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DRAGONMOUNT

A WHEEL OF TIME COMMUNITY

Basics of Horsemanship - CotL Class


CorenYi

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His arms crossed over his chest, Donovan leaned back against the side of the stables and waited for his students to arrive. Thirteen horses stood calmly tethered to a section of corral directly across from him. Thirteen horses for twelve students.

 

Each had been informed of the hour and location of their newest class, and slowly they started to file in. Girl, boy, boy; Donovan couldn’t help but think that the new recruits got younger every year. Children for the Children. It might have been poetic if he didn’t already know what awaited them behind these walls.

 

He continued leaning in the shadows of the barn until well after the last student had arrived and they all began to mill about. As soon as the talking raised above a low whisper, he heard a voice wondering aloud where their teacher was. That was his cue.

 

“He’s over here.” Donovan made certain that his voice carried well above those of the recruits. The sudden silence echoed in the early morning air as he stepped calmly out from the shadows and glowered at his pupils.  He always loved this part. “And may I just say, that was a wonderful display of alertness. Were I a dark friend you’d all be dead, you sad sacks of shit. Basic survival little ones, always be aware of your surroundings. Lucky for the lot of you that survival isn’t our lesson today.”

 

His scowl split into a bright grin as he sized the group up. He loved shaking the greenhorns up a bit in his lessons. Did well to keep them on their toes, and ensured that they were paying attention. “Now how many of you know how to ride a horse?”

 

 

 

 

~Donovan Rile

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  • 3 weeks later...

Edalia couldn't help but jump at the voice appearing seemingly out of no-where. She studied the teacher as he berated them all for their lack of alertness. When he suddenly grinned, it was almost a big a shock as when he'd come out of the shadows. Most Children she'd seen so far were always grim and unsmiling.

 

Then he asked who could ride a Horse....Edalia put up her hand and called out "Here Sir!"

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Bert considered the question. Sure he knew how to ride. He just didn't know how to do it well. I mean, he thought, you just sit on the bloody animal and kick it till it moves, nothing more to it. Nuhuh. He raised his hand. "Me too, sah!" The instructor raised an eyebrow at his somewhat relaxed attitude. It wasn't as if he was the first, Bert noted. Lowering his hand again, due to the fact that he didn't like keeping it up for longer periods of time, Bert started looking around him. A few more of the children raised their hands, and the tutor duly noted them all with small nods or smiles. He seemed like an ok guy. If it hadn't been for that "You'd all be dead by now" comment, Bert might've thought him happy, even though it seemed none of the senior children were anything of the sorts. And the sad sacks of shit comment wasn't the most tactful neither. Bert silently harrumphed. Bert turned his gaze on the horses. They all seemed like good animals, no apparent misshapings or missing limbs. Bert didn't know a whole lot about horses, but as long as they had four legs and knew how to use them, Bert was pleased. Well, mostly pleased. A saddle would be nice too. And some speed. Couldn't get enough of that. He waited in silence for the instructor to make his move.

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

"And may I just say, that was a wonderful display of alertness. Were I a dark friend you'd all be dead, you sad sacks of shit. Basic survival little ones, always be aware of your surroundings. Lucky for the lot of you that survival isn't our lesson today." Zoe rolled her eyes. It only took a few words from the instructor, for her to recognize his type. Being serious one moment, friendly the next. The switches between the two would be so sudden and random, that the students were kept out of balance at all times, confused and completly unaware of what his next move was going to be. All done, obviously, to have their outmost attention. It was a flashy trick, but nothing more.

 

"Now how many of you know how to ride a horse?", the instructor asked. Zoe watched as a few of the initiates raised their hands. She grinned when she saw Bert raising his hand. She's seen him ride a horse before. Well, if you could call what Bert did riding. She herself had ridden before. She was no expert but she had enough of experience to manage on her own. Looking at her domani roomate, Zoe's smile grew deeper. She was sure the little wench had more then a few talents when it came to riding. Talents that, undoubtly, were not spent on horses.

 

Leaning against the frame of the stable's door, Zoe observed the instructor, waiting to see hat he was going to come up next.

 

 

Zoe

CotL

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Donovan watched as hands slowly raised, and the students called out one after the other, not wanting to be outdone. So they think they can ride, do they? We’ll see. His eyes swept over the gaggle, carefully weighing confidence and stature against their enthusiasm. He noticed that one Child -- a girl slowly standing off to the side --  was leaning casually with both hands crossed firmly beneath her breasts. Interesting.

 

Shifting his gaze back to the center of the group, he let his voice carry over them again. “Alright then, what are you waiting for?” His left hand swept out and he made a quick jerking motion with his thumb towards the horses. “Since you all know how to ride, saddle up!”

 

They stared at him for a moment, hesitant, before one broke from the pack and made for the horses. The others took notice and quickly rushed to follow, each eyeing the horses carefully as though trying to select the best before mounting cautiously. He turned away as he saw a male Child lifting one of the tail of one of the horses, and approached the girl with the un-raised hand. He caught her arm in his large hand, his grip gentle but unyielding.

 

She turned at his touch and he registered a look of amusement behind her eyes as he spoke. “You didn’t answer my question.” His voice was soft yet forceful. “Can you ride?”

 

"If the occasion calls for it." The reply was terse, and not at all what he was expecting. However, it was all that he needed to hear. He loosed her from his grip and nodded down at her.

 

“What are you waiting for then?” He said, jerking his head towards the two unclaimed horses. “Mount up.”

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Tuc ran into class, hoping that he wasn't too late to be in too much trouble.  He had been practicing sword forms, thats all...with a slice of pepperoni...and eating it... He arrived running, heard “Since you all know how to ride, saddle up!” and pushed through the pack so he could be the first to reach the horses, and not seem late.  Grabbing onto a large, frightening looking horse's neck, Tuc began to try to heave himself onto it's back.  The beast heaved and roared, apparently it didn't like having its hair ripped out.  Stupid thing.  Tuc smacked it on the nose, and restarted trying to get on its back.  This time the damned horse reared onto its hind legs and started screaming bloody murder.  The instructor looked over from where he had been flirting with Zoe, and Tuc grinned and waved goofily.  Staring at him flatly, the instructor began to walk towards him.  Tuc gulped and went in close to his horse.

   

    "Listen up you little punk, I am going to get on top of you, and you're going to make it look damned spiff.  Got that? Or else I'll make glue out of your hooves."

 

    The horse stared at him, showing the whites of its eyes and rolling them around like it was following the movements of a fly.  Tuc shook his head at the stupid thing, and then smacked the fly that had landed on his neck.  He tried one more time to get on top of the horse, this time using it's ears as handles, and somehow found himself on the back of the big beast.  The stupid horse was shaking uncontrollably for some reason, but that didn't matter. Tuc had gotten onto a horse!

 

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“Since you all know how to ride, saddle up!”

Bert giggles slightly to himself, a sort of reassuring, sure-you-know-how-to-ride-why-else-would-you-raise-your-hand kind of giggle. Slowly approaching the nearest beast, Bert felt he needed to be somewhere else. Somewhere less endangering to him and his ilk. His ilk in this case referring to his various body parts, from large to small, all were welcome. Rounding up on the horse, Bert looked it straight in the eye. Well, as straight as you could look a horse in the eye. Bert found the distance between them somewhat nauseating, and the rolling of one of them quite frankly scared him. He decided his best approach would be the left eye and ear combination. Bending his head closer to the animal, Bert started whispering. From afar, it certainly must've looked like he was some sort of trained horse master, whispering words of comfort and reassurance into the horse's ear. The truth, however, was... Oh, let's just say not as glamorous. If the horse had understood half of what Bert said, it's proverbial eyebrows would certainly have made a reach for the sky. After giving the strange thing a little pep talk, Bert decided it was time to mount it. No, not like that.

 

Getting on top proved not to be that hard, not really. One foot in the stirrup, other foot over the horse, other foot into other stirrup, and he was ready for some action! So, he said "Forwards!". The horse didn't seem to get that right away, so Bert tried again. "Forwaaaards!" It still wouldn't budge. Bert judged there'd have to be something about it's hearing. Glancing at Tuc, who didn't seem to be getting along any better, Bert softly kicked the horse's sides. And forwards it did go.

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  • 2 weeks later...

"What are you waiting for then?" He said, jerking his head towards the two unclaimed horses. "Mount up."

 

Zoe raised an eyebrow and without saying a word, walked to one of the horses. She picked randomly between the two. Both seemed to be fine horses, in her criteria. Well tended to and well fed. Placing one foot in the stirrup, she flung herself over and readjusted her sitting before she slipped her other foot to the second stirrup. Looking to the side, she caught Tuc looking at her. He had a very amused grin on his face. He winked at her knowingly and rode out of the stable. Or rather trotted out.

 

Zoe shook her head. Tuc could be a bit silly sometimes. Of course not more so then Bert who was shouting commands at the horse as if the horse understood speech. Laughing, she leaned forward and murmured some reassuring words to her horse. The tone of her voice would put the horse at ease and give her contorl more easily. She petted its craned neck and smiled.

 

Taking a hold of the reins, she nudged the sides of the horse with her feet to initiate movement. It was a soft nudge, though, which got the horse to leave the stable in a casual walk. It was a beautiful day outside. Zoe wondered what it held for her.

 

 

Zoe

CotL

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“Since you all know how to ride, saddle up!”

 

Edalia took her time about choosing a horse, she could ride, but she was no expert so she aimed for a leggy roan that looked fairly calm natured. Walking over to the mare, she patted the roans neck and murmured a few encouraging words in a low tone. Carefully she put her foot into the stirrup and using the saddle for support heaved herself into the saddle and slotted her foot into the other stirrup.

 

After adjusting her seat and rearranging the reins to her liking she tightened her thigh muscles and to her relief the horse responded as she wanted. Hands light on the reins she guided the horse around out of the way of a bucking, shying horse and waited for the next set of instructions.

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  • 1 month later...

OOC: I'm sorry about holding you all up, but cest la vie as they say. I'm back and ready to keep posting, so if you all can get your replies up within the next 7-10 days, I'll move us right along to the last two posts. Thanks, and apologies again for the delay.

 

 

As he watched the motley group of students before him Donovan tried not to laugh. Several of the cadets were having trouble, and at least two of the ones who claimed to be able to ride were in serious danger of being thrown from their horses. Shrugging inwardly to himself, he headed to where Jitters stood. The horse’s eyes flashed at the havoc the students were creating, and Donovan patted his side calmly in reassurance.

 

“It’s alright, boy. None of ‘em picked you.” Swinging easily up into the saddle, he spurred the stolid creature around and faced the class.

 

“You lot look like a bunch of old pros!” There was a forced lightness to the words that carried out across the corral. “But just to be on the safe side, how’s about we start with a couple of laps around the fence before we head out and see what you kids can do.” Keeping his hands carefully away from the reigns, he gave Jitters a soft double kick to urge him forward into a trot.

 

“C’mon now! And try not to beak any legs, horse or otherwise!”

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Tuc saw that Bert had yelled at his horse, and then the beast had started to move.  Tuc screamed "Forward!" at the top of his lungs, but all his stupid horse did was look at him lazily and flick his tail.  Furious, Tuc got off of his mount and smacked it in the butt.  The horse reared and began to run away when Tuc grabbed onto its tail quickly.  Neighing ferociously, the horse took off, and Tuc crawled up the horse via the back entrance.  He sat on its rump awkwardly while it ran in a beeline towards the other Children.  Having no idea what to do, Tuc grabbed a hold of the thing's ears, and yanked them to the left.

 

Tuc realized that the sky was very blue, and horse hooves were very black.

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Edalia followed the instructors example and urged her horse into a trot. Though she hadn't been on a horse in a good while, the movements came back to her after an initial jolting start. Rising and falling with the horses gait and keeping her weight steady, she guided the mare around the corral. The mare seemed to follow her half remembered instructions easily, something for which Edalia was grateful, she had no wish to be embarrassed by being thrown or by falling off like some of the other initiates seemed to be in danger of.

 

Keeping a wide berth of some of the other classmates, one of whom seemed to think the ears were the ideal things to turn the horse with, she concentrated on keeping her seat and guiding the horse around the corral, awaiting the next set of instructions.

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Couple of laps, eh?

This most certainly couldn't be that hard, now that the horse was already going and all. Bert experimentally kicked the horse again, a bit harder, and was jolted back violently as the horse accelerated. "AAAGH" he screamed, as the horse ran at speeds quite possibly not very fast around the yard. "A LAP MEANS AROUND, NOT STRAIGHT FORWAAARD", Bert's shouting didn't seem to affect the horse much. Bert decided he would try the reins. He them tightly in both his hands, trying to hold onto the horse with his legs, and then jerked them backwards in a fashion that testified that Bert didn't really know how to ride. The results was Bert lying in  a pile on the ground about 6 feet ahead of the horse, which seemed to be whinnying triumphantly. Bert grumbled angrily and got up to give it another shot.

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"You lot look like a bunch of old pros! But just to be on the safe side, how's about we start with a couple of laps around the fence before we head out and see what you kids can do."

 

Zoe fell in behind the rest, keeping her mare in a steady pace. It was a beatuifaul day for a ride, truth be told. Zoe yearned to ride faster, ro enjoy the rush and let the wind play with her hair. But there were others in front of her who set the pace. Also, she had a very distinct feeling that the instructor wouldn't approve. He seemed to be rather keen on his instructions being followed by the letter. A control freak by definition.

 

Keeping her back straight to avoid pain in her lower back, Zoe rode round and round until they were told to halt by the instructor.

 

 

Zoe

CotL

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  • 4 weeks later...

IC:

 

Donovan watched in horror as his ‘students’ mounted attempted a the few laps he had set to them. It took very little time for him to realise that all but a select few of them required significant instruction. But before that could happen, he had to regain control of his class. Walking over to Jitters he retrieved a length of coiled leather, and turned back to face the group.

 

The coil dropped slowly to the ground as the students continued to lose control over their horses. His arm moved methodically, up and back before smoothly curving downward. The length of leather reached out before him, snapped the air with an ear splitting sound, and settled rapidly to the ground. The horses started a little harder at the sound, but it had the desired effect on the students. One released the ears of his horse, another sat straight up and ceased yelling, and in a matter of moments the horses had all settled back into walks and began to mill about.

 

All but three. The riders of these three managed to hold the reigns of their horses, were sitting them properly and continued their brief lap around the corral before settling to a stop. Pointing at them each in turn he said, “You three, dismount. Advanced training, maneuvers and mounted combat begins next week.” Looking over the rest of the class he allowed himself a small sigh.

 

“As for the rest of you,” He took a deep breath and allowed his voice to crescendo as he spoke. “FEET IN YOUR STIRRUPS, BACKS STRAIGHT, REIGNS IN HAND!! I’LL TEACH YOU LOT TO RIDE AND THEN IT’LL BE TWENTY LAPS AROUND THE WALL FOR LYING!!!!”

 

 

OOC: This is the second to last post. Post your replies, I'll make one final post, and we'll move onto the next class. I just cut my hours back to part time, so hopefully I'll be able to move things along a bit faster in the future. My apologies again for the wait.

 

OOC2: The three students in Donovan is referring to are Zoe, Edalia and a nameless NPC(A redshirt, if you will).  For the rest of you, you must make at least one post after my final one in which you RP your punishment for lying. Thank you. :)

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Edalia's horse shied at the sudden sound of the Whip crack and it was all she could do to keep her seat. Using her knees and steady hands on the reins, she managed to bring the horse under control. Murmuring soothing words she patted the mares' neck and dismounted on the order of the Instructor.

 

She couldn't help but blush as she heard him announce who had passed the test and realised that she was through to the next level. Pulling the reins over the mares head, she led her back to the stables with another pat on the mares' neck, smiling at the instructor gratefully as she passed then jumped as he yelled the instructions to the rest of the class down her ear.

 

Thankful she wasn't one of those that was left behind and relieved she had actually remembered most of what she had been previously taught of how to ride a horse, she shared a smile with Zoe and then walked the horse into the stables.

 

Humming to herself with pleasure she rubbed the mare down with a handful of straw and removed the tack.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Zoe allowed herself to pick up the pace a bit. The horse she picked was finally starting to feel more comfortable with her. It took time to establish a bond with your horse. It was a needed process, though. There was a mutual trusting there.

 

Zoe managed to see the instructor holding something in his hand. It wasn't clear what it was, since she was too far off to tell. But the second the sound of a whip cracking echoed through the air, there was little doubt as to what it was. Zoe had to admit it was clever. And also a bit sneaky.

 

Wrapping the reins around her hands twice, she held on tightly, seizing the control and keeping her horse in check. She didn't quite fancy being thrown off a horse. It wasn't a very pleasant experience from past memory. When she felt that the horse finally relaxed, she loosened her grip on the reins and gave the horse some of the control.

 

"You three, dismount. Advanced training, maneuvers and mounted combat begins next week." Zoe blinked for a moment. But then took haste in leaving with Edalia before the man changed his mind. She was pleased. It was her first real achievement. She knew her mother would have been proud.

 

 

 

Zoe

Girl who knows how to ride  ;)

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  • 1 month later...

*“FEET IN YOUR STIRRUPS, BACKS STRAIGHT, REIGNS IN HAND!! I’LL TEACH YOU LOT TO RIDE AND THEN IT’LL BE TWENTY LAPS AROUND THE WALL FOR LYING!!!!” Bert instantaneously tried to react to every one of the commands, but got them mixed up somewhere along the road, ending up with straight stirrups and his feet in his hands. "Hmrm" he mumbled to himself. And he hadn't really lied, he'd just... Left out vital parts of the truth. Yeah. So he should definitely be excused from these twenty laps, in fact, it was only fair. If only the teacher would see it from that point of view. He grumbled some more and reluctantly urged his horse into a canter. Alright. Keep calm. Straight ba- Bert nearly fell off, but saved himself by throwing his arms randomly around the horse's neck. Okay, straight back is a bad idea. He noticed the teacher sending him a somewhat amused look. Damn teacher, thinking he's so good. Bert slowly tried to straighten up again, and, to his own personal amazement, managed to stay on. It was a major breakthrough, and Bert was pleased. Now to keep it up for 19 and three quarter laps more...

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"FEET IN YOUR STIRRUPS, BACKS STRAIGHT, REIGNS IN HAND!! I’LL TEACH YOU LOT TO RIDE AND THEN IT’LL BE TWENTY LAPS AROUND THE WALL FOR LYING!!!!"

 

Tuc attempted to scramble back onto his horse.  He ended up knocking the horse on the ground, neighing as loud as it could.  Sitting down on the ground next to his horse, who had gotten back to its feet and began running around the track, Tuc hung his head in shame.  His skull hurt from getting stomped on, and everything else hurt from getting knocked to the ground.  Looking around, Tuc saw Bert actually guiding his horse correctly.  Shaking his head in amazement, Tuc decided that if Bert could drive a horse, so could he!  Standing up, Tuc awaited for his horse to come back to him from his race around the track.  Tensing himself as the horse came closer, Tuc leaped at it, grabbing hold of the saddle instead of the ears this time, and hauled himself onto the beast.  Putting his feet in the stirrups, Tuc pumped his arms in the air.  Unfortunately, he was holding the reins, and the horse got up on its hind legs, trying to touch the sky.  Tuc held on for dear life, and when his horse touched the ground again, it bolted off into Bert's direction.  Tuc shrugged, it may not have been how he wanted to do it, but it was better then nothing.

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