Problematic, in two different ways

[Serenade]

The old truck wheezed its way up the drive, Annabel behind the wheel, urging it to keep going. She had to get to a barn, she needed a job and she needed a place to board Petey. Glancing in the rear-view mirror, she checked on the battered trailer that was bumping along behind the truck. On the old bench seat next to her were a few bags, the rest of her belongings in the suitcase in the tack room attached to the trailer, along with all of Petey's things.

The battered vehicle was winding its way towards the cluster of buildings and pastures up ahead, inching closer and closer. Come on, Lumberjack, you can make it. Just a little further. It made one last effort, almost in response to its owner's crooning and cajoling. And upon reaching the open space before the house and the barn, it wheezed its last wheeze, sputtering and dying right then and there. Annabel sat behind the wheel for a moment, considering her position. If this didn't work out, she was so S.O.L.

The slim blonde girl shoved open the door, hopping out and looking around. It sure was beautiful, with a few horses in view, and a peaceful feeling permeating the area.

Sweeping up her shoulder length tresses into a ponytail, Annabel trotted to the trailer, opening the side door beside her pony's head and allowing him to looking around. The little yellow dun Fjord glared at her, having been stuck in the trailer for the past hour. As Annabel reached in to give him a quick pat, he turned his head away, and gave the back door a good kick. Annabel's face darkened with anger. In retaliation, she slammed her first against the side of the trailer beside him, causing him to snap his head back around. How do you like it! she snapped at the Fjord.

Taking deep breaths, she calmed herself down, looking around for someone, owner, employee, anyone. She needed a place to put Petey, if only for the night. A job would be nice too, but she wasn't going to push it. Petey was most important to her, even when he was being a brat. No one had caught her eye just yet, so she leaned against the trailer, just as Petey stuck his head out and gave her T-shirt sleeve an affectionate, apologetic tug. Unable to stay mad at the cute pony, Annabel reach over and rubbed his dark nose, smiling at the incorrigible animal.

[arzu]

She was in the mare and gelding barn, putting Jade into a stall for the time being seeing the mare had been causing her normal chaos today, which included dumping the food all over the floor and then there was the whole water thing but Sammie really did not feel like going into that at this moment. She assumed Pablo was working with his new mare which was ok with her because she had a lot to do. She shook her head, taking the back way and heading over to the stallions barn which was looking a little sad with only two horses occupying it. She took Caillou out of his stall and clipped him into the cross ties, next she clipped the led onto Barbary and took him out of his stall. The stallion eagerly pranced along side her.

Hearing a dying truck, she walked outside and saw a truck and a trailer, she walked over to the girl and gave her a smile. Hello im Sammie the owner of cedar creek, are you looking for a place to board your horse, possible a job. She laughed I herd your truck sounds like its either time for a new one or you needed it fixed, maybe I will see if Pablo knows a thing or two about fixing a truck. Barbary snorted and pawed at the driveway, she flicked the end of the lead rope at his chest to quiet him, if that is indeed what you are looking for, the gelding and mare barn is over there and the stallion barn is behind me, hmm what else can I say, oh you can go ahead and get him settled in and I can get him into the pasture. I have quite a lot of things to do, have to work with a couple horses and look at getting a few more stallions in here after you are done with that come see me in the stallion barn. She smiled and tipped her hat before walking off to put the stallion in the pasture.

this sucks.... sorry

[Serenade]

A girl came walking out of one of the barns with a beautiful paint stallion in tow. She seemed to have spotted them instantly and came right over. Before Annabel could even say a word, she began to speak, introducing herself as owner of the stable. Annabel listened, and smiled as she spoke.

Sammie seemed nice enough, and she did pretty much just offer her a job and boarding on the spot. Unable to think of what to say, the blonde girl just nodded dumbly as Sammie went on to explain that she could move Petey right in and then see her in the stallion barn. Alrighty then. No questions there. Seeing Sammie walk away, Annabel thought a little late that she should introduce herself. My name is Annabel Goldbloom by the way. Thank you so much! she called after the retreating back, a smile coming across her pink lips.

Turning happily to the trailer, she set about unloading her precious cargo, who seemed grateful to finally be out of that confined space. The yellow dun Fjord pony looked around, his lead just laying on the ground, while Annabel collected a few of his things, like his hay bale and his water bucket. Looking at Petey, the girl smiled, and clicked her tongue before turning and walking. The sometimes ornery pony followed her obediently with the lead just trailing on the ground, something he had always done, even when he was being a pain.

Into the cool shade of the barn, Annabel quickly looked around, and chose a stall for Petey. It was clean and well constructed, something Annabel appreciated, after having to board Petey in some pretty sketchy places sometimes, if only for the night. Finding a mass of straw, she hurriedly put down the bedding, with Petey standing obediently nearby, merely gazing around at his delightful new home. Once the bedding was in place, Annabel led Petey into the stall, unstrapping his halter and hanging both halter and lead on the peg beside the door. The happy pony inspected his new home as Annabel placed hay and water in his stall, pleased to be able to stop at last.

Pony taken care of, Annabel ran to get her tack, not wanting to leave it hanging around in the trailer. Hauling the box that contained her well used Western saddle and bridle, as well as the grooming tools, she placed in beside Petey's door, unsure of what to do with it at the moment. Sammie would most likely tell her later.

Having finished her task, she skipped out the door to the next barn, the stallion barn. Annabel paused in the doorway, unsure of what to do, though unable to hold back from admiring the gorgeous buckskin stallion in the crossties before her. Knowing stallions could be ornery, she held back from approaching him, instead just staring at him with unabashed awe, though still looking for Sammie out of the corner of her eye.

[arzu]

Sammie walked up behind Annabel. You can pet him if you want, it’s the other stallion you have to look out for and the mare. She walked in and set to grooming the stallion, so like I said im going to give you a job, its going to consist of stable work and sometimes I might need you to work a few horses here and there for me so training will also be included in that job title. She smiled as she dropped the brush in the box and picked up another one and started going over his coat again, now then if something comes up were you cant work or your sick just call and tell me I am very relaxed about it, it does not bother me one bit, im use to doing back braking work it all comes with owning and working on a farm. She smiled and set the brush in the box, she stuck a light blanket on him and un clipped him and lead him out.

She put him in the pasture and walked back in, I will pay you six dollars an hour that will be upped when there are more borders and such, oh and you never know I am always bring new horses in so you will have work, other animals im still thinking about. She laughed, well then I will let you get on your way I have to go work Jade if you have an questions I will be in the outdoor arena oh your tack and stuff can go in the tack room just pick an empty spot, there is baskets for wraps, shampoo and such, hooks for bridles and just about anything. She smiled and walked out and over to the other barn.

[Serenade]

Annabel jumped a bit when Sammie walked up behind her. Instantly she moved forward the caress the stallion, admiring his gold hide. She loved buckskins, especially Quarter Horse ones, and he was certainly a fine specimen of his breed.

Annabel moved to the side as Sammie began grooming the stallion, brushing his coat to a brilliant sheen, and Annabel internally sighed with envy. But no matter how much she would love a horse like the one before her, Petey was her constant companion, her first horse and her pet. The girl nodded as Sammie began outlining the job position after putting the stallion in a pasture. It was so kind of her to allow Annabel a job, and one with a lot of responsibilities at that. And she seemed like a fair boss, with the sick day thing. Six dollars an hour wasn't much, but she could understand the need to be tight with cash.

Annabel had enough for a few months rent of an apartment and buy food, though how she was going to get back and forth to work if her car couldn't be fixed quickly. And since it was so old, being from the '80s, she doubted it could be fixed. It just might be easier to buy a new one, or at least, find a cheap car that would run and not break down so many times.

Seeing Sammie walk out, Annabel quickly followed her, seeing her end up in the other barn. Petey came right to the door, nickering welcome to his person, and in greeting to the unknown woman. He wanted to get out and run after being cooped up in a trailer for so long. Annabel rested a hand on his nape, then looked at Sammie before speaking. I can't thank you enough. It's been pretty rough getting down here, I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't allowed me to board Petey here and given me this job.

Annabel looked down, unsure of what to say next. Plucking up her courage, she looked back at Sammie. I don't have a place to stay you see, I've only really made sure that Petey's been taken care of. Is there a place I can crash until I get a running car and find an apartment? I have enough for that at least. Mortified that she was asking for this huge favour when Sammie had already done a lot for her, Annabel began back tracking. I mean, I can easily find some place, I'm sure. I really don't want to impose, especially since you've already given me a place to work and a place for my horse. Please don't feel any obligation. I don't want to be a burden.[/color] Petey pulled on her shirt sleeve, demanding in a quiet way to be let out to run and graze. She tugged the pony's forelock, not really wanting to look at Sammie, afraid of her reaction and worrying about the reply to her little speech.[/size]

[arzu]

Sammie chuckled as she let the mare out into the cross ties, its not a problem the help is appreciated around here, as for a place if you don’t mind crashing in the main house then I don’t mind, we will have to move your truck and trailer some where else because people are going to need to get up the driveway, if you need to go some where don’t be afraid to ask to use my truck. She smiled and slipped the western saddle onto the mares back, she tossed the girl the keys, house and truck keys on there, go and get yourself settled in one of the rooms on the right. If your hungry there is left overs in the fridge and then if you would like you can join me and Caillou on a trial ride later. She tightened the cinch on the saddle and put the breast collar on.

The mare fidgeted with it being tightened and Sammie rolled her eyes and flicked the mare on the nose, she raised her head and tossed it, the young horses always know how to push you. She shook her head and fixed her cowboy hat, or if you want to wait you can follow me to the outdoor arena and we can talk some more. She lead the mare out into the sun light, her chestnut coat catching the suns rays, once in the arena she mounted swiftly and walked the mare around before bring her to the center and adjusting her seat and then giving the cue to the mare to spin to the left. The mare went her four and a quarter turns before Sammie asked her to do it again to the right, the completed there slow circle to the right then changed leads and went to the left.

The completed both fast circles and then she ran her down the center and they completed the sliding stop and rollback. Sammie gave the mare a bit of her head as she stopped her in the middle allowing the mare time to relax, wail Sammie looked around and waited.

[Serenade]

Annabel's bright blue eyes lit up as Sammie spoke. She had been so self-conscious about asking. This woman was a miracle. Annabel could tell that working with her would be a breeze, hard work, but at least with pleasant company. Thank you so much. I can't even begin to repay you. Quick reflexes kept her from being brained by the keys Sammie tossed her, though only barely.

Petey began nudging her, becoming more demanding in his need to go outside. And she would let him out, in a moment, she just needed to listen to what Sammie said. Hmmm, get settled in the house, or watch her work with the spritely mare? Mare, definitely. Annabel wanted to see how she worked, and what would be expected of her here in this place. Annabel laughed, a bit embarrassed by her dilapidated truck, and gave Sammie a nod.

I'll join you at the arena in a moment. I want to let Petey out, and move my stuff out of my truck. I'll stick it in the tack room for now.[/color] Annabel trotted out of the barn, heading to the corpse of her truck, wrenching open the door and grabbing one of her bags before walking back to get her huge suitcase of clothes from the tack room in the trailer. Turning, she watched Sammie work the mare for a moment before hauling her stuff to the barn, grabbing the rolling tack box on the way. Stuffing her items in places out of the way, she strolled back to Petey. Grabbing his halter, she quickly slipped it on his chubby head before opening the door and leading him out to an empty pasture beside one that contained a loudly colored Appaloosa mare. The gelding and mare quickly inspected each other, seemingly gossiping through the fence. The mare pranced, obviously wanting to play with her pudgy pony. Petey soon ignored her. Annabel chuckled at her pony before turning for the arena.

Once there, Annabel watched Sammie work. She was a skilled rider, an obvious thing, and the mare was certainly lively.

Annabel leaned on the fence, watching for a moment, only speaking when Sammie had stopped her in the centre of the ring. She certainly has a mind of her own. What's her name?[/size]

[arzu]

She smiled, yes yes she does and she loves to cause chaos so I will apologize now if she does something to you. She adjusted her seat, She is known as Seven Shades Of Jade Or just Jade around the barn. She nudged the mares sides and walked up to the fence Jade hung her head over trying to grab the girls shirt, Sammie backed her up and circled her before letting her stop, she rolled her eyes at the mares will and antics. She patted her neck, so are you ready to handle her during your job? She laughed, you should have nothing to worry about if you just stay out of her way, she likes to tip the water bucket, play with the hose, spill her food, push you into a feed bucket and steal things I think that about covers it. Sammie smiled and brought her back to the fence.

She hopped off the mare and handed Annabel the reins, Sammie sat on the fence, alright I want to see what you can do and then I might just give you a lesson on things that need to be worked on. She smiled and then sighed, Jade would be the perfect teacher because she would keep the rider on there toes never knowing what she was going to do and so this idea had come to Sammie when she was riding her. She is soft in the mouth so light movements and such, she might meander or focus on something else so you are going to want to let her know your boss and make her do a circle. She smiled and waited.

[Serenade]

The mare tried to grab Annabel's shirt, but the girl was used to that from Petey. Besides, Sam got her away to get some more energy out. Annabel nodded as Sammie requested her to ride the high strung mare. She was a little nervous, since it had been awhile since she had ridden another horse other than Petey, but confident that she remembered most of her skills. Annabel laughed. Oh, she just sounds like a boat load of fun.[/color] The blonde girl hopped the fence and took the reins from Sammie. Annabel steadied the mare, then quickly swung aboard, hoping the mare that wouldn't move just as she mounted. Once on the mare's back, Annabel gathered the reins, keeping her touch light, as Sammie instructed and nodded before moving her out a bit. Nice and easy, just some walking and trotting the perimeter of the ring as Annabel got used to her movements and got Jade's measure. She kept her body relaxed, ready for anything the copper mare might try, but not tense. She knew being tense would only cause Jade to make more of a fuss. Petey used to pull the same thing when she first got him.

With a cluck and a slight loosening of the reins, as well as a little nudge, Annabel asked her to move out around the ring. She wasn't sure just how much the mare would need, and didn't want to push it her first time on her back. It wouldn't help to be working here and have on of the horses hate her because she was too rough with them the first time riding them.[/size]

[arzu]

Sammie smiled oh yes she is a boat load of fun, she is so much fun you just cant contain it all. She shook her head as she chuckled, the three new horses she had gotten had come as she was heading back home from her road trip, which was fun maybe a little bit to much fun but none the less Sammie and her friends were choosing to not do that again. Sammie shook her head and watched the girl carefully as she rode Jade around, Jade was being relaxed to the best of her ability but she was begin to get bored, so she snorted and shook her head. Sammie noted this, Ok I want you to lope her and bring her to the fence line and ride along it then pull her to the right and allow her to roll back after that take her down the center and pull back to make her do a sliding stop, then back to the rail.

Go ahead and just slightly tighten your reins, we want them to be lose but not enough that she can get caught up in them. Sammie smiled and continued to watch Annabel, Just wait until I teach you barrels, you will have so much fun with that and who knows along with your horse I might allow you to show one of mine if you get good enough. She was thinking if this girl learned fast she might just be able to help Sammie out a little bit more and she knew exactly what horse to use to teach Annabel how to ride barrels.

[Serenade]

Annabel nodded, not looking up from Jade, as she felt what Sammie was talking about. She wouldn't doubt that this mare would have no problems dumping her butt in the dirt and laughing about it. Glancing over to where Sammie stood, Annabel began to follow her instructions, feeling herself slip into the natural rhythm of things, having not ridden a more difficult horse than Petey in some time. She tightened up the reins, keeping her body relaxed but ready for anything the mare might try on her while she wasn't paying attention. She was not fool.

Annabel laughed when she heard Sammie shout to her about barrels. She had always wanted to try barrels, but would never do them on Petey. He may be swift when he wanted to be, but he was not agile enough to do barrels, even for fun. I would love to learn barrels. I've always wanted to, but never seemed to be able to find a horse to ride that would be capable of them She didn't take her attention off Jade and what she was doing, sure that something was going to happen at some point with the frisky mare.