[ImmyWimmy1]

ty_tay
#817972

Name:
Age: 14 years
Breed: Mustang
Color: Grulla tovero (tobiano x overo) (E/e, D/d, Tob/tob and O/o)
Gender: Mare
Markings: Tovero markings
Height: 14.1hh
Vice/Fear/Special: This girl doesn't seem to like cats. Whether purring or hissing, the little creatures will have her bolting to the other side of the paddock/stall...

[ty_tay]

Daw, shes adorable! Now to think of a name <3 thank you Immy


I can see it now. Sombody is being weird and makes a purring sound next thing you know theyre being trampled by a horse.

[ty_tay]

Light snoring was the only sound in an otherwise silent room. The sun illuminated the gently shifting curtains and the light rested on the bed, attempting to awaken its occupant.

The blankets were strewn about, revealing the light bronze chest of Calvin Lore. His shaggy dusty black hair was in a mess and shielded his closed eyes from the sun. A sudden warm breeze gusted its way across his face causing him to groan and stir. He lazily swatted at the source of the breeze and mumbled, “Five more minutes.”

Calvin’s emerald eyes snapped open as there was a loud snort in his ear. He quickly found himself being pushed onto the floor, hitting it with a hard thud.

“What the- Who let Acolyte in the house again!?” He glared at the thoroughly amused morgan now backing his way out of the bedroom. Calvin slowly picked himself off the floor and stumbled out into the living room rubbing one eye. “Nadi? Did you-”

“Oh, calm down sweetie. You overslept again.” A young woman with honey brown hair came walking out of the kitchen with a plate of food. She smiled warmly at Calvin. “Go get dressed, we have to go pick up the mustang today. Remember?”

“Oh shoot! How am I always the one forgetting these things!?” Calvin quickly ran back into the bedroom. He walked back out as he buttoned his shirt. Nadine wasn’t far behind him as he briskly left the house and went to the truck and trailer.

~*~

Calvin and Nadine pulled down the dusty drive of the pickup point for the Mustang Makeover. They weren’t the only ones there, and it seemed that quite a few of the affiliated stables that made up Cottonwood Wild Horse Ranch had decided to participate as well.

Calvin looked around at the horses as they headed towards the receptions ‘desk’. He wondered what their horse would be like this year, and if the competition would end better for them than it had the previous years.

It wasn’t long before the couple was being led to their assigned horse. Nadine seemed ecstatic as usual, and was already thinking of names for the mare they knew they were getting: meanwhile, Calvin was thinking of all the possible difficulties they could come across.

“Here we are. Mustang number 817972. Grulla tovero. Mare.” The clerk listed off what was written on her clipboard in a monotone voice. She quickly left the two alone with their new charge.

Nadine smiled sweetly and went to the fencing to watch the mare as she nervously paced about. “I think she looks like a Ciri. What do you think, Cal?”

Calvin joined Nadine only a moment later. He chuckled slightly. “Sure, but lets get her home and hopefully calmed down some before you make it official. I’ll go get the truck so she can be loaded up.”

She nodded in response and waited at the fence, watching the mare as they helpers got her loaded into the trailer. “Oh this is going to be fun.”

~*~

Calvin yawned deeply. He had just finished all of his chores and was exhausted. He sat down in the dust and watched Ciri. Good at least she has stopped pacing. He noted that the mare was watching him cautiously. He clucked at her to see if she would come over, though he knew it was unlikely.

“I still say she’s a Ciri.”

Calvin jumped at the sudden voice and looked up to see Nadine standing on the fence directly above him. “Dear lord, Nadi! You about gave me a heart attack!”

She only giggled in response before stealing his hat and putting it on. “You should get some sleep. That way I won’t have to send Aco after you tomorrow.” She grinned and kissed his cheek as he started to get up.

[ty_tay]

Calvin leaned against the fence railing watching Ciri as she watched the other horses be led past her paddock. After a few moments he lifted the bucket by his feet and shook it. The sound of grain made every horse, Ciri included, perk up and look towards him. He smiled and hopped over the fencing with practiced ease.

Ciri watched Calvin carefully as he moved to the center of the paddock with a feed bucket. She knew what that bucket meant and she had yet to eat since the previous day.

Calvin was silent as he watched the mare take a hesitant step towards him and the feed bucket. He smiled as she took another step. When he spoke it was soft and soothing, “It’s ok Ciri. I’m not going to hurt you. You’re probably hungry aren’t ya? Ah, that’s a good girl. See? I’m just going to stand right here. I won’t even try to touch you.” His encouragements continued as Ciri drew closer and finally began eating from the bucket still in his hand.

Ciri emptied the feed bucket quickly and began to step away when she caught scent of something more. She snorted as she began to search for the hidden treat, and once found she nosed and nibbled at Calvin’s shirt to get it.

“Can’t hide things from you, eh?” Calvin chuckled and slowly retrieved the treat for Ciri.

Calvin spent several more hours with Ciri throughout the day before he decided to start to introduce her to the halter. He did nothing more than show it to her like he had caught her attention earlier. He then left it hanging on the fence for her before returning home for the night.

[ty_tay]

Nadine stretched and yawned as she woke. She had always had a habit of waking before the alarm, so she let it be to awaken Calvin. She patted the sides of the two sleeping pups on the bed, waking them as she bent down to pet their mother who lay on the floor.

She walked out of the bedroom, heading towards the kitchen with all three canines on her heels. Her routine continued with her feeding the dogs. As she began to make breakfast she giggled as she felt Calvin embrace her from behind.

“Mmmm... Aren’t I usually the one making breakfast?” His voice was still thick with sleep and he rested his head on her shoulder.

“Yes, but you were sleeping and- what’s going on? Ciri is acting crazy.” She pointed out the window to the panicking mare.

Calvin cursed and released Nadine, heading for the door quickly. “I’ll be back.” He rushed out to Ciri’s paddock, but found no immediate danger. He turned at the sound of a mew, spotting a small tabby hiding at the base of the fence.

Ciri snorted and nickered nervously at the mew. Her pacing quickened. She slowed to a halt as she saw the feline flee from Calvin. After a moment she approached him and nuzzled his shoulder in thanks.

Calvin patted Ciri’s cheek. He spoke in a soothing voice, “it’s ok, Ciri. It was just a cat. It won’t hurt you.” He waited a few minutes before going back inside and explaining what had happened to Nadine.

“Oh, the poor girl. I wonder why she’s afraid of the cats... Maybe Big Momma and Alkali could keep the cats away from the paddock until you can try to break her of that fear?” Nadine had gone back to making breakfast. She glanced to the dogs as she spoke.

Big Momma, as her name suggested, was a large mahogany colored female with one blind. Her two sons were only half grown. The one named Alkali was a tri-colored male. His brother was a mahogany and tan ticking patch work named Essin, who happened to have been born blind.

“That could work, but only one at a time, and only if Ciri isn’t spooked by them too.” He sighed. “Lets give her a few more days before we try to traumatize her.”

[ty_tay]

Calvin sighed as he tried to pick the dried mud out of Ciri’s coat. “Maybe we should try the brushes today...” He patted the mare’s neck as she snorted in response. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

Ciri followed Calvin to the gate of the small paddock. She watched him as he left her, and neighed as he entered the barn. It was only a minute or so before she turned away to go look for food.

The gate creaked, signaling Calvin’s return. He carried a bucket with various brushes in it. Smiling he nudged Ciri away, who had come over expecting there to be food in the bucket. “Ah, ah. That’s not food big girl.” He pulled out a curry brush and showed it to her. After she snorted at the brush Calvin brought the brush to her cheek and began slowly brushing.

As soon as Calvin started brushing her neck Ciri panicked at the new sensation. She neighed and snorted as she quickly ran away from Calvin and the brushes.

“Whoa! Alright, that didn’t go very well.” He sighed and dropped the brush into the bucket and left the entire thing by the gate. He moved towards Ciri slowly in attempt to calm her.

It was nearing dusk when Calvin decided to show Ciri the halter. He had noticed her sniffing it on a few occasions, and decided that now was as good as time as any. It clinked slightly as he picked it up, which caught Ciri’s attention. He approached her, giving her soft words as he did so. When next to the mare he lifted the halter for her inspection. After a few minutes he brushed the halter against her cheek. He repeated the process several times before calling it a night.

[ty_tay]

Nadine’s hair flicked slightly in the breeze. She was perched atop the paddock fence watching as Ciri cantered around. “Hard to believe its only been a week.”

A deep chuckle sounded from beside her. Calvin was leaning against the fence. “Aye, but the week went by quickly.” He grew silent for a moment before murmuring, “you know its been almost three years since we started dating?”

“You remember?”

“Of course I do. How could I forget?” He stood up straight and gave Nadine’s hand a kiss. “I love you Nadi... I have to get to work. You’re welcome to watch though.”

Nadine blushed, and could only nod in response at Calvin’s sudden sweet words. She watched as he grabbed the halter and began working with Ciri again.

Calvin showed Ciri the bridle in the same manner he had been doing the past few days. After doing it a few times he put the halter on Ciri only to take it off immediately. He would repeatedly put the halter on the take it off, extending the duration of time each round.

Ciri shook her head as Calvin walked away, leaving the halter on her. She snorted but eventually relaxed. She started to wander until she saw Calvin returning with the bucket of brushes.

Calvin had also been working with Ciri with the brushes, and today he could finally get her to stand still long enough to be brushed properly. It took him hours to comb out her coat and unruly mane and tail.

[ty_tay]

Calvin awoke with a groan. He slowly opened his eyes to see the clock read 4:07 A.M. “of course it is,” he muttered in disgust. Turning over he tried to fall back asleep with Nadine snuggling against his side. A half hour passes before Calvin finally gives up on trying to go back to sleep. He gently removed himself from Nadine’s embrace and rolled out of the bed. It was then he got the idea to surprise Nadine, and turned off the alarms.

~*~

Nadine hazily stretched as she gained consciousness. She blinked several times as she opened her eyes to the morning light. “Mmmm... What time is it? 11:16... 1:16!!!” She hurriedly jumped out of bed, awakening the two lazy pups that had joined her in sleeping in, and quickly got dressed. She rushed into the kitchen only to halt at what she saw.

Calvin had made her brunch and left it out for her to find. He had also left a note for her:

Nadi,

I figured I’d let you sleep in today and that I’d give you the day off. You’ve been doing so much around here I just felt guilty. Also, I made you breakfast (I hope it’s not cold when you get up). Kinda miss how I’d always cook your breakfast, even if it was usually oatmeal.

Love Cal

“Aww, Cal... Such a sweetheart.” Nadine couldn’t help but blush and smile. She took a bite out of a strip of bacon and found it was cold. She sighed, feeling guilty about sleeping in, and put some of the food in the microwave to reheat it.

As the microwave did its thing Nadine went to the window. She smiled warmly when she saw Calvin in the paddock working with Ciri.

Calvin had managed to start lunging Ciri. He couldn’t help but feel like he was being watched, but he kept his focus. Sweat was beading on his forehead from the heat and he was tempted to remove his shirt once he was done with Ciri.

Nadine turned away for only a moment. When she looked back she gasped and ran from the kitchen to leave the house.

Calvin had been thrown to the ground and nearly kicked in the head as Ciri panicked and bucked. He rolled away from her hooves and looked up in time to see Nadine coming for him. He raised his hand, telling her to stay back.

As Ciri panicked a cat that had been sitting outside the paddock fled in terror. Only a glimpse of it had been seen, but it was enough for Nadine to make a choice. She ignored Calvin’s warning and went to him, helping him up.

Calvin leaned on Nadine as she helped him limp to safety, away from the panicked Ciri. “Nadi! You were supposed to stay out!”

“Do you really think I would’ve left you out there where you could be trampled to death!?”

Calvin sighed and shook his head. “No. I suppose not.”

She nodded, “good. Are you ok?” Concern replaced her stern annoyance, and she began looking him over for more injuries.

Calvin nodded. “I’m fine, no need to fuss. Just twisted my leg, so I’ll have a limp. Possibly some bruising too.” He winced as he flexed his leg. “Did you see what spooked her?”

“Yes, it was another cat.”

He muttered a curse under his breath.

“I want you to keep one of the dogs with you when you’re working with Ciri, ok? If you were injured worse or...” She began to try and hold back tears.

“Shhh... It’s ok Nadi, I’m ok. Just relax.” Calvin pulled her into a hug and kissed her temple. “I promise that after today I will.” He held her for another few minutes before pulling away. “I have to calm Ciri, will you be ok?”

Nadine nodded and wiped her eyes. She stepped back and watched as he limped towards the mare. His calming words seemed to sooth them both. Upon his return she helped him back inside the house with orders to stay off his leg the rest of the day.

[ty_tay]

Calvin’s limp was barely noticeable as he walked towards Ciri with Big Momma at his heel. He held Ciri’s black halter in one hand, while the other was free to give Big Momma signals.

Ciri lifted her head to watch Calvin as he approached. Her attention quickly shifted to his canine companion. Warily, yet curiously, Ciri started to approach the advancing duo. She halted when she determined she was close enough and gave a cautionary snort.

Big Momma huffed in response, and didn’t seem to care one way or another about the mare. She waited for Calvin’s signal before taking a post at the edge of the paddock.

Calvin had spent several hours working with Ciri before he noticed Big Momma go on high alert. He quickly got a firm grip on the lead and was preparing the mare when the cat appeared.

Cri started to panic as Big Momma sprang into action. The big hound quickly chased away the little ‘demon’ and returned to a remarkably calm Ciri.

Calvin chuckled as Ciri nuzzled her ‘savior’. “Well, I guess you two get along, and we’ve got a quick fix to the cat problem.”

[ty_tay]

Calvin had started working Ciri earlier that morning. He knew the day was going to be hotter than normal, so he had set out to get things done.

Currently Ciri was tied to the paddock fence, and Calvin was certain she would be fine. He had been impressed when she didn’t immediately spook at the sight of the cat that morning, and had a hunch that it had to do with his and Nadine’s plans with the dogs, and that Big Momma was there to chase away the feline.

He stepped into the barn and walked past several occupied stalls, whose residents he greeted along the way. His main destination was the tack room, where he had a special set of tack waiting for Ciri. Today we will start with the bridle, tomorrow the saddle, and then we wil actually ride. I’m only hoping she doesn’t throw me like Fallen does...

Once back outside, Calvin started by showing Ciri the bridle and saddle. He then placed the bridle on with the halter on and removed it a few seconds later, as he had done with the halter. He proceeded along that path until he had the bridle and bit on Ciri without her refusing.