An Early Lesson //Open//

[Lottii]

Cerys' delicate hand rose as she frantically waved a goodbye to her grandmother before spinning on her heel and running down the driveway. She recalled one of her first lessons since coming to the stable. Always slow down before you get near the horses. The young girl did just that, entering the stable yard with a broad greeting to all the horses. Her eyes roamed around, looking for Sandra. She didn't see her - the girl was fifteen minutes early -, but that wasn't too bad she concluded. At least she could make a fuss of of Cozzie and Blue. The two colored ponies were the only ones she could play with when Sandra wasn't around, and although she didn't quite agree that she would be unsafe around the others, she accepted the rule. Gentle hands caressed the face's of both equines for several minutes, until the noise of the gate opening caused the girl to turn. "Sandra! The happy greeting slipped from her lips as she ran over to hug the woman. How's Deb, can I see her? Oh and can I ride Cozzie today, I'm sure I've grown taller since the weekend, honest I have! And, and, and," she stuttered over her most exciting piece of news, "Corrie said to ask you if you had room for a new horse, but I don't know why. Is Corrie going to have lessons? Couldn't she ride Rocker though?" Her words finally drew to a halt, and the girl inhaled deeply. With such interesting things to share with Sandra, breathing hadn't seemed the most important thing whilst she was talking. Cerys glanced up, her mouth spread into a delightful grin and her eyes sparkling.

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Sandra smiled as she glanced up at the clock. The tiny-looking house was deceptively large, containing three good-sized bedrooms. One of these had been turned into an office, the other spare room remained for when Lily or Nick stayed. The clock told her she still had ten minutes until Cerys was due for her lesson, but the six-year old had a habit of persuading her Grandmother to bring her earlier. The youngster reminded her of Lily-Mae at that age, and she enjoyed the time they spent together.

Closing the door of the house, she walked the few steps needed to reach the yard and entered, spying Kez already making a fuss of the ponies. The woman chuckled as the six-year old became an unstoppable force and hurtled towards her. "Now what did we say about running.." she began, but her words were rushed over by the young girls. Sandra listened carefully, masking a grin that appeared on her face with the last few sentences. "I think I remember all your questions," she started her reply, making sure Kez had finished her whirlwind of thoughts spilling from her mouth, "Debut is fine, and we can go see her now if you like. You certainly have grown, but I think your still a little bit too small to ride Cozzie though. Bluey though, is delighted to see you. Well, I think we have room for another horse. What would you Grandmother be wanting a horse for. I wonder..." Her voice trailed off as she finished counting off the answers on her fingers. "Debut first, or lesson first?" Sandra questioned. Either way was fine with her, and she wondered which the girl would choose. Before Cerys could answer, another arrival in the yard caught her attention, and she turned round with an interested smile on her face.

[Sync]

Summer's fingers strummed impatiently along the desk, glancing up at the clock every few minutes. Fable and Digger were coming out of quarantine today and were going to be delivered to the local livery yard. She was currently sat in the station, awaiting the time for her to leave. Suddenly, a whirlwind of energy flew into the offices, a stressed looking babysitter close on her heels. Chloe paused in front of Summer's desk, flashing her a warm smile. "Hey Summer!" she offered cheerily. She and Summer had come to know each other very well, and Summer was now the designated Chloe distracter when Caroline was busy. The girl didn't stop for long, she was already whizzing toward Caroline's office before Summer could reply. The woman smiled, shaking her head in dismay. That girl was so wound up, and she knew she was about to nag her grandmother for something. The dark headed vixen looked up to meet the eyes of the babysitter. Summer remembered that she was supposed to pay the woman for Caroline. Fumbling around on her desk, she finally grabbed the envelope. Smiling in triumph, she handed over the money and nodded her head. "She's a one." Summer said fondly, noting the tired smile from the woman. Apparently Chloe had really worn her out today. Summer waved as the woman left, going back to watching the clock.

Chloe and Caroline vacated Caroline's office not long after the young girl had entered. The older woman looked a little stressed out, and Summer looked at her sympathetically. Caroline smiled at the woman, before parting her lips to speak. "Summer, would you mind taking Chloe with you to the livery yard? She want's to ride Bramble and I'm swamped with work, as is David. I know your already going so I thought you wouldn't mind an extra one to come along." Caroline's eyes were pleading. She needed a few more hours of peace and quiet. Nodding her head, Summer smiled. She was looking forward to spending time with the young girl. "It'll be my pleasure." she told her boss honestly, holding out her hand toward the youngster. Chloe grasped it tightly, bouncing with excitement. Summer called goodbye over her shoulder to the woman, and Chloe waved a disinterested hand at her grandmother. Questions were already bubbling at her lips about Summer's horses, whom she knew were arriving today.

"What are their names? Are they big? What breeds are they?" she fired off as they walked along the sidewalk. Summer chuckled good heartedly, looking down at the youngster with slight amazement. She spoke so quickly that Summer had a job keeping up. "Digger and Fable. Digger is almost a hand bigger than Fable, but both are pretty tall. Digger is a Warmblood and Fable is a Knabstrupper." she answered, keeping track of the questions as she answered them. Chloe mulled over the answers in interest. Summer could sense another barrage of questions about to come. "What color's are they? Do you think they'll like Bramble? Can I ride them some time?" the last question made her eyes sparkle, looking up at Summer hopefully. "You'll see them very soon, Digger's coloring is hard to explain. Fable's markings are very much like a dalmatian though. I'm sure they will, though Fable'll have to be kept away from her. He's a stallion you see." she told the girl knowledgeably. "As for you riding, we'll have to ask your grandparents. But it's okay with me." Chloe grinned in response, her grip tightening in Summer's. They were now coming closer to the livery yard, still chattering away about the horses.

The two females entered the yard to be greeted by the sight of the owner and another young girl. Summer smiled warmly, a smile she used for most people. Chloe let go of Summer's hand and bounded toward Sandra, a happy smile upon her lips. She loved coming to the livery yard, and Sandra was always so lovely to her. "Hello Sandra, Hello," she told the older woman and the other girl with her. "This is Summer. She works with my grandmother." she informed the woman, glancing back at Summer who had drawn closer. "My horses are arriving today. A stallion and a gelding." she added. Chloe had abandoned them now, making her way over to the stall which held her mare. The pony was a pain in the backside for everyone bar herself. Letting herself into the stall, knowing it wouldn't raise alarm as she always did it, she began to fuss over the small pony. Rubbing her forehead affectionately, she felt the mare press it against her chest, wanting to be closer to her petite mistress. Grinning, she wrapped her arms around the Welsh Pony's neck, murmuring quietly to her. Summer was still with Sandra, but her form was poised with anticipation. She could hear the rumble of a horse box, a sound very familiar to herself. Grinning from ear to ear, she addressed Sandra, enthusiasm dripping in her vocals. "Here they come now."

TAG Lottii ATTIRE

[/color] coming CREDIT Layout and graphics by tala at CAUTION 2.0. . LYRICS noise – tokio hotel NOTES :3 Hope you don't mind me posting. WORD COUNT 839 [/left][/center][/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Onzy]

Having arrived earlier, Nancy and Glenn didn't even have time to unpack their boxes, when Katie had bounded into the bedroom, and asked to go to the stable. Glancing knowingly at each other, they agreed, and soon the Range Rover was filled with four dogs and a hyperactive 8-year old. With Glenn driving, and Katie involved with the dogs, Nancy took time to take in the scenery. It was a beautiful area, but she missed San Francisco. Mom. Mommy. Mom, came the persistent voice. Turning around, Nancy looked at Katie. Can I please have a pony? Please! Aw please mommy. the little girl pleaded, her eyes sparkling. We'll see, Nancy replied, a smile playing on her features. Little did Katie know that her parents were in fact discussing buying her one, but not until they had seen the yard, and seen how Katie settled in.
Matty stuck his cold nose into Nancy's neck, leaning on the head rest. The cream colored Retriever had been a service dog, and Nancy's canine partner. After he had taken a bullet, Matty had been retired, and became Nancy's. They still had the strong bond that was forged, and he hardly ever left her side. Dodger and Parker on the other hand never left Katie's side. Dizzy was just the one that observed and kept all the guys in line.

We're here, Glenn told his daughter, pulling into the driveway of the stables. Katie looked like she had died and gone to heaven. Just Parker and Dodger, Nancy warned. Katie rolled her eyes, and allowed the Nefoundland and Retriever out. Matty and Dizzy were more than happy to sleep in the truck.

The dogs flanked Katie, cushioning her between them. There were already several people there, one in a police uniform. A horse trailer had pulled in ahead of them, and Katie was bouncing with excitement. Walking towards the small group, Katie's blond pony tail bobbed with her steps, and once again that knowing look passed between Glenn and Nancy. Hi. I'm Glenn Morrison and this is my wife Nancy, he started when Katie chirped in, And I'm Katie, and this is Parker and Dodger.

[Lottii]

Sandra smiled as people descended on her yard. She reached for a brush that sat on the fence and passed it to the young girl next to her. The woman knew the youngster's shy nature and gave her a gentle smile. "Why don't you go and groom Bluey while I sort these people out?" Cerys's face lit up and the girl rushed off to start.

Sandra turned, a polite smile on her face as she observed who was entering. The whirlwind that was Chloe approached her and a wide grin replaced her smile quickly. "Hi Chloe, Hello Summer. Bramble's been wanting you this morning Chloe, she's been making a right racket." Her eyes followed the young girl over to her mare's stable before her gaze returned to the woman. Sandra's grin stayed in place as she spoke to the woman, informing her of everything she would need to know. "Ah yes. The stallion is in stable 'F', on one side he has the tack room and your gelding is on his other side in 'G'. Will that be okay? I guessed the stallion would want a little distance from the mares, but he can go somewhere else if you think he would be better. Would you like me to show you round, or would you prefer just to have a look yourself?" Sandra smiled as she finished talking, looking up to see what response she would get. A horse trailer pulled up, shortly followed by a car full of humans and dogs. Her face apologetic, Sandra spoke again before she had received a reply. "I'm so sorry. Will you be okay to sort your two out? If you want to sort out their stables, they can be turned out in the small paddocks near the arena. Sorry," she repeated her apology as she rushed to the gate to let the latest arrivals into the yard, checking in on Kez as she passed. Sandra offered the girl a smile which was instantly returned and left her to her grooming.

Two adults, a child who she would guess was a year or two older than Chloe and Cerys, and two dogs made their way over, and she smiled warmly, listening to the introductions. "Hello Glenn, Nancy and Katie. And of course Parker and Dodger. What can I do to help you?"

[Sync]

Chloe chuckled as Sandra spoke about her pony. Bramble was always the same, she never calmed until the young girl was with her. She was now retrieving her grooming kit from outside the stall, and looked up when Summer spoke. She beamed when she heard that her horses had arrived. Chloe debated whether or not to go with the older woman, and decided against it. She would go and see them later. She noted that another young girl and her parents, along with two dogs, had appeared in the yard. Chloe flashed them a friendly smile just in case they were looking in her direction, before picking up the kit and reentering the stall. Bramble snuffled her mistress's features gently, causing Chloe to giggle and plant a kiss on the ponies maw. Placing down the grooming kit, she picked out the curry comb and started on Bramble's mane, keeping her attention on the goings on outside, making sure she didn't miss anything. Summer nodded to what Sandra was saying, smiling happily at her. "No, no. That's fine. Yeah, just a little. He should be fine though, he's thankfully not obsessed with mares." she chuckled fondly as she thought of Fable. The stallion was more obsessed with herself than anyone, which wasn't unusual for stallions. Or so she'd been told. "I'll be fine on my own." she told the woman, nodding earnestly. "I'm sure Chloe'll show me around anyway." she grinned, looking toward the stall Chloe had entered.

Summer just nodded as the woman spoke, and then nodded her head politely toward each of the new comers and offered them small smiles. She didn't want to be rude, but had been away from Digger and Fable for too long. Rushing past them, she almost ran head on into the driver. "Woah! he exclaimed, catching her elbow so that she wouldn't fall. Chuckling in embarrassment, she smiled excitedly at him. He removed his hand and prepared himself for the flood of questions. "Did they behave? Did Digger load okay? I know he can be a sod sometimes. Fable didn't become infatuated with anyone did he?" she asked, bouncing on her heels as Chloe had done before they left the police station. "They did, though Digger did tell Fable off when he latched onto a bit of Digger's mane. He doesn't like contact so much, does he? Digger loaded fine, though he wasn't very happy when Fable came in. And he did, one of the grooms. He kept trying to follow him everywhere." he answered each question efficiently. Summer laughed, knowing how angry Digger got when Fable did that. Summer was sure the Knabstrupper just did it to be a nuisance. And she smiled when she heard about Fable's new obsession. "Can we unload them now?" she questioned, and he nodded then went over to open the hind door of the trailer.

The two horses looked over their shoulders, and their expressions lit up when they saw Summer. "Hello babies!" she cooed, immediately entering the trailer. Squeezing past Fable, she untied his lead rope and backed him out quickly. He lipped at her face affectionately, and then decided to slobber all over her. She laughed, just glad that she had him with her once again. Reluctantly, she handed the lead rope over to the driver. He took it happily. "Digger is more likely to behave for me." she grinned, and then laughed when Fable began to dance on the end of his lead rope. The man joined in her laughter, and then she entered the trailer again. Digger was much more reserved in his greeting. He gave a gentle snort and pressed his maw affectionately into mistress's cheek. Summer kissed his maw, and then untied his lead rope. He backed hesitantly, unsure where to place his hooves. But eventually his hooves found the ground. He squinted in the daylight, the harsh winter sun playing hell with his blue eyes. Summer frowned, reaching up to try shield them with her hands. "C'mon, let's get them inside." she told the driver, watching as Fable's dancing quietened to a showy prance. Digger plodded lazily beside his mistress, perking an audit when more people came into view. The small girl was of more interest to him, he'd always liked children better than adults. She heard Chloe fumble with Bramble's stall and emerge to catch a glimpse of the two impressive beasts. She darted over to Summer's side, looking from Fable to Digger in awe. "Chloe sweetheart, can you show me to stalls 'F' and 'G'?" she asked, following the girl as she ran toward the two stalls.

Fable wouldn't enter his stall, he didn't want to go in without Summer. Rolling her eyes, she led Digger in first and took the black head collar from his broad, Perlino pelted head. Chloe was looking at the gelding in fascination. "Pretty, isn't he?" Summer questioned the girl as she left the stall, patting the horse fondly. She walked over to where Fable was skittering around nervously. "He's beautiful!" she exclaimed, reaching up to meet the Warmblood's outstretched maw. Summer smiled, flushing proudly at the compliment. Taking the lead rope from the driver, she smiled at him thankfully. "We should be okay from here." she told him, receiving a nod from him. He gave Fable a farewell pat and then called his goodbyes. She watched as he retreating back toward his trailer, and then turned her attention to the stubborn stallion. "Come on silly boy, the stable isn't going to bite." she offered softly, coaxing him quietly into the stall. Fable followed, albeit hesitantly, and latched onto the back of her jacket. She rolled her eyes, and pried his maw from her coat. "Come on, come meet Chloe." she told him, taking off his head collar. He followed her to the stall door which was now closed, meeting Chloe who was just coming over. "Hello pretty boy." she said in hushed tones, causing Summer to grin. That was the quietest she'd been all day.

TAG Lottii&Onzy ATTIRE

[/color] coming CREDIT Layout and graphics by tala at CAUTION 2.0. . LYRICS noise – tokio hotel NOTES Quite like this (: WORD COUNT 1004 [/left][/center][/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Onzy]

Katie was just a tad envious about the little girl who had her own pony, but she watched the horses in the field. She spaced out, not hearing her parents talk to Sandra. Parker and Dodger stood patiently at her side, and she ran her fingers through Parker's thick fur.

Nancy watched as her daughter day dreamed, but focussed on the the conversation. Pleasure to meet you Sandra. I was wondering if we could organise riding lessons for Katie here. She's been riding for the last 3 years. I was also wondering if you could help us find a nice pony for her. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just one that will be a good, safe ride. Glen spoke, knowing that if Katie had to find out that she was finally getting her own pony, she would freak out, but the child didn't seem to hear him talk.

Katie pulled on her mother's shirt, and Nancy bent down to hear what her daughter said. It surprised her that the blonde haired girl was suddenly so shy, but it came and went at times. Nancy's lips pulled into a small smile, and she nodded her approval.

Katie speed walked towards the stabling area, her dancer's figure moving easily. Her blond ponytail bobbed, and a shy smile was already in place. Going through the gate she saw the older woman and the other girl standing by a stable. Her speed slowed, and she shyly approached the two. Are they your's? she asked quietly, looking at the spotted horse and the pretty cream coloured one. She was fascinated by their beauty, and just wanted to pet one of them.

[Lottii]

Sandra smiled at Summer's agreement. "Thanks," she offered to the woman before her attention turned to the Morrison family. The woman listened quietly as Glen spoke, nodding her agreement. "Sure. I have a small pony Bluey, who Cerys rides and sometimes Chloe does too." Sandra paused and gestured to each of the girls, smiling as Katie went to join Chloe. "We also have Cozzy who's a bit larger, but safe enough for the youngsters to ride. As for finding a pony, I would be happy to assist you. I have space for a lesson in about an hours time, and that can be weekly if you like, or she could share a lesson with Cerys now. Or if you come up to the house I can take a look in my diary and see what other times I have. Once I've seen Katie ride, I'll have a better idea of what pony will suit her. I have a few contacts who train children's ponies, so I'm sure we can find something." As she spoke she glanced over towards the child, who was seemingly unaware that her parent's were discussing buying her a pony.

A movement caught her attention, and Sandra turned her head to see Cerys' head over the top of the door. If Katie had her lesson now, Kez would get her way and be able to ride Cozzy. She smiled at the thought and nodded to the young girl, who - in her own shy way - was clearly asking when her lesson would be able to begin.