not too fast ;; [sebastian]

[poppies]

Securing the halter's buckle she began to lead the mare into the barn. Juniper had been turned out with Rocky that morning and already the two had their first lesson. Sebastian something was going to teach her in a jumping lesson with the crazed mare. "You gonna be good today?" Smiling at the mare she halted at a pair of cross-ties and secured Juniper. Mane standing up right it was also flopping to both sides, her tail flickering at the danged flies. Cream had been put in the mare's ears before she went outside and it made the flies go away. So did the fly sheet that the mare allowed Shawna to put on for the first time.

Chestnut colored saddle at neatly on it's rack with the bridle placed over the top. Her new saddle pad also sat neatly and lonesome on the tack trunk. Grooming kit was by Shawna's feet. Beginning to move in circles with the curry comb she saw that the fly sheet hadn't protected the mare from getting dirty. Dirt and specks of hair flew all around her and it was an easy sight in the rays of sunlight. Moving to the other side she also softly went over the mare's legs and checked her small cut. When Shawna had come by to feed the horses she found that Juniper had a small cut above her hoof, nothing serious.

Patting her neck more dirt came off. Grabbing the stiff brustled brush she seemed to clear most of it off and finally when the soft bristles made their way over it seemed there wasn't much left. Stroking her neck softly with her hand Shawna giggled as Juniper nodded her head. Grabbing the nice red saddle pad she put it over the mare's back and moved it up a little, in perfect place. Followed by the saddle she grabbed the girth and moved to the right side and secured the girth on the second hole. It had become a knowing of which hole fit the mare best. Grabbing the martingale she slid it over the mare's neck and fit it on the girth. Securing the band on the third hole she smiled.

Shawna was wearing nothing to fancy. A pair of tinted white breeches, burgundy tee-shirt that was darker than the saddle pad, and her paddock boots with half chaps over them. Helmet kept in it's case made it look nice and new no matter what. Grabbing the set of splint boots she strapped all four on in a matter of seconds and checked her tack once more. Finally it was time for the bridle, placing the reins over her neck it seemed like Juniper wanted to be ridden. Opening her mouth before Shawna showed her the bit she slipped it in with no problem. Chewing it for a minute and Juniper was ready.

Securing the nose band and throat latch she un-did the reins and slipped each one through the martingale's rings. Double checking that the stoppers were in place she smiled and began to lead her to the jumping ring. Opening the gate she felt the sun begin to heat her up before it dissappeared into clouds. They looked gray but not vicious, the weather had said a storm was gonna pass through around two o' clock. That was about an hour from them.

This guy had to be there sooner or later, it was a few minutes after but showing up late always told our student you were preparing a good lesson. Sometimes it just meant they were not wanting to go to work that day. Sliding the stirrup leathers off she decided to get some small training in and tied the reins up. Sending Juniper off the mare took off at a canter in a twenty meter circle around Shawna. Asking her to slow down the mare moved into a walk, in a few short strided laps the mare was asked to trot. Her short stride made her look histarical but her jump was serious.

After a five minute session Juniper halted and the two approached each other. Patting her neck she slid the stirrups back on and walked to the mounting block. "Good girl." Stroking her neck she put her left foot in the stirrup and sat softly into the saddle. Her body relaxed and the two set off around the ring at a cooled walk. Juniper's tail whipping in the nice breeze and Shawna's ponytail as well. Head held low the mare was sniffing the dirt in some spots, Shawna allowed her to stop. Now and again Shawna collected the reins in fear that Juniper might spooke.

Juniper shot her head up and looked out towards the pastures to see Rocky standing by his pasture gate and nickering for her. The two made a cute couple after all and he was more relaxed. That was what Shawna was hoping for, Rocky's gentle nature to rub on Juniper and for her to become more tame and less nervous.