And now a Waltz

[tam]

Tam walked her Gypsy Vanner slowly into the ring her hands gripping the lead rope tightly. She hoped desperately there wasn’t a signup sheet or something she had missed when trying to reserve a bit of time in the ring. She held a lunge line and a long whip but she doubted she would need either. For now she was just going to let Tequila Sunrise, the palomino beside her, enjoy herself. She opened the gate and walked the mare in before closing it behind them with a small smile. It was nice to be out of the car, the road trip was far too long.

Sun had spent the night in her new stall and now, bright and early, maybe eight am, the pair stood in the barren arena. With a small snap she unhooked the lead and let the mare go. The six year old mare wasn’t usually much for making a fuss but the open ring was far too alluring and she took off at a gentle canter just prancing about the ring. Tamara just sat back and watched the golden mare stretch a moment loving how the low sun made her shine beautifully and her white feathers danced in the early morning air. She grinned and wandered off towards the center of the ring and pulled a roll of polo mints from her pocket.

She saw sun pause and turn to look at her expectantly. Tam simply slid one leg forward, dropped an arm behind her back and bowed. Her untucked arm extended in a courtly manner making her look like something out of the wrong century, blond curls fell into her face but her green eyes never left the mare. Slowly at first then easily Sun tucked her right leg to her chest and slid her left forward bowing back. Tamara grinned and stood up letting the mare wander over. She pulled out a mint and gave it lightly to the mare before taking a step to the side, Sun mirrored her and sidestepped to stay before her. Tam stepped forward, Sun stepped back, tam stepped to the other side as did the mare and so on in a small square. Having completed a full set she handed the mare another mint. She backed up and bowed again. Once more as did the mare.

Tam grinned softly and winked at her favorite girl. ”Alright, lets step it up a bit were starting easy.” She gave a sharp whistle and the mare boredly stared at her. Tam frowned and whistled again, once more no movement. Finally she walked forward and gave Sun a firm swat on the rump and with a squeal of protest she moved off at a trot . Tam waited for her to come around, bareback and wearing nothing but her head collar. As she passed Tam wrapped her arms around the mares beautiful neck and swung herself, with all the ease of a well practiced rider, onto the mares back. She sat there grinning and let the mare slow, indignantly, to a walk. She leaned forward and just rest there a moment taking in the smell of horse. She loved the mare and being at the stables eased the pain of the move. Here she was safe and at home.

For now sun kept walking without protest her long tail occasionally flicking to lash at Tamara’s thigh or foot when they hit a spot she didn’t like but otherwise she just ambled on. Without a saddle Tam was not about to try any of the more dangerous mounted tricks. ”How can you be so at ease? You and Sandra both.” she huffed out softly. ”Nothing phases either of you. Its like you’re a wall. I wish I could feel the same. I miss home. I miss my friends already… Who else will put up with me not hearing them because my nose is in a book hum?” She got no response from Sun just a small huff at a fly that had landed on her nose. Tam sat herself up and glanced to the abandoned lead, whip, and lunge line all discarded at the fence. She had nothing really planned she just was here and as far as she was concerned that was a bad thing.

[sandra]

Sandra turned her gaze to her horse as she led her out of the barn. She gazed admiringly at the beautiful shade of dark brown that covered the mares pelt. Her horse was a beauty and fast at that. Sandy's eyes sparkled as she remembered the rush and thrill of her first race as a jockey. She had loved it! But nothing compared to the thrill of racing her horse. She was owner and jockey of the amazing mare. Singer's conformation was almost perfect and she had the fire of a great race horse. She was going to hit the big times Sandy was sure of it. Tugging a little on the lead rope she led the mare over to the practice ring. Singer's hooves clattered noisily on the ground as she daintily picked her way after Sandy. Her delicate ears flicked forward to catch the girls encouraging voice.

Sandy stood at the edge of the practice ring, looking in. Her sister was already there with her horse. She shook her head, she really didn't know why her sister didn't want to be a racer. What could beat the thrill of riding a horse at top speed fighting for the lead? Nothing, at least Sandy couldn't think of anything. Lifting her gaze she glanced at the sky, it looked like the weather would be pretty good today. Glancing back down she watched her sister. Twin sister to be exact. Because they were exactly a like, well in looks anyway. While Sandra would rather look at a guy Tamara would rather be looking at a book.

A deep whinny echoed from Singer's maw, directed toward Tam's Gypsy Vanner. Sandy had to admit the palomino mare was gorgeous. Though she always thought horses built for speed looked better. But she supposed it was just a matter of opinion. Watching with fascination as the large mare performed some tricks. Liking training a puppy she thought with a shake of her head.

Unbuckling the lead rope from under the mares chin she snagged the reins. Petting Singers smooth hide with one hand she calmed her down. Putting one foot in the stirrup she swung her leg over and landed gracefully in the saddle. Guiding her horse with gently movements of the rein and slight pressure of her legs she directed Singer into the practice ring. "Hey Tam!" She called out softly not wanting to spook her sisters mare. Turning Singer to the outer area she pressed the mare into an even trot though she pulled her head trying to get more rein. That's a race horse for ya.

[tam]

Tamara heard the approaching hoof beats. Her eyes met her sisters before the girl even spoke and she smiled a little bit. Just like her sister she found her horse more attractive. The round frame and the feathered hooves made her look more powerful to her. She also thought the light weight running horses were too high strung and wily it made her uneasy. So she simply nudged her horse into the circle a bit more letting her continue to walk about as the lighter mare took to trotting.

”Hay sis. How do you like the new stable?” she asked softly. When the mare passed Sun took to trotting too determined to show she could keep up just as well. Tamara rolled her eyes and tangled her fingers into the mares mane just letting her romp for now as she trotted happily next to the racer just as if to prove she were just as good. Her head bounced merrily and she looked every part the gypsy cart horse dancing about the ring with feathers dancing and mane and tail bouncing. She looked more the part of a jolly pony then a racer but she was happy as could be.

Tamara kept a tight grip on Suns main bouncing rather uncomfortably on her back but she didn’t mind she was far too used to it. Her eyes closed a moment as she thought. ”I like the stable but I wish we were back at home.” she said softly her eyes flashing in thought as she road along contently. She couldn’t change where they were so she was trying to enjoy it. Even with her whole body being jostled by the bouncy trot of the mare.

[sandra]

Sandy continued to restrain Singer in a collected trot, though she kept insisting on more rein. Legs folded around the mares barrel comfortably. She was riding without a saddle but she had put reins on the mare. The mares trot suddenly turned bouncier as if she were now straining even more to go faster. Looking over she noticed the her sisters horse had started trotting determinedly by Singer. A slight smile tugged at her lips as she watched the antics of the other mare.

She answered her Tam's question with a slight shrug of her shoulders. Staying silent for a little while so that some people might think she wasn't going to say anything she finally spoke "It's got great facilities" She admitted. The stable was nice and the workers were even nicer she thought with a twinkle in her eyes. The mares dark brown mane stung Sandy's face as she leaned in closer and pressed her cheek against the horses powerful neck.

Nodding her head in agreement at her sisters stable. She didn't like admitting she missed home but it was the truth. Not like she told the truth much though she thought with a smirk. Easing up on the reins she allowed the mare to go into a slow canter. The rocking gait was easy to sit to and she loved the feel of the mares powerful muscles beneath her body. "See any cute guys?" She asked mischievously. She knew her sister was more into books but she couldn't help teasing her, just a little.

[tam]

Tam smiled softly and eyed the arena boredly just nodding to her sister’s observations. They were all true after all she couldn’t help but realize it was nice here. The facilities were amazing, the selection of feeds and supplements, unsurpassed. They had a good history of shows and a danger free environment, so they said. She toyed with her mare’s mane used to the long pauses between them. A lot of the time nothing needed to be said at all they just knew each other well enough not to have to speak.

When Singer broke into the canter the Gypsy Cob copied the action and dove into the same speed her larger form moving a bit less fluidly but Tam was used to it. She just swayed along with the movement not bothering to scold the mare for her behavior yet. She knew once Sandy let Singer go that Sun would give up shortly as she was lapped. For now though she let the mare, have her fun enjoying the thrill of the slow bare back canter. It was peaceful in an odd sort of way as she drifted momentarily into her thoughts gripping her companion with her thighs. Her fingers tangled tighter into the flaxen mane of her companion as she wondered on the nature of this place.

Her sisters lewd comment however brought her back to reality in a blush that made her look feverish. ”It would be none of your business if I had.” that meant no in Tams book. She just didn’t want to admit she hadn’t seen a single soul or heard them that is, in ages. She tugged at the mares mane and cooed out a soft command. Her right leg gave a hard press into the mares side but remained oddly still. The mare slowed suddenly and pivoted on her hinds to start off on the other lead running the other direction. It was a simple command the mare knew too well to consider ignoring, like muscle memory, or breathing. One could not stop it no matter what they tried.

[sandra]

Sandy sat astride Singer in the slow canter. Patting the mare on her muscular dark brown neck. Her body swayed easily with the fluid motions of her horse. Glancing over she saw Sun break into a slow canter just as Singer had and she couldn't suppress a small smile. That horse was competitive if nothing else. Underneath Sandy Singer became tense, like a coiled spring about to come up. Snugging the reins tighter she settled into the english saddle.

Singer's ears pricked forward and she let out a nicker towards the Gypsy Vanner. Her ears swiveled back to catch the sound of the horses breathing then changed course to hear Sandy talk to her in a low tone. Long legs gripped the mares barrel tightly so she wouldn't be thrown if Singer pulled any stunts. Sandra knew you were supposed to ride with and english hat but she hated those things so most of the time if she wasn't really racing she rode without one. Her dirty blonde hair flew out behind her.

Watching with a small smirk as her comment made her sister blush. It was so easy to get her to blush she chuckled to herself. The smirk just widened as her sister responded. Sandy watched with interest as Tam swerved her horse away and headed in the other direction. Giving Singer some more rein she leapt into a even run. Bending low on her neck she let Singers dark brown mane blow across her face.

[tam]

Tam frowned as her sister smirked at her. She didn’t even have to look to know the face. She let the mare trudge on in her slow canter just ignoring the other horse for the moment. She calmed her own emotions to hide the blush under skin once more for later use. Each rocking step of her beautiful mare rocked her form making her weave a bit. It was not largely uncomfortable like most would think it was smooth enough and steady to make it relaxing to a rider. Tam used the time to wonder about boys now, she never really did except when her sister forced her. ”Too bad Mr. Darcy isn’t real.” she muttered about her favorite fictional character.

Mr. Darcy always started out hated even by her but as the book carried on he warmed the very depths of Tams heart. Men like that didn’t exist though as far as she was concerned so she hid in her books to keep from being some stupid silly no nothing who simply caused problems for everyone. She wanted to be a Lizzy not a Kitty simple as that. If not for her need to keep in contact with her lovely mare she might never return from her books too involved in them to care too much about anything but them.

She snapped back to attention as the horse opposite broke into a quick run, a racers gait. She had to admit it was fun to watch even if their legs did not look capable of holding them up. Stick horses that moved like the wind were beautiful but odd to her all at once. Shrugging it off she felt Sun slow and seem to brood over how fast the mare moved. ”Sorry you weren’t born a thoroughbred are we Tequila Sunrise?” She used her mares full name and the mare came to a full stop just watching. Becoming frustrated she gave a whinny to Singer and then pawed the ground. Poor mare wanted to move like that. She could run sure, and pretty quick when she wanted to, but she could never match singer stride for stride, it just wasn’t plausible.

[sandra]

The wind whistled and whispered all around Sandy as her mount moved with the speed and confidence only a racehorse could. A true smile claimed her face, no longer a smirk. This was why life was wonderful. Racing was exhilirating, fast and competitive. All the things Sandy liked, except of course guys, she thought to herself he familiar smirk returning.

Leaning low onto the mares neck she looked between Singer's ears. Whispering quietly to the mare as she ran. Singer's ears flicked back to catch the sounds of Sandy's voice. Reaching up with one hand she felt the mares neck. A little warm but no sweat she thought with a smile. No foam clung to the mares mouth and she still thrust her head forward to try and get more rein to really run all out.

Glancing back she noticed her sisters horses gait had slowed and the bulky palomino mare just watched Singer. Amusement danced in Sandy's hazel eyes as she noted the other mares frustration. Sitting back in the saddle she snugged the reins and brought singer to a walk. Turning around she lazily picked her way up to sun. "I think your mares feeling a little left out" She teased her sister lightly.

[tam]

Tam frowned at her sisters comment and gripped her legs on the mares sides a bit as if preparing for something but then decided the better of it. She just pouted a bit and then shrugged. ”Grass is always greener.” she said with a little thingy of her head and looked to the mare who wandered over to greet her friend sniffing at her contently as she chuffed and wuffed in greeting and chatter. Tamara chuckled at the silly behavior. Sun was in a good mood though and there was no denying that. She was just excited to have company again.

”however I wonder if singer ever gets jealous watching all the complicated maneuvers that sun can perform that she can’t.” She slid her legs forward and put a little pressure on the front half of the rib cage, there was no need for reins when your horse liked having its mouth you learned other methods. So Tam’s trainer had worked on a pressure and placement system with her legs. So instantly with that forward pressure on her ribs the horse began to step slowly back. When she put more pressure on the left the mare would meander right, and vice versa making a wavy line before she put her hand on the mares shoulder and pushed and slid her legs forward a bit more. ”Salutations.” it was the que word when she could not have the mare staring at her. The mare slowly slid into a bow, eager to show off what she could do to the race horse.

Tam slid off her back and pulled the roll of polos from her pocket and popped one into her hand. Sun’s ears automatically picked up and she leaned forward to lip at the package. Tam shoved her nose away, ”what a greedy beast you are!” she held out the one mint and the mare ate it clearly content. It was positive reinforcement. Praise worked sometimes but she had found treats, much like in a dog, worked best with her mare.

[sandra]

Sandra chuckled and nodded her head at her sisters comment. Her eyes wandered away from the practice ring. This stable just seemed boring at the moment she thought. Nothing good had happened since she had come here so far. Oh well she though shrugging the thought away. A smile slightly lifted the corners of her mouth as she watched Sun come over to greet Singer. Singer stretched out her neck and sniffed Sun inquisitively.

"Doubt it" She responded with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. Despite what she said Singer watched with fascination as the other mare bowed. Her small ears pricked forward and she nickered her confusion. Leaning down Sandy whispered in her mares ear "It's ok girl you're just as good as her" Shrugging her shoulders she spoke "Ok I do admit that looks awesome" But she still thought race horses were better. Nothing would change her mind.

Sandy let out a laugh. Her sister really did look like she was training a puppy. Of course even Sandy knew that what her sister was doing took a lot more skill than training a dog. Swinging her leg over she slid to the ground, quickly snatching Singers reins. Patting her firmly on the neck as she watched her sisters horse.

[tam]

Kat snickered at Singer as she watched them as if utterly lost as to how to respond. She knew each mare had its purpose and Singers was to run. Just as Suns purpose was to perform like a circus horse, only she treated the mare better. Kat tapped Sun’s chest and the mare took a step back. Kat seemed to size up the mare then pulled her hands up in the manner that looked like a gun. ”Draw!” this was her favorite trick set. It had taken almost two years of training just for this sequence each day training for several hours after school and even more on the weekend. Persistence and dedication were all she knew.

The mare reared up and pawed the air head pulled to her chest and poised, her golden pelt glimmered in the sun and her mane flew as she tossed her head. The mare fell heavily back to the earth and kat made a sharp gun noise and the mare fell to her side and laid as if dead. Kat chuckled and walked forward to rub the mares neck. The combination was simple to the eye but the work behind every detail, well only tam and Sandy knew that. Sun was smart as they come but trick work was difficult even with the most willing horse. To work them to trust you enough to move them fully and show them how to execute a maneuver without harming themselves or the rider took time and effort.

Sun lay still until Tam crouched down and touched her jugular as if checking for a pulse then stood again. She turned and grinned at her sister as sun pushed herself off of her side and stood up. She shook off the sand and suddenly, gaining a playful streak, ran forward and nudged Tamara before taking off at full speed nickering loudly as if laughing. Tam fell forward onto her hands and knees and looked after the mare with a laugh. ”She got me again…”

[sandra]

Sandy watched the sequence of movements for the next trick. She burst out laughing as the golden mare fell to the ground. Like a puppy playing dead, it was adorable. She smiled as she watched the palomino finally get up. Dust swirled around the mare while the sun penetrated in causing the mare to look like an angel. Reaching up with one hand she brushed away some curly blonde locks that had fallen in front of her eyes. Singer nickered again toward the golden mare. Stamping her hoof impatiently as if she were on a tight schedule. Sandy shook her head at her mounts antics.

While Sandy was watching the golden palomino Singer reared as if trying to imitate the other mares previous motions. Her dark chocolate hued body sprang up in the air with ease. She should know how to rear, she does it enough Sandy thought with a wry smile. Walking slowly up to the rearing mare she spoke softly until the mares front pistons came down to earth again. She was reaching out to snag the reins when her sisters horse bolted. Singer took the idea as her own and ran away quickly catching up to Sun and pulling slightly ahead and staying there.

[tam]

Tam watched singer tare off after Sun and as they danced about the arena she cracked up and fell to her butt on the sand. She just shook her head watching the large mare and the dainty one bound in a silly dance. She pushed herself up just shaking her head quickly. ”You’re ridiculous Sun get over here!” the mare hardly faltered in her step and swirled about rearing up with a whiney then bounded after singer again sighing.

“Were never getting them back Sandy.” she watched Sun bound and buck like a filly and chuckled looking to sandy, ”want to let them run a minute? she walked to the fence and hopped up knowing sun would come back when she was good and finished. She brushed her hair back out of her face and watched the pair romp about just grinning from ear to ear. She just loved to see them having a good time since they both usually worked so hard. ”at least they are happy here hum? That’s a good sign.”

[sandra]

Sandy watched chuckling as the large mare jumped around like a little filly alongside Singer. They were quite a pair she thought to herself. "Come on Singer" She coaxed the mare. Singer stopped raising a front hoof and then snorted indignantly like she knew what Sandy was trying to do. Turning around she continued playing with Sun. Sandy just shook her head.

With a crooked smile she nodded her agreement "Yeah I figured that out" She said with a laugh. Looking over at her sister she smiled "Sure, why not." Turning around she followed her sister toward the fence. Putting one foot on the low rail she levered herself up to the top rail. Sitting casually as if it were a lawn chair. Her eyes watched the horses intently, anyway who could see would know they were happy. Without looking over at her sister she answered "Yeah I guess so" Amusement no longer danced in her eyes and her mouth was set in a straight line. Her father, their father had no right to drag them wherever he pleased! They were humans for goodness sakes! At that moment Sandy felt like calling her father on her cellphone and telling him just what she thought. Of course she couldn't.... But it was nice to think about it.

[tam]

Tamara sighed her emotions dropping with her sisters. It was nice here but she missed home. She missed the sea salt in the air and the morning fog. She missed the almost daily rain. It was nice seeing Sun in well the sun but it was still not the same. She sighed and glanced to her sister reading her face like an open book. ”however funny it would be to see his reaction its not a good idea. He might go crazy. Do something rash like move us to Alaska. Then your skinny little twig of a horse would freeze into a popsicle and then where would you be.” she playfully pushed her sister, hopefully not enough to make her fall grinning broadly at her twin.

”It’s not so bad here you know. It’s different and is gonna take some getting used to but it’s alright you know.” She was trying to be positive. She paused noticing the horses getting close and grinned hopping from the fence; sun was closest to them, perfect. She stood her ground as they ran towards her. As sun got close she grabbed the mare’s neck and swung herself up onto her back almost falling off because of the speed. She fell forward and her fingers tangled into her mane staring at the flaxen mane with conviction to stay on. Sun felt her weight and slowed grunting and pranceing unhappily as she was suddenly bearing a rider. Finally she slowed to a walk then to a halt and huffed unhappily the mare glanced back as if to say, you happy now? And glanced longingly off at the other mare. ”We’ll put you both other to pasture tonight there will be plenty of time for that later.” she said comfortably and winked at the mare.