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Autumn Aubade

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Description

Tango placed 6th in his class




Horse: It Takes Two to Tango
Rider: Wesley Flint
Music: Pearls of Joy
Entry Number: 25
Country: USA
Competition: *Neko-Raccoon's Annual SBS Championships
Discipline: Dressage - First Phase

Previous Shows:
*Kalesta's MMS Pajama Party - Entry Placed Unknown
*Thoroughbreds4Me’s Dressage Classic and Fun Event - Entry Placed Second :trophy:
*Tigra1988’s WS Cherity Event - Entry Placed First :trophy:
*Shayla-Estate’s Shayla’s Halloween Shindig - Entry Placed Second :trophy:
*sVa-BinaryStar’s Mini Mania Show - Entry Placed Fifth (dressage)
*sVa-BinaryStar’s Mini Mania Show - Entry Placed Fifth (Show Jumping)
~toast-horse’s Windfall Mini Show - Entry Placed Third :trophy:

Training Images:
Dressage Training: Everybody wants to help
Dressage Training: Hard Work




Previously
Tango had been adjusting beautifully to life at Meadow Lark Stables. He was immediately a big hit with the staff and the other horses. After his stay in isolation there was very little jostling when he was released with the rest of the stallions, the integration was a slow and smooth one. Caroline was incredibly pleased with her purchase that they were able to make after the prize money came in from BMET and a few smaller competitions they’d had within the past year. That, as well as the stud money they had received from a couple of breedings, allowed the owner to breathe easier when it came to their finances. Another horse was certainly a risky buy, but they already had a breeding lined up for the handsome Andalusian.

After having allowed him time to settle in to the new surroundings Carol had asked Wesley and Lyric to begin working with him in dressage, a field which he had years of experience in. With so many wins under his belt already everyone was eager to have him in the arena representing Meadow Lark Stables. It was obvious after his first training why he had such skill in that discipline. His movements were controlled and precise, yet nothing was stiff about him. He seemed to positively glide across the ground. Wesley commented that he almost felt as if Tango were responding to commands seconds before he gave them. Lyric had the same luck with the stallion, guiding him through the routines as if he could do them in his sleep. It was truly a magical sight to behold, one that sent chills up the spines of anyone watching.

As the weeks progressed Caroline began to get an itch to enter one of MLS’s horses in a show. They hadn’t competed in any events since Beaumont’s Paintball on Horseback and Carol felt it was past time to get back into the show world. On a late summer night, as she was relaxing in the main house, she received an email from the staff of Spring Blossom Stable. The email contained a link to a news bulletin on one of the many equestrian sites boasting the opening of SBS’s first show. Not only was it a wonderfully planned show, with several exciting elements, it was also a Championship show, meaning that any horses competing were required at least one previous placing between 1st and 3rd place in order to register. Carol read through the email and quickly forwarded it to Wesley, knowing he would still be awake. Minutes later her cell phone rang.

“I’m in,” Wesley said immediately as she answered the phone. Carol chuckled softly in response.
“Who would be your choice?”
“Well, judging by the restrictions we have two horses who are old enough and qualify. There’s Cat and Tango.”

Carol paused briefly to consider both horses. Cat, or Cooler Than Me, was their notorious spitfire Arabian mare. She had a first place and championship under her belt already, but lacked much more experience. On the other hand Tango had several wins and years more training.

“I can almost hear you thinking,” Wesley commented, “My vote would be to try out Tango. See how he does in the arena under a newer rider.”
Carol laughed, “I swear sometimes that you can read my thoughts Wes, why do I even bother running the stable when you already know what I’m thinking.”
“We’d be lost without your guidance,” Wesley said in all seriousness. Carol sobered slightly at this, she truly was grateful for the family, by blood and otherwise, that surrounded her at MLS.
“Thank you Wesley. And I’ll sleep on it, but I have a feeling tomorrow I’ll be submitting Tango’s name for registration.” They said their good-nights and hung up.

As the morning came Carol still felt the best choice was to send Tango, as Wesley had suggested. That morning she announced the news at the staff meeting, it was met with exuberance and celebration. The only decision that was left to make was who would be riding Tango in the competition. There was a lot of debate and argument over it. Before it accelerated fully into a shouting match Carol put up her hand to call the conversation to a halt.

“In all fairness Wesley has the most experience in shows. Because this show is about previous knowledge and showing abilities it’s my vote that he should ride Tango.”
There was a small silence before others at the table nodded some a bit grudgingly but they all eventually agreed with Carol’s comment.
“Alright then, it’s decided, Wesley you will represent MLS in two months time at Spring Blossom Stable.” She said with a smile at the beaming Wes.

Present Day
The training had been intense but incredibly rewarding from Wesley’s perspective. Without slacking in his usual responsibilities, Wes had devoted as much time as possible to working with Tango. At first the stallion, true to his nature, had been moody and grouchy in the arena, disliking the change in the routine. He also hadn’t like that Wesley had changed his training schedule to ensure the two could work together more often. Once Tango had gotten over those two hurdles however he and Wesley had worked seamlessly, as rider and horse.

Soon it was time for the duo to begin their travels overseas to Croatia, home of Spring Blossom Stables. The trip went as smoothly as possible for the pair, though both were incredibly happy once they were safely on the ground of the stables. Then it was only a matter of a few more days of training before the show began.

Wesley couldn’t get over how beautiful the stable grounds were, the changing of the leaves gave everything a surreal and fantasy look. He was thrilled to be allowed the privilege of staying here. Once Tango was properly settled in his revered stall Wesley found a computer to write home from. He expressed his thanks to Carol for sending him, and asked them all to keep him and their stud in their hearts for the upcoming competition.

All too soon the day of the competition arrived. As Wesley stood outside the stable awaiting their turn to be called in he took in the scenery once more. The gold and reds covering the trees were enough to take his breath away yet again. As their name was called and he asked Tango to make his way towards the arena entrance he kept that image in mind, the red and gold.

They made their way to the starting point and acknowledged the judges. As the music began he allowed the sounds of the piano to draw him in, asking Tango to take the first steps in their dance. For a split second Wesley closed his eyes, imagining them to be dancing amongst the autumn trees. A smile lit his face as he opened his eyes again, he kept that imagery in his mind’s eye as they moved through their routine.



Reference: link

Textures Used: link | link | link


I spent so long on this image :faint:
I'm really grateful that *Neko-Raccoon gave an extension for the show or I never would have had my entry in on time.
Any feedback or comments would be appreciated!

Artwork © *ShadowRaven1
Image size
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© 2012 - 2024 ShadowRaven1
Comments8
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Baringa-of-the-Wind's avatar
This is gorgeous Dev!! Wonderful work!!