed to grab her carrying tote from Kirsten's tiny office in the holding stables. She turned and jogged to the stables.
As she entered she saw Kirsten walking towards her with Sunny. What the? She groaned inwardly. As if Kirsten was going to make her do another workout now... It was supper time. It was home time. Kirsten smiled and passed the reins to Melanie. "What... Are you doing?" Kirsten laughed. "Don't look so scared Mel. Just grab your helmet and wait for me outside. I have a surprise for you." Melanie raised her eyebrow and looked at Dark Sunrise. The black mare nudged her with her nose. What was going on? She was confused and a little annoyed... she hated surprises.
A few minutes later Kirsten appeared with Limitless Time all saddled up and ready to go. She led the way to the mounting block and gestured for Melanie to do the same. Still confused and annoyed she mounted the tall mare and looked at her older sister for directions. "Now what? You going to tell me what is going on?" Kirsten laughed. "You are so uptight Melanie, we are just going for a little trail ride." Melanie looked at her sister sharply. She was uptight? As if. Compared to Kirsten she was laid back.
"Sooo why are we going on a trail ride?" She asked suspiciously as they made their way to the GHF trails. They rode side by side. The black mare eyed the half brother suspiciously. She had seen Limitless' unreal closing kick and is always wary of the taller and older stallion. Limitless trotted along barely paying attention to the mare. He had seen his share of trail rides. He was usually calm.
Kirsten just smiled. "I just want to spend some time with my younger sister. What is wrong with that?" Melanie eyed her with even much suspicion. Kirsten shrugged. "The horses could use this trail ride to strengthen their legs for this weekend's Dubai. And we need to talk..." Melanie sighed. There was always a motive behind Kirsten's madness. But what she said was true trail rides were a good way to clear a horse and rider's mind before a big race.
The Dubai World Cup was the biggest race yet for Sunny and Limitless. They would be going head to head with each other and against the top dirt horses in all of GHF. It was going to be a tough one. The tension was high around the stable, and always was worse when the sisters raced against each other.
They trotted down the trails in silence and Kirsten and Melanie both felt themselves relax. Limitless trotted along happily while Sunny still kept her eye on the bigger stallion to make sure her nose stayed in front. Melanie smiled. She loved this mare. They had always had a connection.
"So, I decided to hire another jockey. She'll be moving into the apartments after the Dubai." Kirsten looked at her younger sister from the corner of her eye. Melanie continued to ride without a word. "That's probably a good idea. Do I know her?" Kirsten shook her head. "She is coming down from another track. Apparently she was doing good there but wants to try working for just one stable. I like dedication." Melanie nodded. Kirsten sighed. "I really need to cut down my work load. I might even hire another one. If you have anyone in mind... let me know okay?" Melanie turned to Kirsten and smiled. "It's about time you slow down a little. Maybe I'll get my sister back." Kirsten laughed.
They rode on in a comfortable silence. It felt much better to be able to just talk without any stress of the track. Their horses enjoyed it too. Kirsten patted the tall dark bay horse under her. He was relaxed and will definitely be able to focus better this weekend. And if not Kirsten would just accept it. She needed to calm herself before she went completely gray at 28 years old. She reached over and tapped her sister's leg. Melanie smiled and grabbed her hand. It was good to know that her busy sister still cared despite everything that has been going on.