[HARPG] Glowing Debut by ordinaryredtail on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

**Class: Little Lucias

**Horse Age: 6 years

**Rider: Avyra Moeryr

**Rider Age: 27

**Country: United States

Stables: World's Peak Equestrian Center, Fairbanks, AK

Her right arm was hurting again. It was a dull pain, nothing like it used to be, but still, it was there, a throbbing, persistent reminder. From experience, she knew that this was her mind playing tricks on her. Yesterday, it had not felt like this, and she knew that her medication worked. It had been nearly four years since her injury, and two since she was able to convince herself to climb back into the saddle. Her hand and grip still didn’t work like it used to. Jumping would be too dangerous at this point, perhaps one day, but dressage was obtainable. Especially with a good, steady horse like Fireball.

Avyra found herself simply going through the motions of a warm-up, lost in thought. She knew their routine well, and Fireball knew her movements, possibly even better than Avyra did. The light snow and cold didn’t faze either of them, being from Alaska, it was almost akin to a summer retreat. No, her current state was a show anxiety like she’d never gotten before. In a way, this was her first time in the saddle in front of a judge, though even her first dressage experience didn’t come close to what she felt now. What-ifs began to play in her head, an inevitable disaster reel of falls or embarassments. Before her injury, these things didn’t bother her. Then she’d ended up in the hospital, unable to feel her right arm or move her fingers.

In a way, however, Fireball had fixed her. The Australian warmblood was bought green and fresh, but she had never offered any sort of difficult behavior. She was eager, friendly, and wanted to learn. It was almost like she wanted Avyra to find her footing again and intended to help her accomplish that goal. Throughout the past three years, they’d stuck together, teaching each other and working out their problems. Now, it was time to show the world what they could do.

Avyra slowed Fireball into a walk with her seat and a light motion with the reins, only using her left hand in their warm-up. The right, she knew, would have to be used in the show, but it wasn’t needed here. The pair could have completed this test bareback and bridleless, if allowed. She took her phone from her pocket to give a quick glance at the time. Almost time for their slot–they should get going.

Sliding out of the stirrups, Avyra gave Fireball a pat on the neck before grabbing the reins and walking her towards the temporary arena grounds where the previous competitor was finishing their own routine. She watched the dance for a moment before Fireball nickered, nudging her in the elbow to break into her thoughts, rooting her back to the present. Winning or not didn’t matter. She was entering the ring with a horse she loved.

She walked Fireball to the mounting block, getting on with a deft swing over the saddle. It was time, and they were ready.

First real entry for anything HARPG, first time in a long time putting this much into a piece. It helps that there's nice audiobooks to listen to.

Direct References: x and x
Nothing direct used for the background and composition.
Story: 501 words