[SerenWish]

Huge thank you to cooper., who helped design the courses for the event! :D

Ireland is known for being the land that National Hunt racing originated from. These were long rides across the country in which horses had to jump any obstacles the land threw at them. The first recorded race is said to have taken place between Buttevant and Doneraile in 1752. The start of finish of the race were marked by each town's church steeple, which is why we call it steeplechase today. Amateur steeplechases normally run on farmland and are still popular in that region. The major NH festivals are Cheltenham, in the UK, the Aintree Grand National and King George VI Chase and the Hennessy Gold Cup.

Hello to all our CWHR fans and members! The artists of CWHR would like to offer a special little trip into the world of horse breeds. I would like to make this a few-times a year mini-event, where we spend a bit of time offering breeds from a certain area of the world. In honor of Saint Patrick's Day, we have the first "Cross Cultures CWHR Mini-Event"- Horses of Ireland!

All the adopts during this event will be an Irish horse breed. This time around, we have the Connemara, the Kerry Bog Pony, the Irish Sport Horse, and the Irish Draft/Draught Horse. We will offer a few Gypsy Vanners as well- Gypsy Vanners are not inherently Irish, but they do have some ties to the Ireland countryside, but most of these will be the former breeds mentioned.

Connemara: These strong, hardy ponies can come in nearly any solid color and are skilled at nearly all types of events. They are wonderful family ponies and are good jumpers. They hail from western Ireland.
Kerry Bog Ponies: These ponies are very small, around the size (or even smaller!) than a shetland pony. Because of this, they are best suited for companionship, halter showing, and driving, and should not really be ridden. Pintos are not allowed in the Irish registry, but some pintos have snuck into strains of Kerry Bog Ponies, otherwise, they may be any solid color. Bred to cross bogs, they are extremely sure-footed and strong for their size, with thick long manes.
Irish Draught Horse: Perhaps the most famous breed of Ireland, these powerful, muscular horses are commonly bred to Thoroughbreds and other Warmbloods to create stronger light horses for eventing. They can be any solid color, but grays are especially common in this breed.
Irish Sport Horse: Quickly growing in popularity, these horses are crosses from Irish Draughts and Warmbloods. They can be any solid color, and can be sabino or tobiano from their other non-Draught parent. They are extremely athletic horses, prized for their ability to jump and compete.

In addition to the chance to adopt some Irish-bred horses and ponies, we also have a special Cross-Country event, hosted by a sister stable to CWHR, Emerald Acres!

Emerald Acres breeds primarily Irish Sport and Irish Draught horses, as well as the Irish Connemara Ponies and Kerry Bog Ponies. Their brand is a shamrock design located on the shoulder, and is found on all of their horses. In the interest of spreading knowledge and love for Irish breeds, they have offered to adopt out some of their stock, as well as help host a special Cross-Country Event!

There are two Cross-Country courses, one is four miles (~6.4 km) long, and the other is only two miles (~3.2 km) long. The longer course, known as "The Green Course" will take place through fields, over hills, and a few lengths of woods, and is a bit tougher as it is longer. It will be for Warmbloods and experienced Cross-Country horses. The shorter ride, known as "The Beach Course" is a bit easier and therefore will be open to non-Warmbloods. As the horses go through the courses, they will be expected not only to compete in good time, but also to deal with obstacles, such as water, ramps, and special jumps themed after famous Irish landmarks!

Emerald Acres Horses will be going up soon, but you are welcome to register for the courses now! You may enter up to two horses- they can either be in the same course, or one in each. Please follow the rules- no entering drafts or breeds that are not up to pass. In order to win the event, you must edit your registration post with an entry for each of your horses. You must draw OR write about their experience in the course. Make sure you stick to the course. If you have any questions, PM me about it.

Course Information
Found Here

Rules
1. You may adopt up to 2-3 HoI horses, depending on the number made.
2. All CWHR rules apply. Do not complain, be kind, etc.
3. Do not post "marking" and then add another post for registration. I'd prefer you not even post "mark", and just post the form to edit and come back to later. Do not post unless you do really want to compete.
4. Artwork must be your own, as must the writings.

Form

Code: Select all

[b]Username[/b]
[b]Name of Horse:[/b]
[b]Breed of Horse:[/b]
[b]Horse Page Link:[/b]
[b]Course Entering:[/b]
[b]Entry:[/b]

Prizes
Title- Emerald Acres Cross Country Grand Champion [The Green Course]
Title- Emerald Acres Cross Country Reserve Champion [The Beach Course]
[For Each Course]
First Prize
Custom Family of Horses [Design Parents, +1 Breeding]
Ribbon
Custom Tack Set
Second Prize
Semi-Custom Family of Horses [Breed Chosen for Parents, +1 Breeding]
Ribbon
Semi-Custom Tack Set
Third Prize
Random Family
Ribbon
Halter/Wraps Tack Set

Current End Date for Cross-Country Entries: April 1st.

[cooper.]

Username cooper.
Name of Horse: The League of the Extraordinary
Breed of Horse: 50% Appaloosa x 50% American Warmbloood
Horse Page Link: sawyer
Course Entering: The Beach Course
Entry: ill do asap

Username cooper.
Name of Horse: Arsenic
Breed of Horse: American Warmblood
Horse Page Link: his tack is super fitting
Course Entering: The Green Course
Entry: Alden drove the trailer with the two horses towards the starting points of the courses. He looked over at Sterling in the passenger seat. She was watching all the scenery pass by them quietly. She would be riding Sawyer on the beach course today and she was nervous on how he would react to it all. They had been practicing mock races with Sawyer but the real ones never compared to them. "Hey, I'm going to drop you off and the course and help you set up before I leave to rush to the green course with Arsenic." He watched as she nodded and smiled. "The terrain is easy on him, we're all Irish here, it's not like he's having a huge climate shift or anything all you have to worry about is the number of people who might be there. You'll do great, I know it." Alden admitted as he pulled the truck to a stop and parked it. He got out and automatically got to work with getting Sawyer out and brushed and tacked so that he could rush and take Arsenic to their course. Alden looked at Sterling and smiled reassuringly. "Good luck, mo ghrá." He said kissing her head and leaving for the green course. When they had pulled up to the beach course Arsenic had gotten antsy but when he realized he wasn't getting out he let out an unhappy neigh and snort directed at Alden who just laughed and shook it off. After driving for a while he finally arrived at the green course and knew he was about to have to deal with an impatient Arsenic. Alden climbed out of the truck and moved quickly so to satisfy Arsenic. He opened the trailer and calmly got Arsenic out. "Hey big boy, you ready? Yea you are, I can see it in impatience." He teased the stallion lovingly as he tied him to the trailer and began to brush him out. After Arsenic was brushed, he would walk him to the registry and check in. They checked in quickly and Alden started to get suited, he wished he could be there to know how Sawyer would do but Sterling had convinced that they would be fine and that he should do the Green Course with Arsenic. The stallion nudged him in the back practically begging for attention.

[ScarletFeather11]

Username ScarletFeather11
Name of Horse: The Hanging Tree "Jay"
Breed of Horse: Arabian
Horse Page Link: X
Course Entering: The Beach Course
Entry:

Intro
Riley hummed softly as she rubbed Jay's sleek dapple grey coat down. She kissed his forehead gently when she wiped his face carefully. The young stallion was rather quiet and didn't spook easily. All he ever did around his rider was either be obedient or just sit in silence. He wasn't much on large crowds either which was why he was so quiet. The stallion just never took to the extra body heat around him or the extra people or horses constantly surrounding him. He'd get anxious and move around, bumping into things as he lightly tossed his head. Most of the people at the stables say he's most likely claustrophobic but he just doesn't lash out in the tight space of a trailer. He's just a different horse. He always has been since he was a little colt just getting to his little hooves.

Riley took a small step back to gaze over her stallion gently, grinning at his shining coat, "You look absolutely perfect, Jay. Let's just get you ready for the long ride over to the course then load you up. We'll be finished after that."

Jay whinnied out at her as an excited reply before standing still in silence once more so she could pull a blanket over him. He then followed the teen out of the barn to a large silver trailer hooked up to a red Ford truck with a tall man in the driver's seat. Riley carefully loaded the horse into his small section of the trailer and made sure his hay rack was full along with his small tub of water. She then hooked him up then got out of the trailer. She shut the back door then headed off to the passenger seat as he father was driving her to the stables that was holding the course.

~~~

Arrival
Riley swiftly hopped out of her father's truck when they arrived at the stables that was holding the cross country event. She helped her father park then headed to the back of the trailer. She opened up the back then slid inside to carefully unload Jay. She rubbed his neck gently as she walked him to the side to tie him up. She checked him over for any injuries then took his blanket off. She hummed to herself gently as she brushed him down then set his saddle pad onto his back. She then put the black saddle onto the pad and slid the girth on underneath him. She made sure that was all attached before taking his halter off to put the bridle on. Riley worked on braiding his mane gently while her father went to sign her in. Once he came back, she headed into the bunker of the trailer and got herself dressed into her riding clothing while her father watched Jay. She made sure her helmet was on right before heading out to her horse. She got onto the large Arabian then whistled gently to send him into a walk to the start of the beach course once their names were called.

~~~

Mile 1
She took a soft breath then sent her stallion into a quick canter once the buzzer sounded and let them go. She leaned up and easily sent Jay over the first two drop fence jumps. Riley settled back with a bright praising grin, "Good job boy." She patted his neck then sent him cantering across the beach once more to get ready for the next jump. The next jump was an Irish Flag Theme that took an interest in Riley. She inspected it for the few moments they had before flying over the orange, white, and green colored jump. She patted his shoulder gently with a grin before sending him down the trail to the next jump which was a rather tall brush jump. Jay stopped halfway there once he caught sight of something he didn't like. He snorted and paced around as Riley whistled and desperately tried to get him to continue. It took a few moments until he finally calmed down to send him back down the trail. He whinnied and nickered though as he flew over the jump, tossing his head as they cantered off for the next one. The next jump was an arrowhead jump which worried young Riley. She held on tight to her stallion as he got ready to jump, sighing in relief when they barely cleared it.

Jay slowed to a quick trot after a few moments to catch his breath before being told to canter and jump up the bank swiftly. He faltered for a moment but regained himself and continued to push himself up the bank. Riley let him stop for a moment to regain himself before sending him back into a canter over the next jump which was a St. Patrick's at Dublin theme. She leaned up in the saddle as they flew across it along with the next two corner jumps. Riley slowed Jay down to a trot to let him catch his breath, trotting swiftly to the stream up ahead. She leaned forwards to rub his neck as they walked through it instead. Once Jay cleared it, he went back to a canter through the coffin with the two Irish themed jumps. Soon enough, the two passed the mile marker and relief flooded over them.

~~~

Mile 2
Riley sent Jay over a Blarney Castle themed jump after a few moments and let him take a quick breather before continuing on to the next jump. Jay flicked his ears to the sounds around him before he soon arrived at the next jump. The jump was another arrowhead so Jay was used to jumping it. He cleared it then cantered on to the next jump which was another tall brush jump. He stopped for a moment but ended up cantering on. He quickly made his way through the stream then went forwards towards the Irish Flag themed jump once more. Riley sent him over the corner jump soon after then let him breathe. After a few resting moments, they continued to the last jump which was a brush jump once more. Jay quickly cleared it then slowed once they reached the finish line. Riley rubbed his shoulder with gentle praises to him. She got off him then led him off back to the stables to cool off as they got the next rider ready to take the course.


Username ScarletFeather11
Name of Horse: Eye of the Tiger "Tiger"
Breed of Horse: Akhal-Teke
Horse Page Link: X
Course Entering: The Beach Course
Entry:

Intro
Tiger swished her tail gently as she grazed on the grass in her field with a few other mares. She flicked her soft ears when she heard a whistle from her rider, Claire. Claire was a bright blue-eyed blonde with a spring to her step. She was a smart young girl and enjoyed her time around the horses at her cousin's stable. It was her life. She enjoyed the loving life of animals around her and the way of life as well. Tiger trotted over to the gate where her rider stood with a halter and lead. She let her clip them on then followed her out towards the stable, prancing around as she headed into the stable. She tossed her head for a moment before Claire tied her up to groom her down.

Claire whistled gently as she groomed her chimeric horse down gently, kissing her cheek in praise as she stood still for her. She tossed her brush back into her grooming kit and grabbed the hoof-pick to clean out Tiger's hooves. She soon cleaned them out then went to comb out her short mane. Claire patted her neck and pulled her blanket onto her tall horse. She made sure it was good then led Tiger out to her trailer, loading her up after making sure she had her hay net inside. She strapped her down then shut the trailer doors. Claire then walked to the passenger side of her truck while her boyfriend, Tyler, drove them. He was a sweet guy who worked on her family's cattle farm. His brown hair settled in waves and his eyes were as blue as the sky. His personality was sweet and gentle like Claire's. Overall, he was a great guy. Claire leaned back into her seat gently with a soft, relaxed smile on her face as they drove.

~~~

Arrival
Soon enough, they pulled up in front of the stable that was hosting the cross country event. Claire hopped out of the truck with Tyler and walked around to unload Tiger who stood in silence in her trailer. Once she was unloaded though, she whinnied out at passing horses and tossed her head curiously. Claire tied her up and checked her out for any injuries before grooming her down. She kissed her cheek with a sweet murmur of praise as she stood still. Claire tacked her up then had Tyler watch her so she could go change in the dressing room of their trailer to change. She soon finished pulling her last set of clothes on and her helmet then slid outside. She untied her horse then pulled herself up into the saddle once her name was called. She clicked her tongue and sent Tiger into a prancing walk towards the start of the course.

~~~

Mile 1
Once the buzzer went off, Tiger went off at a quick gallop towards the first two jumps. The first jump was an Irish Flag theme which made Claire look for a moment before jumping it on her horse. She then clucked her tongue to send Tiger over the next jump which was a drop fence. Tiger stumbled but regained herself and galloped off once more towards the next jump. The jump was a tall brush fence which Tiger was used to seeing. She and Claire practiced that kind of jump daily back at home. It didn't phase her as she cleared it quickly. The fourth jump was an arrowhead with a gentle paint stroke of green around it. Claire whistled and sent Tiger over it swiftly before slowing her down to a canter towards the next jump. The fifth jump was another drop fence. Tiger stumbled again but just continued forwards once more. Once the pair arrived at the banks, Tiger easily jumped her way up it then continued on to take on the brush fence up ahead. She cleared but faltered at the Blarney Castle themed jump. She whinnied in complaint but pushed herself once more to the arrowhead jump after.

Once they cleared it, Claire slowed Tiger down to a trot through the stream to let her have a chance to cool off. Once out of the stream, Claire sent her back into a canter through the coffin. Tiger jumped the two St. Patrick's Day at Dublin themed jumps quickly before hitting the mile marker.

~~~

Mile 2
"Come on girl, you've got this," Claire murmured under her breath as they galloped towards the drop fence. It was almost over so Tiger just continued to push herself quicker. She made sure she had her balance this time before continuing forwards to the corner fence jump. The jump after that was an Irish Flag theme once more. Claire sent her horse over it and let her trot once they crossed the large area of water. Tiger relaxed at the water but once out, broke into another canter over an arrowhead jump. Claire patted her shoulder in praise then whistled to give her encouragement to fly over the next two brush jumps. Once they hit the end of the course, Claire slowed Tiger to a stop and got off her, kissing her cheek in praise, "That's my girl. You did great."

She had Tyler untack her once they arrived at their trailer and hosed her down to cool off some as they waited for the announcers to announce who won.

[Timey]

username: TimeLord~Jedi
name of horse: Dark Waters Ahead 'Corentin'
breed of horse: Irish Sport Horse
horse page link: x
course entering: The Green Course
entry:


Back to my roots.



Corentin gazed up at the darkened Ireland sky, sniffing the cold breeze as it whipped around his mane in the damp air. He knew the smell of rain anywhere, but he'd never smelled it this strong. It was foreign, but in a way that seemed like it was welcoming him home as a long lost relative. Everything was different, but a good kind of different. Everything seemed right. Another cold breeze sent a spark of energy through the dark colored stallion and he bounced around in place as his rider Derik struggled to fix his Go Pro to his riding helmet. Derik looked down in confusion, as Corentin's usual icy demeanor seemed to melt away before his eyes. What had gotten into this horse? The answer was simple. Corentin was experiencing a feeling of homesickness he'd never even known he had. Corentin had been born in this country, but taken to America at a very young age. He was only now experiencing his origins, and he was reveling in it. If Corentin had a choice, he would never go home to MCS.

Horse and rider were similar in this aspect. Derik had been born in Ireland too, but moved across the world at such a young age he had no recollection of his country of origin. Thus, he had been thoroughly Americanized. He walked like it, he talked like it, and he thought like it. Heck he even looked like it. Long dark hair that looked like he just rolled out of bed about five minutes ago, and piercing blue eyes that were making all of the local women fall over themselves. Derik wasn't focused on that. He was much more focused on the competition ahead...And what Irish pubs he would go to later on tonight.

Derik finally managed to fasten the Go Pro to his helmet securely right as it was time for their run of the course.

"Come on boy." Derik said, patting Corentin's neck reassuringly, not that it was needed. "Let's show them what Manteca Creek is made of."



Mile 1



As soon as they started, Corentin wanted so badly to run all out across the course under the dark sky, but Derik held him back until he settled into a good pace. The course was 4 miles long so Corentin had to conserve as much of his energy as possible, even if it right now it seemed limitless.

Horse and rider came up to the first jump, a brush jump, and soared right over with ease. Corentin gave a content whinny, loving the feeling of galloping across his home country. It felt glorious. He had to collect himself quickly to go over the next jump, which was an arrowhead. Derik's heart skipped a beat because it seemed like they might already have an issue this early on in the course, but Corentin surprised him by leaping into the air and clearing the jump easily. A huge grin took over his face. Corentin had this in the bag.

A bit more running brought them to yet another brush jump, which like the other was cleared without a struggle. After that came a brush filled corner jump in between two more brush jumps. Derik clutched the reins as Corentin did his work, his mane whipping around like dark, choppy ocean waves during a bad storm. Corentin sprung up and over each jump as if he had sprouted wings. A little while later, they came up to the first bank. Corentin jumped up with no issue. After this came the first water part. Corentin jumped down into the water without hesitation, and then jumped over a corner jump and a brush jump looking more like a pile of logs. They then cleared the Blarney Castle theme jump, which marked the end of their first mile. Flawless.



Mile 2



The second mile immediately greeted them with an arrowhead jump and a drop fence, and Corentin was over the first jump and down the second in an instant. There was a brief expanse of grass out before them, which Derik had to once more restrain Corentin from galloping all out across.

There was a distant sound of rolling thunder and a moment later Corentin felt a million little rain drops begin to fall. He continued on through the long expanse before coming up to the coffin. He jumped down into it as Derik blinked the raindrops out of his eyes. He gazed in wonder at the sight of his first Irish rainstorm. Corentin let out a whinny as he charged up the other side of the coffin, leaping out and continuing along the course.

Derik looked out at the next section of the course. A series of brush, arrowhead, and corner jumps lay out ahead of them. Corentin was not daunted in the least bit. He was still going strong, his powerful muscles rippling under his coat without any sign of slowing down. Derik knew this wouldn't last, but Corentin was a good horse, and Derik was positive that he would make it to the end without complications. He'd watched him in action from the audience many times.

Corentin cleared the jumps with ease, including the St. Patrick's at Dublin jump at the end of that section of the course. Another expanse of uninterrupted galloping brought him up to the first ditch, which he cleared as more thunder shook the Earth. He plunged down into the next water obstacle. He cleared the jumps and then swept into the next mile of the course.



Mile 3



Derik could tell the third mile was going to be a piece of cake, but it seemed that Corentin was slowly starting to fade. It was clear the stallion refused to admit it to himself however, as he tried desperately to keep the same speed. Derik tried to hold him back. A faster time wouldn't be worth letting Corentin drive himself into the ground. Corentin went up the first obstacle of the third mile, a bank, and then seemed to get excited at the sight of long stretches of running up ahead. Derik continued to try and keep him from tiring.

A arrowhead jump was cleared as the gurgle of a nearby stream began to make itself known through the wind roaring in Derik's ears. Corentin turned an ear towards it but kept his eyes on the path in front of him. Derik saw flashes of the stream in the course ahead as Corentin cleared another brush jump. A little further ahead past a corner jump the stream turned towards the course suddenly. Derik watched the reflection of Corentin as he cleared the next jump and shot out into the next long expanse.

The stream dipped out of view for a short time but quickly came back as they hit the part of the course where it crossed their path. The water was as a clear as a window, which Corentin promptly shattered as he charged through the stream and up the other sidE. Another brush jump welcomed them into the final mile of the course. They were almost done.



Mile 4



Corentin seemed to sense that the course was almost finished. He absentmindedly cleared the arrowhead jump that ushered them into the fourth mile, seemingly bored with the whole thing now. Another coffin was passed without issue, as was the corner jump following it. Corentin began to speed up again, wanting to just get to the end of the course already.

Another bank was climbed and both horse and rider sensed that they were on the homestretch. Corentin quickly cleared the next few jumps and thundered across another brief expanse. Corentin came up to the final obstacle and cleared the banks, sweeping into the finish and coming to a stop as the Manteca Creek handlers ran up to take him back to the trailer to recuperate. Derik grinned as his friends from Manteca Creek ran up to him cheering and screaming in celebration of a perfect run.






username: TimeLord~Jedi
name of horse: Silver Songbird 'Songbird'
breed of horse: Irish Sport Horse
horse page link: x
course entering: The Beach Course
entry:


It's good to be home.



The waves crashing against the distant cliffs sounded to Songbird like hearing an old tune again for the first time in years, and remembering all the lyrics. The crisp, cold air and the waves brought back intense feelings of nostalgia. She'd been born and raised in Ireland, and no matter how America tried, it could never compete. For the first time in a long time, Songbird felt she was truly in her element.

The young rider from MCS on the mare's back however, couldn't feel further from it. No matter how many times she tried to convince herself that the course would be easy, she still tried to shy away. Tammy could tell that Songbird was getting impatient, as the mare was never one to show much emotion other than skittishness. Now she was stamping her hooves on the ground angrily.

'Just hang on and let Songbird do all the work.' Tammy repeated to herself in her mind.

'Just hang on.'



Mile 1



The first mile started quickly, much to Songbird's delight and Tammy's dismay. Tammy hid her face in the mare's mane as she cleared the first two jumps; two brush jumps. Two jumps in and so far this was the best Songbird had ever done in any competition. Tammy looked up once again as Songbird took the arrowhead jump with grace. Tammy resisted the urge to hide in the mare's mane again and watched as she swept over the Blarney Castle jump.

An empty expanse came up ahead of them and Songbird gallivanted through the sand with a new found energy. An energy that helped carry her up the first bank and over another arrowhead jump. Two more jumps and another empty expanse lead her to an area where a large stream trickled out of the nearby cliffs and into the ocean. Songbird splashed through the water without really noticing it was there and jumped down into a small coffin. She jumped out the other side, which marked the beginning of the second and last mile.



Mile 2



The first jump in the second mile was the St. Patrick's at Dublin jump, and Songbird flew over without a problem. Tammy was now sitting up confidently in the saddle with a focused look on her face, realizing that she had a chance of actually being able to pull this off. Maybe her training had paid off after all.

Sonbird rocketed down the beach when an empty expanse came up in front of them. It was soon cut short by an arrowhead jump and another corner jump. And after the corner jump came some little pools of water with Songbird disturbed without regret for ant living creature that may have been residing in them.

Two brush jumps and a corner jump marked the end of the course, which Songbird felt had been a bit short. She was taken back to the trailer as Tammy was swept up into the arms of her older brother Derik who seemed to have completed his run recently. The members of MCS celebrated Tammy's first flawless run before running off into the crowd once more to await results.

[SerenWish]

Course Information Added! Have any questions or notice any issues, just tell me!

[Chronometer]

Username Chronometer
Name of Horse: GHR Lukke Døren "Hannes"
Breed of Horse: Frederiksborg
Horse Page Link: Here
Course Entering: The Beach Course
Entry: Freedom Is A State Of Mind



As the first ride of the day, Angus and Hannes were already warming up in the murky morning light. The draw had been held last night, and everyone was surprised to see him pulled first. 'Luck of the Irish,' they called it with a laugh. To him, the Irish weren't lucky, just a little better at making things go their way. Speaking of that, things were not quite going Angus's way. Hannes was all riled up with excitement, snorting like a dragon and puffing up his chest.'Look at me, you inferiors,' he seemed to say. 'Let me show you how superior I am.' This made everything difficult; with his horse more focused on that pretty mare over there than his feet made his perfectly set up leg yield look more like a drunken dance move. At least no one wanted to be up this time of morning to see him fail. With multiple serpentines and finally a couple warm up jumps, Hannes finally discovered that his rider might like it if he listened. Praise greeted his ears as he softened his topline and relaxed. The man on his back could 'good laddie' him all he wanted - it was time to jump now.

***

Gripping the fancy reins tightly in his right hand, and struggling to hold them in semi functional left, Angus was begining to have second doubts about this whole competition. Sure, the first part was easy, with simple logs and fences, but now things started to get tricky. He'd refused to wear the patch over his blind eye because it made him look daft, but now he'd pay the price. The sun had just slipped over the horizon, and illuminated everything in a beautiful glow, effectively setting the right side of Angus's face on fire with pain. He'd just have to ignore it; Hannes needed a confident and forward rider. Any hesitation on his part could spell disaster.

A jump was fast approaching. The flag jump, with its beautiful colours of Ireland's flag. With firm aids, Angus directed his horse towards the obstacle. The uneasy feeling of unbalance flooded Angus with worry. Too late to back out now! With a mighty leap, Hannes left the ground just in time, though with his rider miles behind.

'Don't expect me to save you every day,' Hannes shook his head and kicked up his heels to get the point across.

Word count: 400 words exactly

[silver ~]

Username ~Silverpelt~
Name of Horse: More than meets the eye "Iris"
Breed of Horse: Paso Fino
Horse Page Link: xXx
Course Entering: The Beach Course
Entry:

[SerenWish]

Horses competing in the green course must be at least 50% Warmblood or Thoroughbred.

[Inupait]

Username Inupait
Name of Horse: Inux Echo House
Breed of Horse: Thoroughbred
Horse Page Link: Iykan
Course Entering: The Green Course
Entry:
Cool wind nipped at Iykan's soft velvet nose. she chewed impatiently at her bit and danced in the spot as she tested the grip of her riders reins. The brisk air was enough to make the sooty thoroughbred anxious, let alone she could feel the tension in her riders seat. all of a sudden her reins slacked and she heard the all so familiar cluck from her rider and the powerful mare exploded into a run. She had been raised on the track she was more of a sprinter but she had started dabbling in cross country for a change of scenery. This would be her very first real competition.
The first few jumps came up quite quickly she felt her rider adjust her reins to collect her pace, she was exhorting herself far to much to last the entire course so she felt the soft pressure at the corner of her mouth and tucked her chin into a more collected gate. she soared over the first two jumps and cocked up her heals slightly with delight. but she was quickly corrected by her rider with another cluck. So far it felt easy, blissful to say the least. the slightly slippery grass was nothing like the packed sand that she was used to but she quickly adapted to it. Trees flew by her as she approached the next set of jumps, an eery shadow fell over the face of one of the castle shaped jumps. but her rider pushed her onward and she managed to muster the courage to leap the scary jump.
her hear beat hard as she tried to recover from the shadows sudden appearance. but she reached the bank and hopped up on the new level and charged forward. she found reassurance in her riders suddenly relaxed grip and found herself more comfortable with her unfamiliar surroundings. Her ears came forward what a shimmer of light bounced off of the next obstacle… water?! she snorted and tossed her head in objection but she felt her rider press her heals into her sides. "Easy Echo House" she heard the voice from above and tossed her head again but by now her hooves had met the shimmering false surface. droplets sprayed up around her heels and soaked her flank. Water was an exhausting obstacle. it slowed her pace drastically but she powered on to clear the next jumps. she could not be happier to have solid ground under her feet once more.
the next fifteen obstacles were a breeze but when she reached the second coffin jump she looked down. it was deep and she felt a stab of fear in her chest. the ground on the other side of the jump hit her foot and she stumbled but managed to recover. her rider lurched in the saddle but also recovered. then came more water. she tossed her head furiously that for the second time she had been forced to get her pretty hooves wet. she felt sweat starting to drip down her chest and front lets. and her breath was a little quicker but she had trained for this. long morning runs had made her stamina improve from the track. she whisked over the next few jumps easily and took a flying leap over the creak that crossed her path in order to avoid any possible chance she would get her hooves wet for a third time. she felt like the end was in sight but she was beginning to tire.
the next few jumps weren't as easy as the previous but she managed to lift her feet over them without touching. the last ditch jump took more effort then the rest of all of the jumps but she mustered the strength to not look down this time, she couldn't afford another close call. she could see the end it was so close. her breath was quite quick now and sweat frothed between her legs. she narrowed her eyes and and chewed the bit hard in determination to push hard into the last part of this course. the last few jumps seemed to take forever to come and go but it was the final bank jumps that caught her exhausted legs at their wits net. she knocked her front left hoof on the middle platform and felt a slight stab of pain but she would not let herself slow. she reached the finish line and snorted her exhaustion. she was hot and sweaty but she was proud of herself for keeping her head on straight. her rider patted her neck pleasantly and she rubbed her sweaty nose on her knee. she had nicked her hoof when she bonked it on the bank jump and a small trickle of blood was visible but nothing that a bit of warm water wouldn't make alright.

Username Inupait
Name of Horse: Watermark Heart
Breed of Horse: Anglo-Arab
Horse Page Link: Pastel
Course Entering: The Beach Course
Entry:
Soft damp sand compacted under her uncertain hooves. But Pastel could not think about that. the bustle of the day had started hours ago as horses ran the course in turn. Horses around her would occasionally become overwhelmed and begin to fuss. rearing and snorting their worries to everyone who might listen. But Pastel would not share in there fears, she had to focus. this would be her very first actual competition. She had always been warmed up on the beach and jumping was not a problem. But still she was nervous about the day. she licked her lips and chewed gently on the bit to keep herself calm. But her heart fluttered when her rider mounted up and adjusted herself in the saddle. It must be their turn. She blew a breath through her nostrils and prepared herself.
She herd the indication to run and took flight. she had been bred to run and her arab blood loved the sand as much as the thoroughbred loved the wind. she monitored her breathing and her pace as she knew this would be a long run. She sailed over the jumps like a little dove taking flight. her fine features and fine legs made her look more like an arabian, bred for racing in sand in endless races across the desert. She loved this more then anything. she was a graceful jumper, looking more like she should be a show jumper as she concurred ever jump she came across.
She scaled the bank grunting slightly as she fought with the sucking sand. but she over the sand, it felt so hot and untouched under her hooves even though dozens of horses had already run across it. Sand flicked up from her hooves as she jumped over every jump. if her tail had not been bundled up she could imagine how much sand would have become tangled in it. she reached the stream that emptied its precious fresh water into the salty sea. she sprang over it not even disturbing its banks with her hooves. she reached the one and only ditch on the course. the only obstacle she had been dreading, bitty she didn't let herself look down. sailing over the gap as though she had wings. it was at this point that she knew she was half way there. almost done.
She had only just began to break a sweat and she knew she would have no issues running the rest of the course. she sprang every jump that followed like a young deer. her form was perfect but her landings were a little bit sloppier as her legs became slightly tired from the uneven sand. her skin was so hot and sweaty, even her nose became itchy from the droplets of sweat that trickled down. but she couldn't stop to rub the pesky droplets away yet. instead relief came from one of the obstacles. a small pool on the beach stood in her pay and she dove into it without a flick of the ear. the water sprayed up around her hooves and bathed her hot skin. it was so refreshing and gave her the motivation she needed to take on the last few sections of the course. Pastel was sad to leave the water, she loved it as much as she loved the sand but she had to finish the course. She kept the next jump, then the next and then finally the last. she crossed the finish line and she tossed her head in victory. she had never expected that her first try would be so easy, she loved it.
her rider steered her away from the crowds of people and towards the softly crashing waves. she plodded into the surf and snorted as the cooling waves lapped as her sweaty belly. she was so happy to be in the water and began to paw at it playfully. salty droplets flew up and soaked her entire body and her rider. giggles escaped her rider as they both enjoyed a job well done.

[lichenfeather]

Username Lichenfeather
Name of Horse: SF's Endgame
Breed of Horse: Thoroughbred
Horse Page Link: Finale
Course Entering: The Green Course
Entry:

Quetzal ran a hand through the ebon mane of her beautiful Finale. The mare snuffled softly, completely relaxed despite the excited hum of the crowd surrounding the pair. It was nothing she had not seen before. Although the green expanse that stretched before her was dotted with jumps, Finale felt just as at home as she did in the starting gate of her youth. There was only one thing in her mind that differentiated this 'race' from any other. Tilting her white face up and straining slightly against the soft snaffle bit, the slate mare gave a shrill whinny, her ears pricked forwards as she waited for a reply. From out across the vast green glen of Emerald Acres, her son's crystal clear reply rang out. Satisfied all was well, the ex-racehorse pawed at the turf once before falling still, alert and ready to run.

As her mare whinnied beneath her, Quetzal smiled slightly, shifting her weight while moving her hand to scratch the soft slate coat of the horse below her. The girl knew her mare was having a conversation with howl, her son. For a moment, Quetzal wondered if she had been crazy to bring three horses out to the Acres. Yet Howl wasn't competing for a few days, and Ronan only provided companionship, and a bit of an Irish spirit for the team from the Silent Forest. Her troubled thoughts were cut short by her name and number being called up over the loud speaker, the voice crackly and slightly distorted. As per usual, they mis-pronounced her name. Settling herself in the well-used saddle, the young adult drew Finale towards the start of the course.


"Over the Bank"

The first few jumps had gone without flaw. Finale charged ahead, ducking her head to grab the bit in her teeth. Snorting indignantly, she resisted Quetzal's unceasing attempts to collect her, launching herself into the breakneck sprint of a racehorse. Water loomed ahead, the crystalline liquid stained blue by the sky it reflected. Eventually managing to force Finale to lift up her head and slow slightly, the girl perched atop the sixteen hand mare prepared to face the water, an obstacle not found at the Silent Forest Stud. Carefully, Quetzal settled into the saddle, hyper-aware of the mare straining to break free beneath her. Finale tossed her head, eager to get to the water and cool her hooves. Unaware of her rider's worries, the slate coated equine yanked on the bit again, attempting to regain control. They were almost at the water jump now, and the dew on the grass made the surface slick under the mare's drumming hooves. Unable to grasp the moist grass, Finale skidded slightly. Alarmed, the mare leapt forwards, using her powerful hind legs to propel herself towards the water. Although she jumped long, she made it over the jump and into the water with little problem. As the cool liquid wrapped around her hooves and fetlocks, the spirited mare squealed, tossing her head and lifting her legs to take a jittery prance through the water. It was not long before the grullo equine charged off to conquer the next obstacle.


"Arrowhead"

They were halfway through now. Quetzal was proud of her fiery mount, who took each challenge in stride without a shred of fear. What neither girl nor mare expected, however, was that their security was about to change. A lone fox, flushed from it's home during the creation of the course had taken refuge in a bush bordering a jump. As the massive thoroughbred thundered towards bushy rails, the unfortunate canine gave a loud yelp of alarm and darted from the shrub, and into the path of the mare. Finale, spying the rusty form racing towards her did the only reasonable thing for a horse of her disposition. Instead of stopping, the now spooked mare launched herself forwards, leaping over the fox with enough height to clear the panicked creature twice over. Quetzal, not expecting the wild leap, clung to Finale, desperately knotting her fingers into the dark mane that hung loose on the equine's neck. Although she soon regained her balance, the pairs strides were off for the next jump, only a few horse-lengths away.

Wildly gathering Finale beneath her, Quetzal managed to slow her down to a collected canter in eight strides, yet the jump was fast-approaching. Realizing that as a human she could not gauge the distance or the jump at this point, the blonde girl softened her hands, allowing Finale her head and the power to make the jump on her own. Lifting her hooves, the mare rearranged herself, taking the jump short, but landing with confidence. Beaming, Quetzal scratched Finale, whispering praise into her ears as together they continued their conquest.


"Into the Water"

They were alongside the massive cliff now. Quetzal could feel both herself and her mare tiring. Finale pulled less at her bit, and the tossing of her head had subsided. Running a hand across her mare's neck, the girl perched atop her sought and offered reassurance in one movement. Yet despite the pairs growing exhaustion, the views from the cliff-top were beyond amazing. Quetzal thought she could see for miles and miles, over the blue ocean and into the vast nothing beyond. Grinning, she felt the ocean breeze sweep through her hair, the cool wind providing relief to both mare and girl. Finale, on the other hand, did not like the smell of the water. To her, that primeval blackness promised only death, and the poisoned, undrinkable water of nightmares. Nervously, she whickered, wanting to speed up to escape the scent of the water.

Finally, Quetzal complied. As they pulled away from the cliff, she shot one last regretful glance over her shoulder, yet she could feel her mare's urging, and she let Finale's steady hoofbeats draw them away from the promise -- be it fair or foul -- of the endless water. Quetzal could see the third mile mark now, and the site of the purple post staked into the ground filled her with hope --- they would make it.


"To the End"

Finale's hind-hooves landed on the ground softly, the mare's grace and elegance still remaining despite the fact she had just completed almost six and a half kilometres of grueling work. The last jump behind them, Quetzal could not help but let out an excited whoop. Picking up on her rider's enthusiasm, and the flat stretch of turf before her, the grullo mare grabbed the bit and bolted, launching into racehorse mode. Quetzal made no move to hold her back, laughing as the mare flicked her ears, joy filling her body as she ran. Together, they crossed the line marking the finish, and Quetzal finally reined her in, slowing the long gallop into something more manageable. As they fell to a stop, Quetzal beamed, reaching down to stroke the sweaty neck of her companion. Although they had been a little slower near the finish, and the scare with the coyote had no doubt slowed them down, the blonde girl was proud beyond belief of her spirited mare. As she laughed and showered her mount in love, Finale pricked her tired ears, tossing her head once more and giving a small, indignant snort, as if to say 'I knew I could do it. Why didn't you?' Grinning from ear to ear, her rider swung down, wincing at her stiff muscles, but ignoring them to kiss her mares cheek. Together, they paraded back towards Ronan and Howl, both mare and human delighted in their conquest.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Username Lichenfeather
Name of Horse: SF's Final Cry
Breed of Horse: Thoroughbred
Horse Page Link: Howl
Course Entering: The Beach Course
Entry:

"Coffin Jump"

There were those here that thought they could challenge me. I snorted with disgust, prancing forwards a few steps to come nose to nose with a mare. The human attached to the enchanting lady muttered something in its gutteral language and drew her away, as if it feared she would be lost to my charms. With an indignant cry, I made to move forwards, but the metal lodged between my gums prevented it. Shying from the steady pressure on my left, I moved right, edging towards a white lawn on the ground, some obviously useless human contraption.

Beneath my hooves, tiny grains spilled and pooled, creating an odd ground. The softness of the ground and the strange, salt scented wind were different enough from the pine woods and steep mountains of home to make me unsure -- not that I would let on. With a dip of my head to the pretty mare (I'd earlier heard her called Iykan by her human) I arched my neck, bunching my muscles beneath me, ready to run. Her scent, the one of the spindly creature resting upon my back so delicately, wafted towards me as she scratched my neck in the most pleasant way, and I relaxed immediately. She was almost a second Mother to me, and I trusted her to keep me safe in this strange enviroment. Not that I was in any danger, of course, but... just in case.

A few moments later we were off. I could feel the exhilaration pouring through my veins as I launched, the sand beneath me spraying up as my hooves sunk deep. I called out to the others, those with their humans yanking them about and folding to their every whim. "Look at me!" I cried as I delicately took a jump, hooves landing almost noiselessly. "Look at me, and never challenge." My words were born of a self-confidence that I would never let go. As the next jumps came and went, I reveled in the adrenaline, picking my hooves up neatly. I could feel my girl on my back, gently guiding. I listened to her, mostly. It was only when she asked me to slow that I balked -- why run when you can fly? And fly I did.

The ground blurred, the skies smudged. There was nothing in this world but me, me and my girl and the need to jump, to fly. The feeling of life that flooded me was almost unbearable. It was like an entire seperate entiry, pursuing me with blood on its mind. I knew if I let it catch me, if I let fear catch me, I would be overwhealmed. And so I ran all the faster.

It was not until I had been flying for some time that I felt the saddle slip. The leather beast that kept me from contact with my girl shifted as I leapt yet another obstacle. A stream of meaningless words flew into my ears. The monster was clearly upsetting her. Deciding to help her remove the beast, I kicked up my hindlegs, timidly at first, yet growing bolder as the movement and her words increased. Her spirit inly fueled my enthusiasm -- with one massive buck (no mare could resist a stud who bucked like I did), and a single more fence, I felt the saddle slip away. For a moment, as I thundered onwards, I could not feel the delicate legs of my human around my flanks, nor feel the weight of her upon my back. A second longer and I would have been alarmed, yet I soon felt her reassuring warmth return, settle, straighten. And this, oh this was how it was meant to be.

I could feel her slightest shift, sense what she wanted in the slightest touch. We ran together, no longer two creatures but one. Together, my girl and I soared. Nothing would stop us! And then, just as fast as it began, it was over. I cleared the last jump in a fluid motion, slowing at her command. Catching the eye of yet another mare, I reared up, feeling my girl's breath hitch and her legs tighten about me. Slowly, I came back down to earth, elated. "Look at me!" I bugled once more, voice clear. "Look at me!"