It's been [Too Long]

[aria rose slykhuis]

Aria Rose

Aria made her way to the outdoor arena. It wasn't too unbearably hot out and it was time to get a few barrel runs done. Hum was all tacked up in his barrel attire and he was looking good in it. It had been forever since she had rode a horse or even did the pattern for that matter! After her old horse had been sold, Aria wasn't able to ride or get back into the rodeo circuit. She had been here only a few weeks and laid eyes on this gorgeous buckskin horse and had to get him. He was so easy going and chill, but had the get up and go she needed in a barrel horse. Plus he was versatile both English and western. Aria couldn't have asked for a better buy! She stopped and opened the gate and Hum nudged her arm. A smile spread across her facials as she reached out and stroked his forehead. You're such a good boy She whispered to him.

Aria led him into the arena and put the reins over his neck, and shut the gate. She proceeded to walk over and set up the barrels. Hum raised his head, his ears perked forward as he watched her intently. His nostrils flared as he started to become excited. Aria looked at her horse and shook her head a little. Patience, Mister She said as she made her way back to the ancy buckskin horse. She gave him a small pat on the forehead and mounted up, Hum standing still all the while until he received the cue to walk. He was power walking, which was good as Aria wanted to get him warmed up. He was listening intently with his ears twisted back to his owner waiting the next cue. Aria gave him the cue to trot and Hum complied, easily falling into a smooth trot. After a few laps she asked Hum to lope and he moved easily into a slow lope, Aria asked for more and he sped up. She did this both directions, adding in a few side passes and quick turns into the fence. After about 20 minutes, Hum was all warm and slightly sweaty.

Aria moved him to the end of the arena and had him face the barrels, his rump was only inches from the gate. She gave him a loose rein as she relaxed. A deep breath was taken in and given out. Her eyes closed as she just wanted to forget her past, how alone she was here, just everything. Her eyes opened and she shortened the reins. Hum's ears perked forward waiting for the OK to go. With a whistle and kick, Hum took off for the first barrel at a gallop. Aria barely had to give instruction to the gelding. He slowed and dug his hooves into the deep sand, gaining momentum to the next barrel. Aria remained balanced on him, giving him subtle cues and correcting the gelding when needed. She had only had this horse for a few days, but they just knew each other. Aria pushed him on as they made it the straight away and pulled him up and to the left to slow him down and gain control. She slowed him to a walk, a huge smile was spread across her face as she leaned down and scratched his withers. Good boy! It was like she had never stopped riding.

Aria looked at the barrels, debating whether or not to go for another round. What was really needed was a long trail ride. She stopped Hum in front of the gate, reached down and opened it, directed Hum through and the proceeded to shut it. Chocolate eyes darted around for a moment, curious as to see if anyone had seen her run or if anyone wanted to ride with her.

^{WC: 644
Muse: Pretty good
Music: Pandora
Outfit: Jeans, boots, and Tank
Tagged: Open}