[KathrynKat]

Neravontii #54

 Owner       >>> Steamturtle
 Name                >>> Undae(әn-dī
 Gender         >>> Female
 Adoption Price         >>> x
 Training         >>> [First Touch]
  =====
  . She can be very rotten when Spoiled
  . Hyper
  . Clever

 Offspring;
 None

 [Discipline >>>>> ]
 [Shows Entered > R: W: E:]
 [Shows Won >>>> R: W: E:]

 [Ej > ] [Ep > ]
 [Eh > ] [Ws > ]
 [Wp > ] [Wt > ]
 [Rf > ] [Rs > ]

[Steamturtle]

FINALLY have the first touch done! Also made it my avatar ^^

[KathrynKat]

FINALLY have the first touch done! Also made it my avatar ^^

Noticed this in the Agency when you posted. ^_^

[Steamturtle]

(going to write the other two out because...well...my writing is better ^^)

Undae was slipping in and out of the trees which inhabit half the field she calls home. They were not very close together, and there were no trees outside of the field. She watched me as I approached.

"Hey, girl," I said as I came to a halt beside her. I stroked the side of her neck with one hand, the other holding the old training saddle I had been loaned. "You ready to try something new?"

Undae sniffed at the saddle in my other hand, face shifting subtly into a shape of disgust. I might not have noticed, except for seeing that face a few times before. Her ears jerked back slightly, undoubtedly saying, "are you serious?"

"It won't be that bad," I cooed, beginning to lightly push her in the direction of the corral.

With a little coaxing, I managed to get her into the corral. It was large, mostly because Undae refused to feel as if she was confined. I closed the gate slowly, making sure to lift it slightly so it wouldn't creak on the hinges.

Turning to face Undae, she was already at the opposite end of the corral, watching me. Her body was slightly stiff, turned horizontal to me. I walked slowly toward her, one hand out in comfort while the other was hefting the saddle, now becoming slightly heavy being only supported by one arm.

Undae snorted at me when I was a few steps away, leaning into the corral wall. As if she knew I had to access both sides of her flank in order to attach the saddle. Rolling my eyes, I wedged myself between the fence and her shoulder and lightly pushed. She moved over, begrudgingly, and swung her head back, ramming it into my shoulder. It wasn't enough force to hurt, but definitely enough to make me realize she was not happy.

I placed the saddle with some difficulty on Undae's back. She shook as soon as I had it in place a few times, forcing me to readjust. Finally, with a deep-chested moaning sigh from Undae, I had it set properly. I was just about to secure the strap under her chest -

Suddenly, Undae reared up, the saddle sliding off and me falling on my backside. She took off to the opposite end of the corral, opened the gate with her tail, ran out a little ways, then turned to look at me. The look on her face was clear and undeniable: she was pleased. She had succeeded in not wearing the old saddle.

Feeling stupid for not attaching the breastcollar first, and angry in general, I stood up, brushing myself off. "You know," I yelled across the corral at her, "The sooner you are used to the old saddle, the sooner I can order a nice saddle for you!"

Her ears perked up, her attention suddenly on me. She looked slightly disappointed, as if she had realized too late her flaw.

I picked up the saddle, knowing she understood me. Guess I'd try tomorrow; she'd sooner forget dinnertime than what I just told her. I didn't spoil her by far, but she understands the reward system I had set up. If she was just good and let me saddle and ride her, she could have a nice saddle, and that's something she wouldn't refuse...

[Steamturtle]

Finally, I had saddled Undae, and she had gotten used to it. She seemed much more willing to try the saddle now that she knew there was a reward. We had gone a few weeks, with me lengthening the time each day. As an incentive, I had found a newer and more comfortable blanket; although it was not brand new she seemed to appreciate it.

Today was a clear day, not too hot, but with no chance of rain and a clear sky. The trees had all been trimmed up a bit; if she ran with me "onboard" I didn't want the wind knocked out of me - or worse - by low-hanging branches. Other preparations were also taken care of: a friend would be checking in, and any and all debris was removed.

It was time.

I had left Undae in her stable a little longer today than usual. I knew by the way she looked at me as I walked in to retrieve her she knew this wasn't going to be a normal day. I led her out, but not into the corral. She seemed to be much more cooperative when left with more space.

I put on and adjusted the saddle, with Undae only putting up a little fuss. She didn't prefer it, but she accepted it as a "cross she must bear" for something new and shiny. I took special care today to make sure it fit her as perfect as possible. Then I walked up to face her, stroking her cheek and behind her ear(her favourite spot).

"Now," I started. "We're going to try something new today." I was sure she could understand, facing me straight on and hanging onto every word I say. "I...don't know if you'll like it, but please - please - don't run me into anything or trample me, kay?"

Undae was silent for a moment, and I feared she was ignoring me. But then she snorted slightly and gave a little nod. I took that as she understood.

I walked back to the saddle, taking a big breath. I grabbed the horn with one hand, applying a bit of pressure downward. Undae stiffened for a moment, then complied, lowering down to the touch. Convincing myself this would work, I put my foot into the stirrup.

Undae bent her ears back, her chest puffing out. She didn't like this, or at least was uncomfortable with this. I slowly brought myself upward, and she started fidgeting.

"Whoa," I said, patting her neck comfortingly with my free hand. She stopped, but was snorting frustratedly.

Finally, I had settled into the saddle, both feet in the stirrups. Undae had begun fidgeting again, her front feet moving and her ears twitching. I rubbed her ear, attempting to calm her.

"Alright, girl," I said in a soothing voice, trying to not let my own fears enter. "We can do this. Forward, slowly."

I tapped her flanks lightly with my heels, and she slowly, reluctantly, walked forward. I let out a sigh as she followed each command, more or less, although a little stubborn and a little reluctant.

I was almost done with her, when there was a loud crash. I jumped and dug my heels into her flanks, and Undae rocketed forward. I held on, trying desperately to slow her down, but she kept going, faster and faster, until finally she bucked.

I went flying, and landed with a less-than-comfortable-but-could-have-been-worse thud, and Undae did finally slow down, flanks heaving. I remained there, breathing heavily myself.

Undae approached me, and bent down and nuzzled my cheek softly.

"Yeah, yeah" I looked up at her. "I know it wasn't you. It was me."

She licked my face, sure to cover every inch of it with her tongue. I rolled my eyes.

"Still," I continued, sitting up. "We'll have to work on that."