[open] A Beautiful Day...

[Estelle Rivera]

...For a picnic.

Estelle
The sun was blazing. Estelle woke up in her kitchen; she had slept by the stove all night for heat. How such a cold night had turned into such a warm morning was beyond her. She smiled, catching sight of the picnic basket her mother had sent muffins in. It would be a great day if I could get Travis tacked up and head to the lake with a picnic, she thought. She had had the horse for about a week now, and had only tried to ride him once. They went for a walk around her driveway, and really it was only to make sure the tack was an okay fit.

In all, he seemed to trust her. This was good. He was still nervous when she brought him in and out of the field, or when she entered the barn. In time her would grow more used to her comings and goings. He had, before, lived in a livery yard. A busy one, at that. He wasn't used to being alone. She would probably have to find a little buddy for him. Maybe an old, abandoned horse. Or a pony. Either way, she probably wouldn't have time to work with two horses. She could try.

Money had been flowing much better since the move. Everything looked bad for a while, but after the classified ad she placed in a window of a shop in town, she had been having calls from people close by and in neighbouring villages who had young children wanting to learn to ride. She wasn't a qualified instructor, but for a beginner she was a cheaper alternative. Parents liked this. She taught at homes and private livery yards for now, and had four students, each twice a week. This had now been going on for two weeks, but at $30 an hour, 5 hours per week per pupil, she was making enough of a living to pay her way. She didn't have to worry about rent or mortgage because the house was fully paid off from her savings. Life was good.

She quickly threw on her jods and and a pair of trainers. It was too warm for boots, so she wouldn't bother. She also brought with her shorts to change into when she arrived by the lake. There were pictures on the postcards in the newsagents of a small dock on the lake. She would sit there and have a picnic. After quickly preparing sandwiches, she tacked up Travis and was ready to go.

She and the horse travelled slowly outward toward the meadow. The lake was just north of here. Estelle was excited, but hoped no one else would show up. This could be perfect for her to get to know her new horse better.

When they arrived it was already noon. Estelle tied up Travis loosely by the waters edge and he gladly took a drink. She smiled watching him, he was a beautiful horse. She changed into her shorts and dipped her feet in the water off the dock, lifted out a sandwich for herself and asked Travis, "Would you like a sugarcube?"

He whinnied.

[Serenade]

Eddie Jansen

A trip to the lake didn't seem like such a bad idea. There were some trails behind the barn that easily lead down to the clean, clear waters. But who to bring? Eddie stood out in front of the barns, looking from the mare and foal barn to the stallion barn, trying to decide if he wanted to take out Winchester or Devan. He hadn't ridden Winchester much, but also, he only just brought home Devan. Probably a good idea to test her paces. On the other hand, if they encountered another, he knew exactly how Winchester would react, mare, gelding or another stallion.

Eddie sighed, pondering his decision. The welcoming nicker from the stallion barn made up his mind for him however. It had been too long since he had spent time with his boy. Strolling lazily to the barn, he peered in, seeing Winchester shuffling as he waited to be let out. The man grinned and quickly led out his prized brindle stallion into the crossties. It wasn't long before Eddie tightened the last buckle of his worn, comfortable Western saddle. Eddie already had a lunch packed and he swiftly packed his saddle bags, bringing food and snacks for himself in one, and treats for Winchester on the other side of it.

The young man led the stallion out of the barn and paused, swinging his long, jean clad legs over the back of Winchester and settling in comfortably, sighing happily as he slid right back into the old routine. A light nudge was all that was needed, and Winchester took off at an easy lope for the trail. The pair passed through the cool forest, emerging within an hour or two by the calm recesses of the lake shore. Winchester was gleaming with a light sheen of sweat, though he was barely panting.

A grin crossed Eddie's features, and with a light kick, he sent Winchester plowing into the lake, equine and man soaked instantly. Thankfully he had waterproof saddlebags, just for this purpose. Eddie laughed as Winchester ducked his nose under the water and then threw his head up, sending water back and getting Eddie more wet. Still chuckling, Eddie looked around, and caught sight of a girl and her horse on the shore. His olive complexion darkened with embarrassment immediately, and since the pair probably just watched their antics, he felt he should go over and reassure the girl that he wasn't crazy.

Winchester waded ashore, and Eddie dismounted, walking slowly towards the pair until he was within earshot with Winchester following close behind. Umm. Good afternoon?