[noreptiles_]

 Owner       >>> Chibi~Predator
 Name                >>> Bits of Blue // Azure
 Gender         >>> Female
 Adoption Price         >>> 2 UC WL
 Training         >>> [Fully Trained]
  =====
  . Calm
  . Conservative
  . Spiritual

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

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

[OutdatedBoombox]

Name: Bits of Blue // Azure

[OutdatedBoombox]

I just got a new Nera. I've named her Azure. She's rather distant but comes up to watch me whenever I get Doubles from the pasture. I smile at her but she doesn't seem to watch to be touched or stroked. I've separated her from the gelding and we ride past on occasion. I often see her staring at us as we go past. This has been going on for a few weeks now. Today I've decided to spend some time with her. I walk into the pasture and pour out her feed, then sit down and watch her amble over and eat in front of me. After she's done, I stand and offer her my hand, gently and respectfully extended. She sniffs at it then presses her muzzle into my hand. It's always a magical moment when that happens.

[OutdatedBoombox]

I heft the saddle up onto my shoulder, the straps dangle. I set it down and untangle the leather, Azure watches me work from the crossties, her neck elegantly arched. The mare snorts as I get my stool and the begin to ease the saddle onto her back. She shifts away while I arrange the straps and TRY to start clasping them. Azure keeps shifting about which is making this incredibly difficult. I finally manage to get all but the chest strap done. As I work on the chest strap, Azure reaches up and grabs my calf, squeezing it. I yelp and she immediately lets go, bewildered. Jeez, Neras have the tightest grip. I give her a soothing cheek pat and tell her I'm okay until she relaxes. I finish the clasp and lead her into the arena. I let her go with a gentle rump smack. She walks about smoothly. That was a lot more smooth than I expected.

[OutdatedBoombox]

I swing up into Azure's saddle, more confident with her, as I've been riding Doubles a lot. The mare screeches through the bit and I wince, that's loud. I ease her into a slow walk around the arena. She's been a bit more unpredictable lately, so I think she's in heat. She prances from side to side and shakes her head. I whistle to work her into a trotlike gait. She obeys. Azure's gait is much smoother than Doubles's gait and it's much easier to sit. We trot from the arena into the outdoors and she lengthens out into a full run. She's much faster than Doubles was, and the scenery quickly fades into a blur. We get about two miles before I turn her about and we head home. I untack her and she lays her head on my shoulder comfortably.