Post by Kirsten Jade on Jun 23, 2012 18:51:28 GMT -5
Mystical Melody
Jazzaway
Chantal LeBlanc
Kirsten skipped excitedly towards the holding stalls at the backside. Instead of heading towards where ARS kept their stock she moved towards Stride of Perfection's stalls. She had purchased a new racing mare and she was so excited to get her into her hands. It was Graded Two Stakes racer Mystical Melody, the only filly by her Seattle Song. She had received some great news this morning as well that a couple of stables that she had previously sold horses to or bred horses too were gone bankrupt and were closing their doors. This meant that with accordance to her contract she was able to reclaim a lot of the horses. She had made her rounds to the stables and made arrangements to sell most of them. There was only one horse that would be coming to live at ARS.
Kirsten rubbed her hands together. It had been one of the best things that has happened in awhile, it would bring in a good income for the farm. They would be able to easily make it in the racing business now. They were already out of the red and this would just help out even more. Let Jill Jennings get a hold of that. She laughed gleefully.
After letting herself in Stride of Perfection Stables' holding stalls she made her way straight to Mel's stall. She had been here yesterday to check out the mare and greet her. The owners had struck a good deal and finalized the arrangements yesterday. Now it was time to take her home. She nodded to some of the stable hands that she passed and reached out to stroke the dark bay's muzzle. Melody eyed her suspiciously but responded to her soothing touch.
After a few minutes she clipped on her new lead shank and opened the stall door. "You'll be going for a little walk to one of your new stalls. Come dear." The bay mare threw up her head in protest to the new handler. Kirsten continued her soothing talk and allowed for the staff at SOPS to say their goodbyes. Then they made their way to ARS' stable row.
Once Kirsten had the mare settled into her new stall she stood back and observed her reactions. Melody was neighing to the other horses around her and just finished kicking the back of the stall. Kirsten grabbed a stool and sat on it. She would prefer to keep an eye on the mare for the next couple of days and let her settle in with her staff and future rider before trying her out on the track. The Breeder's Cup was just over two weeks away and Kirsten planned on having her run. If all goes well...
"Excuse me?" Kirsten turned to her side. When she saw who was there she smiled and stood up. Offering a hand and a smile she said, "Chantal! Great to see you! I expected you to show up at The Wire's banquet but I didn't see you there." Chantal took her hand and shook it. "Yeah sorry, my plane was delayed and I only got in this morning." Kirsten nodded. "You must be exhausted! Here sit down." Chantal shook her head. "No thanks, I've been sitting way too long" Kirsten smiled.
Chantal moved over to Mystical Melody's stall. "Who is this beautiful mare?" Kirsten grinned. "That is Mystical Melody. She'll be one of your rides. But we can talk horse business tomorrow. Let's get you settled in at home first." Chantal nodded and stroked the mare softly. She whispered quietly and Melody watched the young jockey quietly. It was the quietest the mare has ever been since Kirsten had brought her over.
Kirsten watched with interest. She had definitely chosen well to have a jockey to replace her. The young women had been the top jockey in France and Kirsten had really appreciated the woman's racing style. She cleared her throat. "Um. I just have to wait for another horse to come in and then I can show you to our farm." Chantal turned towards her new boss. "Nah it's okay. I actually flew my auto out here so I drove here. I also printed a Google Map to your place. It's all good. I just figured you would be here and I would introduce myself and see if you needed me today." She smiled. Kirsten grinned. She liked this jockey already. She would be dedicated. "Alright then. Feel free to look around and take in the sights. I'll see you at ARS in the morning. Call me on my cell if you need anything." Chantal nodded and shook Kirsten's hand again. "Thank you so much for this opportunity." Kirsten nodded. "My pleasure. Thank you for accepting my offer. I look forward to working with you."
Once Chantal had left the barn Kirsten looked at Melody thoughtfully. It would be a good fit. She walked out of the barn and took in the sunlight. It was a beautiful winter day, just a little breezy. She wrapped her jacket tightly around her and stuck her hands in her pockets.
A truck and trailer rolled towards the stable row and stopped near her. Kirsten yawned and made her way to the driver. This was probably what she was waiting for. Melanie hopped down from the driver's side and grinned excitedly. "Oh Kirsten I'm so happy you decided to keep this one. He's a beaut!" Kirsten smiled and moved to the back of the trailer where loud bangs could be heard. The occupant was Jazzaway, a yearling reclaimed from Riverwood Acres. He was by Jazzman out of Point Away and was looking to be quite a promising colt. And quite active by the sounds of it...
Melanie rushed to the back of the trailer and opened the door and slipped in. After a lot of shuffling and some banging she finally emerged with Jazzaway. Kirsten whistled. He looked even better now then he did this morning. She walked over and patted her sister on the shoulder. "Let's get training this bad boy."