.:new in town:..

[perouze]

Arlie stepped into the dark barn, letting her eyes adjsut to the ligting. She wore faded blue jeans and her ankel high paddock boots, along with an olive green tee-shirt. Her wild hair was puuled back into a loose braid, wisps of it flying loose allready. She was new in town, and without knowing anyone, was searching for a place to board her horses.

She knowed on the wall, and calling out in a voice aimed not to spook horses, but loud enough to be heard, Hello? Is anyone here?

Her trailer was out int he driveway, both horses stowed safely inside. She hadn't been sure whether or not she should bring them or not, but after considering, she really had no where else to keep them. they had moved only recently, and the places they had been staying, along with the places she herself had been staying, were only temporary. This town was like a dream to her, and she was just short of desperate to find a place to hous herself and her horses.

[Alice ;; ♥]

A snort followed by the sound of hooves hitting soft dirt track. Near inaudible, but welcoming Jack Thornfeld, upon a beautiful Mustang. She was irregular in pace, but somehow trusting, and she was eased to a stop by her owner meters away from the new customer. Jack smiled warmly, hopping off his horses, tying her up to a nearby post,a nd walking over to the young woman.

Sorry, ma'am, you been waiting long?
Just been out on a trail, great weather!

[perouze]

Arlie turned at the soft sound of hooves hitting the dirt behind her. Mmm...she loved that sound, it made her feel at home inthis town where she knew no one. She smiled warmly at the man on horseback, and nodded politely at his mount. She was a lovely looking mare, and it was obvious that the two suited each other well.

She smiled at the man, and brushed the stray wisps of hair from her face. Not at all, sir. I just arrived. She stepped forward and patted the mare on her neck. She's lovely, what's her name? Arlie asked politely, before stepping over to the man and extending her hand. Sorry. I take better to horses than to people. My name's Arlyn Hart. I go by Arlie.

Would you by any chance be the owner? I'm looking for a place to board, and from what I've gathered so far, this would be the place to do it! Arlie grinned broadly, her green eyes flashed happily. She was a people person, never shy. And arund horse people esspecially; this was where she was at home.

[Alice ;; ♥]

Its quite alright, Arlie.

The man smiled, taking off his hat and placing it over a fence post, before looking over to his mare. She threw back her head, waves of deep brown falling over revealing eyes. He nodded as Arlie complemented her, and the mare seemed to understand, whickering quietly.

Shes called Ebony Rose. I just call her Rosie. A lovely mustang, eh?

He turned back to Arlie, in time to catch what she next said. He nodded proudly, showing himself as the owner, and looked around at the last remaining empty stalls.

I reckon we've got room for you and your equine friend here.

[perouze]

Arlie smiled broadly, her teeth flashed. She blew the loose strands of hair out of her face, only to have them settle back down again. It seemed her hair would never stay put. The loose braid she'd put up this morning was reduced to flyaway bits, very little of it remained neatly in place.

She nodded appreciativley as the man confirmed that he was indeed the owner of this stable, and flashed a happy smile as the mare added her own comments.

Actually, my equine friends. There's two of them. Maestro's Song, and Arctic Nights. Song's my fjord stallion, I've had him since he was just a colt; he's quite the handful if you don't know how to deal with fjords. Arc's a thoroughbred gelding, a real sweet guy. He's a great pleasure horse, loves people. Would you like to meet them? I've got 'em in the trailer there...

[Alice ;; ♥]

Jack nodded as Arlie spoke, smiling and looking over to the trailer she has gestured roughly to. He thought carefully for a moment. A fjord? He liked them, odd as they were. With there short cut manes and unpredictable temperament. Any fjord would be fine in Pasture B, he reasoned. There were already three Dartmoors, a Shetland and one Fjord filly.

Next, she spoke of a Thoroughbred, and Jack could not help but nod in enthusiasm. He owned a few himself, and loved the strong yet elegant breed. He nodded when she asked him a question, and straightened up, ready to follow her.

[perouze]

Arlie headed off in the sirection of her trailer, lowering the gate as gently as she could. It was heavy and cumbersome; but she was no weakling, despite her small size. She thought she'd deal with Song first. He got...irritable...if he thought he was being ignored. First one out, first one in, never treat another horse before him. She backed the stocky horse out of the trailer, and led him around in a wide circle around the older man, speaking as she did so.

He's a strong, stubborn, proud one, this guy. A real tank too; you're not going to win in a physical battle. You've got to make him want to do as you say. Firm discapline, but praise him when he's good, too. You can never hold a grudge with these guys. He's proud, too. He'll test you, see how far he can go before you snap. How much he can get away with. Earn his respect; and you're all set. Make him think for a second you can't handle him; and you're in for one hell of a ride. Don't get me wrong, he's not a mean-spirited horse. This boy and I have been together for most of his life, and I'd die without him.

Then, she led out the tall, white thoroughbred. This lanky horse had a smooth gait, and walked with his neck lowered so that his head was at her level. He did this for whomever happened to be leading him; be it a full-sized adult, or a young lesson child. As she had done with Song, Arlie led him in a wide circle around the man, also explaining his personality and the quirks unique to each horse.

This is Arc. He's my sweety. He's a bit older than Song, and I just got him a few years ago. An ex-racer, this one. He loves to go. He's a terriffic jumper, and a great school horse. Patient as the sun, this boy. Not at all skittish and high-strung as most thoroughbreds, he's wonderful with children and advanced riders alike. He seems to fit whatever qualities his rider is looking for. He'd be great no matter what horse you put him in with.

She turned back to the man, after putting away both her horses. Now, I was also hoping to find a place to board, and I didn't know if you had any flats available? I can muck, do chores, whatever needs to be done, to help earn my keep, if that'd be of any use. She was talking a lot, she knew. That was a smal problem of hers, when dealing with horses. It seemed she could never shut herself up; once she started.

[Alice ;; ♥]

Jack listened, and laughed as she spoke, stopping her towards the end of her last few sentences. Yes, he knew of Thoroughbreds, more than anyone else he'd ever met, and, if he couldn't handle this one he may as well retire. It was a medicine, a concoction if you like. You had to show love in strong actions, and gain the respect you gave. Jack smiled at Arlie, and spoke truthfully.

M'lday, I have built a career around handling both wild spirited, highly strung and physically daunting horses. I can handle him.

He chuckled, and then looked over to the other horse, smiling as Arlie described him, running a hand along his smooth coat. Easier to handle, yes, and a good ride. In fact, before Arlie even spoke, Jack had an idea. And he spoke it once she even mentioned living accommodation.

Okay, I have an idea. If you let me do some training with Song once a week and use Arc for lessons three times a week, you can live here rent free. Then, if you work here twice, you can board your horses for free too. Fair?

[perouze]

Arlie stood, glancing occasionally at her two boys to make sure all was well. She listened well to what Jack had to say, and blushed rather sheepishly as he admonished her.

Sorry. I didn't mean to offend you...I'm just used to people thinking of him as unmanageable, like some sort of monster, and he's not...that's just my speech I give people. I'm sure you'll get on fine with him.

Now, Arc on the other hand, was alert and excited at finding himself in new surroundings. He cocked his head slightly at the man, perking his ears toward him. Arlie smiled and patted his neck. You curious guy, you... She murmured fondly.

That sounds wonderful, thank you. You may, of course, use Arc in lessons as often as you'd like, I'm sure he'd love it. And I'd be glad to work around here for whatever you need me for. The only thing...what kind of training exactly would you be doing with Song? See...I've had him since he was just a youngling, done every bit of training on him he has. He's never going to be a patient, mild-mannered school horse like Arc, but he's a hell of a good guy. What did you have in mind with him?

[Alice ;; ♥]

Jack smiled, leaning back in his own weight, a soft and easy smile transforming his voice, a lighter tone, even excitable to an extent. e had got onto a great subject. Thoroughbred training had been natural to him for many years, and he took a moment to think about the horse, and built up a steady bas ein his mind. He wasn't easy, but rarely was a horse of that build and breed. He would most likely pair him up with Lucky Red, a beautiful chesntut Thoroughbred of his own. He smiled at this thought and turned to Arlie.

Ill work with him in a pair, with my one of my own Thoroughbreds, Lucky Red.

He glanced the stallion's direction, who tossed a chestnut mane from side to side, showing off as usual, easing an itch as he rubbed his cheek bones along his forearm. Jack looked back to Arlie and continued.

I mosty work on free Jumping. Its a great way to work with highly spirited horses.