goin' around nicely (open)

[E. Johnson]

Erica Johnson shuffled through her tool-box of grooming supplies, trying to locate her hoof-pick. The boxes contents were a wide range of things, from baby wipes to a few things of make-up, down to the simple grooming things like soft and stiff brushes. Most likely if you asked, she had it. As her small, manicured hands moved a few things, a quick shot of pain moved across her hand. She quickly pulled her hand out and glared at the inside of the box, then glanced at her hand. A small line of red had appeared, going across most of her hand. Her gray eyes narrowed as she glared at the new mark. Her horse turned his head to her, wondering why she was standing there, doing nothing for him except taking up his space. Death's ears pinned slightly back, his eyes glaring at his owner. Her head turned and her eyes met his. They basically spoke for her, because with a grunt, the young stud turned away. Erica rolled her eyes and turned back to the box. This time, placing the top, yellow part back on, and grabbing some neosporin. She applied a good amount onto her hand, rubbed it in, then replaced it back into the box. After that, she removed the top and continued her search for the previous item of interest - hoof pick. Soon, Erica had found it in the bottom under a brush. So she picked it up and stepped over to her horses side to begin removing the filth from his shodded feet. The horse lazily lifted his foot, and Erica picked it out. She and him did the same for the other three feet. Once she finsihed, the young lady tossed the pick back into the box, and got out the next tool, a curry comb.

After getting the curry comb out, Erica started to brush in circles against the stallions broad neck. Deaths sleek pelt smooth to the touch, and shined when light hit it, even with the sun blocked by clouds. Slowly moving down his frame to his shoulders, then his barrel and back, it gave the rider a chance to think of what they would be doing today. "What do you think 'bout doing some equitation today, boy?" Her smooth voice warmly filled the air around the two. The bays ears flicked quickly back, then forward again. Erica only sighed and patted the horse. "You're not a very big help, ya know." She teased as she began to curry the horses haunches. A few loose hairs came up with the curry comb when it was lifted away from the horse and shook. Taking a deep breath of the cool air, Erica slowly made her way to the other side of the animal and started brushing him again. Following the same movements as she did on the opposite side. Just as soon as she started, she was done. Erica gave Death another pat, then headed back to the door. She dropped the rubber comb in the box after she took out the body brush, a comb, a brush and some mane n tail conditioner. Erica ran her nails along the studs bod, all the way to his tail wear she begun to untie the tail-wrap that held his tail up in a tight braid. After getting the tie at the top undone, Erica lifted the tail up and pulled off the duct-tape that held the end of it together. Erica then pulled wrap off and admired her steeds tail. Its ebony color, its thickness and even length, and the aroma of conditioner wafting from it. She smiled, then brushed, applied a lot of the yellow hair stuff, brushed it again, then looped the hair around her wrist, grabbed the end, and pulled it through the loop, making a slip-knot to hold the tail up while she rode. It also kept it from getting dirty.

All groomed up, Death gave his tail a swish, then favored a leg, resting on the others. "Bien chico." Erica praised, her spanish tone spoke smooth like silk. Death's auds only turned sideways as his head lowered to droop. "I take it your bored, huh? Alright, i'm goin' to get your stuff." saying that, Erica turned on her heels and headed out of the barn, and towards her truck. Or her brothers old truck. Erica took her time getting over there. She took the time to enjoy some of the scenery around the stable. Horses running through the fields, coats or blankets covered in snow. Thier muzzles white from sniffing at the new substance that surrounded them. Most trees bare except for the snow that covered them, and the driveway having paths made into it. All from horses being brought in or let out, vehicles entering or exiting, or people, like Erica, walking about.

Finally getting to the door of the truck, she pulled the driver's side door open and hopped in, shutting it behind her. Inside the truck was a tad warmer than the outside. Erica carefully turned in her seat and grabbed the boots from the back, slipping them on. Her western spurs already on them, her small foot slid easily into them. After they were on, she hopped back out, slammed the door shut, and jogged back inside. Peeking into the bays stall before heading up to the tack room, she saw him just as relaxed as he was when she left for her boots. Erica chuckled under her breath, then made her way to the room. As she stepped inside, she flicked on the lights and peered around. So many saddles, and only a few of them hers. Erica headed over to one of the racks, and pulled off a dark brown saddle, matching bridle, and a light blue saddle pad that read, 'Death Before Dishonor' on the side, written in royal blue print. Erica collected everything, turned, headed out to her horses stall one more time. Her spurs jingled as her feet met the ground with every step. Erica got there in only a few seconds. She stepped inside as she placed the pad onto Deaths back, followed by the saddle. Before tightening the girth, Erica laid the bridle across the seat of the saddle. Then, she tightened the girth, sticking a few fingers under it to make sure the horse could breath. Once that was taken care of, Erica slipped on his horses d-ring bridle, and led him out towards the practice ring. No doubt, he would move perfectly, but you never know.

word count: 1103
tags: open to anyone.