Post by Snowflake on Jun 24, 2007 3:30:43 GMT -5
Horse: Park It In First
Rider: Sarah Star
She mounted with slight difficulty as there was no mounting block and Parker was pretty tall. They set off at a lively trot, Sarah bouncing uncomfortably for a few seconds while she tried to find her other stirrup [it had been lost when Parker took off unexpectedly]. When she regained balance, she shortened the reins and gained an extra measure of control over the fresh colt. They trotted on all the way along the short forest path to the beach the broke into a slow canter. The sand made it hard for the brown thoroughbred to get going, and his rider wasn't allowing him to go closer to the water, where the even and harder surface would make it easier. Sarah touched him with the whip, asking him for a little more strength and speed. He refused at first, so she directed him for the easier terrain [semi-wet sand] and urged him to gallop. He obliged, glad for the relief, and galloped mightily down the beach toward some tall dunes. Come on boy, you haven't won a single race yet - its time to show me what you got. The horse sped up as he was shown the way back onto the sort, dry sand. he responded to her heels and her kneads, and of course the touch of whip as he began to climb the dune. She automatically leaned forward further as he did so; feeling every muscle rippling beneath her as he plunged up the tall dune. It seemed to take forever, but in reality, they had reached the top in seconds. She turned him and made him slide back down; and in less than ten seconds they were galloping away down to the water. She pulled him up, removed his saddle and bridle so he had just his halter and lead rope on, remounted and aimed him at a trot at the sea. We're going swimming!
Park It In First snorted and shyed slightly, but he allowed her heels and encouraging voice to drive him on. He splashed into the sea, stopping for a second to take a drink. Sarah leaned back in the saddle and pulled at his head, but there was really no need. Parker was astonished at the strangely salty tasting water and needed no further instruction to stop lapping at it. They moved with difficulty now, the water was getting deeper, [thank God there were no waves!!] which obviously made fast movement hard. A few more steps and they would be swimming. Sarah sat on his back guiding him only with her voice and heels. He was slightly anxious, having never been swimming in the sea before, but nevertheless he did as he was told and swam about for a bit. Then it was time to start heading home. they left the sea, gaining speed as they left its depths and moved into the shallows where it was easy to trot or canter. Sarah lead him up to where she had left the saddle and his other gear, then up to where the outdoor showers were. Lets give you a quick rinse. She turned it on, holding him steading and brushing the water over his sides, and got rinsed off herself as she did it. She rubbed him dry after drying herself with the old beach towel she had brought, then replaced his saddle and mounted up, heading back for home.
