-fight fear for the selfish pain [O P E N]

[Madison Grant-Moral]

Outfit

Only you would manage to find the single muddy spot in the field, and roll in it. Madison rolled her eyes and laughed as she curried Kingston's back, attempting to dislodge some of the caked in mud he'd chosen to decorate himself with. Having always enjoyed a good grooming, King nodded his head with approval, quite enjoying MGM's despair. You're a little jerk King. She smiled and pat his dusty rump before dropping the currycomb back into her grooming kit and picking up a dandy brush. She actually didn't mind brushing King at all, she knew he enjoyed it, and standing out in the sunshine was a nice peaceful break from everything else.

Content that his body was as clean as it was going to get, MGM turned her attention to King's mane and groaned. That's what I get for leaving your mane long huh? She had gotten most of the matted mud off, but it had been hiding a tangled mess beneath. It would take the next 15 minutes picking away with a comb before his mane was presentable again. Phew, done, finally. Madison stood and admired her handy work before grabbing his navy saddle pad and dark chocolate brown saddle off the fence rail and situating it on King's back. After tightening his girth and putting his matching navy bell boots on, she slid his soft, leathery bridle over his crown. King eagerly grabbed the bit, always happy to go for a ride. It made Madison smile. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself today King. She planted a soft kiss on his muzzle and grabbed her helmet.

Before mounting, she straightened her designer jeans, over-sized striped t-shirt, and dusted off her tiny camo green ankle boots. Ensuring her hair was still neatly in her signature riding style, a sleek, stylish bun, and that her big MK glasses were secure, MGM hopped up in one fluid motion. Clucking her tongue and gently squeezing King's sides, she asked him to walk on. You have to warm up first silly. She laughed as King instantly broke into a canter, ready to go tackle some jumps.

[Spencer Cannon]

Outfit

The day was sunny, just perfect for taking the day off and going to a ride. Spencer gave the Marwari stud a once-over before putting on his ruby red saddle pad, black saddle with a matching breast collar and black leather bridle. The college freshman stood for a moment, trying to decide whether or not to include the red polo wraps, and giving in to the sake of his new reputation, he spent the next few minutes wrapping the colored fabric over Warlander's legs. He stood back up, groaning slightly at the sharp pain in his back from bending over, and checked to make sure that War's blonde mane and tail were perfectly combed and feathery, just as he liked it. The stallion nickered impatiently, striking his bold black hoof against the ground. The pair of them had decided to get ready at the Outdoor Arena today, which allowed them to bask in the hot rays of the sun and check out the others at Apache. It was only his fifth time being out and about at Apache- usually, he'd kept Stella and Warlander at another stable out of town. But at the persistent nagging of his family, he'd moved them closer to allow frequent access and more rides.

"Okay, okay, calm yourself. We're going." Spencer said to his steed while swinging up into the English saddle. He wriggled around for a few moments, trying to get accustomed to the feel of such a lightweight and thin piece of leather. He'd always ridden Western, and this was only his fourth or fifth time sitting in an English saddle, and only his third time jumping. Though they hadn't practiced much, he pretty much knew what he was doing and looked like any other 6'1 college student jumping a Marwari. If there was anyone else in the world who fit that description. War's ears pricked and made his signature look, the tips and base of his ears touching, leaving a gaping hole where they curved. Spencer smiled and urged the dappled flaxen liver chestnut into a brisk walk, and then into a trot. His mount was shivering with excitement, and after a long half hour of warming up, he let loose on the reigns and Warlander targeted the nearest jump. Carefully, they both paced themselves and measured strides until they were soaring over. Spencer remembered at the last minute to do two-point, and just barely got himself in position before War's legs were off of the ground. This caused the Marwari to land shakily, forelegs wobbling with the shifted balance. Once completely over he stopped the stag and patted his hardly sweaty neck.

"Sorry boy, that was my fault. You know what you're doing- I'm as lost as a newborn calf."

[Madison Grant-Moral]

Outfit

Deep in her own thoughts, Madison paid little attention to the other rider warming up in the same ring as her. King followed the "outside track", a worn path where riders circled their mounts around the ring to warm up or cool down. It was second nature to him, as he'd called this place home since he was 6 months old. She smiled and scratched his lean shoulder, happy to see her horse content in his home.

Occasionally, a striking liver chestnut would nab MGM's attention. A Marwari. She'd recognize one anywhere, her years of combing through horse books as a child never leaving her. He looked beautiful, delicate and finely built, but poised with toned muscles beneath his itching skin. Every time she glanced up, she could see the anticipation the stallion had, he was itching to move forward and jump. The horse was gorgeous, groomed and prepared to perfection. His rider however... She peered critically at the other rider. He seemed out of place sitting atop such a finely built horse, on a expertly crafted English saddle. More suited for a cutting horse and barrels I'd say. She shrugged it off. To each their own I suppose.

Confident that King was loosened up, Madison focused her attention, readying herself to hit some jumps. Just as she decided she was ready, she noticed her fellow rider had the same plan. She held off momentarily, watching as he approached the jump. The stallion expertly made his way towards and over the jump, but poor timing on his rider left his landing shaky and uneasy. Amateur. Madison rolled her eyes and clucked her tongue, bringing King up to a brisk canter.

Turning towards one of the smaller sets of jumps to begin with, Madison focused on King and the jumps. A triple combination starting with a basic jump, followed by a liverpool, and finally a parallel oxer. Catching sight of the obstacles, King perked his ears and focused completely on the task at hand. From years of practice, familiarity took over as the pair effortlessly soared over each jump, timing their movements perfectly to match one another. Madison pat King's strong shoulder happily, a bright smile across her face, as they landed safely on the other side. Good man! She slowed him to a trot and scanned the ring looking for another task for them to overcome.