Très Cher Á Toi - (SSO Player + Ydris)

Chapter 1

"Sorry I was out riding. Are they tacked up?" I said, my breathing hard as I took the reins over Blaze's head after rolling up my stirrups.

"They're in the arena," Justin replied, making my panic levels rising as I looked past him, seeing the group of four kids that I had been teaching for the past month goring around a stable girl as she instructed them into their two-point.

"Shit," I said, quickly walking forward as I pulled Blaze behind me, quickly dumping his reins in Justin's hands.

"Can you un-tack him please?" I called out, now running to the arena.

"He's your pony! You're leasing him!" He yelled back out to me as I called out for the entrance when I neared the arena, seeing the stable girl look up, giving me a small wave.

I turned back, seeing Justin still holding Blaze. I looked at him as I gave him a pleading look and gesture, seeing him shake his head and give me the getsure of a one finger, leading Blaze away. I smiled, quickly giving my thanks to the girl before I positioned myself in the middle, seeing the riders give me happy grins. I returned them, trying to calm my racing heart rate as my body felt way warmer than it probably was, now regretting wearing a black.

"Right then, let's get started," I said, making my tone cheerful as they all went back to they're full seats asI unbuttoned the first few buttons of my shirt before I started to teach they're lesson, my mind focusing and only focusing on the young riders I was teaching.

                                                                               ***

"Let them all have a long rein and catch their breaths!" I called out to the last group of riders, my voice giving up on that tone I had from earlier. "Well done today!"

I had been teaching lessons now for three hours straight. I had been heaving poles, making courses, cleaning up the ring, and was covered in dirt and damp from sweat. I assumed it was roughly six and close to seven based on how the other groups were starting to gather up and by the few older people who roamed around.

I was pushed out of my thoughts when I felt a nudge on my shoulder, making me turn and see one of the school ponies nose, giving me a soft nudge again. I smiled, looking up at the rider as she grinned down at me, the rest of them lining up besides her. I waited for them to settle before I told them to dismount and helped them lead their ponies out of the ring, closing the gate behind me.

"Meet me inside the barn where we'll get them hosed off," I said to them. "Remember to watch out for other riders!"

I heard a few replies and leaned against the gate for a moment, letting out a puff of air as I felt the need for a shower and a long night's rest, my body and mind worn. Sighing, I dusted off my hands and moved myself towards the barn, greeted by a traffic jam of horses down the barn aisle.

"Whoa," I said, stepping in and seeing the kids caught up, confusion written on their faces. "Is this for the wash stalls?"

One of the girls nodded, some of their rides trying to walk out from the line. I walked towards them as I backed them back into the line, gesturing for the kids to follow me.

"Theres a hose out back," I said, making sure they were all following. "Don't get too close to her behind!" I called out to the one in the back who was getting rather close to the one in front.

Once we reached the hose, I with the help from Justin and one other helped each of the kids untack and rinse their horses, making sure to teach them every last detail. As I watched the kids, I eyed the ponies, all of them had been working for at least two hours and seemed ready for their stalls. With that, I proceeded to help them into the barn and stalls safely before praising the young riders and telling them that it was time for their final activity. I lead them out to the leader and then headed back into the barn once I received thanks and was dismissed. I then headed to Blazes stall, seeing him happily eating away and lift his head when he sensed me. I smiled, hearing footsteps approaching. I looked up, seeing Justin join me against his stall door, letting out a sigh.

"I'm sorry for being late," I spoke out. "And making you untack him."

He grinned. "It's fine. I don't think the kids care as long as they get taught by you."

I smiled, flicking my attention to Blaze as we both watched him in silence, admiring his coat and the amusing looks he gave us when he looked up at us.

"Imma head in now, I've got to get up before sunrise to set up the games," Justin said, stepping back from the stall after a few minutes. "I've left you a list of five school horses I would like you to ride. Just flat and then jump for the last two."

"Thanks," I said, hearing him walk away. "Could you do me another favour?" I called out.

He stepped back, eyeing me, his gaze unsure and having a dreading look. "What?"

"Can you give my thanks to the girl who stepped in for me? I did so already but I just feel bad."

He smiled. "I'll plan on it."

I returned his grin and after wishing each other goodnight, I headed out as well, passing the big group of teenagers and kids who worked their way to the boarding facilities, my legs using my last bit of energy as I reached the door and greeted by AC, taking the stairs up to the staff rooms and pulling out my key once I reached the top. I did the last trek to my room and unlocked it, shutting the door behind me and letting my legs give in, sliding down the door as I laid my back against it, letting out a sigh. I stayed there for a few minutes before I pushed myself up, heading into the bedroom and starting to undress as I prepared for my shower. As I lifted up my top, I stopped mid action, remembering that I needed to go and check on the Circus. I groaned as I tucked it back in again and regathered myself, my phone then buzzing with a reminder to go and see. It had been nearly a week since I had last visited, and by how some of my visits had gone, it was much needed.

After I tried to get rid of some dirt stains on my top, I headed out, going back down the stairs and out of the cool conditioned room, stepping out again. I then headed down the stables yard and skipped the barn area, knowing the Blaze and all of the other horses were exhausted. I then pulled out my phone and started to flick through the latest updates online and anything else which could keep my attention from thinking about my boarding facility, knowing that my legs could crash at any moment if I didn't do so.