First Steps

First of 4 images that have been sitting in Sta.sh for awhile, simply because I hadn't gotten around to writing the stories. They should all be out here between today and tomorrow. I'm really liking this one, I always struggle with his coloring, but I think this fits quite well.^^

Horse: Bronwen ECS
Rider: Talen Frost
Class: Dressage
Show: Spirit Horse Winter Extravaganza
Song: ... to come. I need a fitting one.


"Good boy Orod." Talen crooned happily, hugging the grey stallion around his neck after exiting the arena. He was very pleased with how their performance went just moments earlier and it was obvious from the warmblood's snort and sidestepping jog that he was as well. The elf took a few moments to just celebrate inwardly, but was soon interrupted by Mathias, the teen scowling slightly at him as he lead Bronwen up.

"You better get him warmed up quick." The blond warned as he took Orod's reins. He'd been reverted to groom for Talen for the day, and wasn't too happy about having to fetch and carry between Orod and the younger buckskin stallion. "Ah, yes." Talen dismounted Orod with a pat and quickly swung up into the shorter stallion's saddle, his focus reverted within an instant to control the shaking Nitrina. "Easy there Bronwen." He coaxed, turning him towards the warm up arena to hopefully get the stallion focused. This was his first show away from home and it was obvious his anxiety was starting to get the best of him.

Mathias sighed and loosened Orod's girth, quickly ducking as Orod flattened his ears slightly and swung his head towards the nervous young Nitrina, obviously displeased with him for taking away 'his' elf's attention.

"Geez, Orod." Mathias grumbled, pulling him away from the pair. "Chill your heels alright? He'll come fuss over your fat butt later."

Meanwhile, Talen was dealing with Bronwen, the buckskin stallion working his bit furiously as he danced in a circle, to fraught to heed any of Talen's guiding. The elf finally slide off when the Nitrina reared, lashing his front legs out in defense as another horse came too close. "Bronwen, enough." The elf caught hold of his bridle, tugging the stallion back to earth before taking ahold of both cheek pieces. "Enough."

Quivering, he tried to raise his head, nostrils flared and eyes rolling back, but was stopped by Talen's firm hand and gentle voice. "You're alright young one." The elf soothed, pulling his head down. "No one is going to hurt you or pay any attention to you. Don't think about them, they don't matter. Nothing here is worth this fear, you can over come this." As he spoke, he was silently relieved as one white ear swiveled towards him.

"There is nothing to be afraid of here Bronwen. I'm here with you, all you need to do is trust me. Trust me to keep you safe." Slowly, he felt a warmth in his chest as the stallion calmed, both ears focused on the elf. He was taken aback however, when the Nitrina stepped forward and pushed his muzzle into his chest, heaving a weary sigh and relaxing as he did so. The warmth spread quickly at that, giving Talen a feeling of acceptance and trust that could only have come from the young stallion. His very first step at a bond.

They stayed like that for a few moments, Talen supporting his head with his hands before stepping back slightly to look him in the eye. "You'll be alright with this young one. All you have to do is focus on me. No one else matters." At an answering sigh, the elf smiled slightly and patted his forehead before mounting once again, just in time to hear their names being called forward.

"This is your first big step Bronwen. Let's make it a memerable one."

ref: [link]