MP | Learning a Trick by TheForeverKnight on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

Another image from this series that I absolutely love ❤️

Horse Name/Reference: KhC Kalkara

Futurity Ticket #: 57

Milestone Prompt: Learning a Trick

Accepted Milestone Image Prompts:

First Moments - 1

Weaning - 3

Making friends - Incomplete (lined only)

Play time - 4

Haltering + leading - 7

Learning ground manners - 8

First grooming - 6

Vet visit - 2

Lunging/long lining - 10

Exploring something new - 5

Finding something scary - 11

Desensitization - 12

Learning a trick - 18 - You Are Here

Trailer loading - 9

Leaving home - 17

Saddling up - 13

Bearing weight - 14

First ride - 15

Having a bad day - 19

Mastering the basics - 16

Specialized training - 20

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Story: 443 words

March 2027

After they'd started to go out more and both Opal and Kalkara had developed more trust in each other in different situations Opal began to work on teaching Kalkara her favourite riding style - trackless.

Riding bareback was something they'd done almost alongside backing. It was just a natural progression in the way Opal started her horses, so of course she'd taught Kalkara the same. Moving from Bareback in a halter to bareback, then neck reining using the reins and at last bareback with only a neckrope was always a goal though not particularly a competition goal but certainly a bonding and communication goal.

Once Kalkara was working well in the arena moving off the neckrope, voice and seat aids Opal decided it was time for an outing. Riding Kalkara down to the beach bareback with a head collar and rope as insurance while she used a neck rope to cue the colt.

Opal was buzzing with energy and anticipation which Kalkara picked up on sending him jigging sideways. Laying a hand against his neck to steady him Opal sat up and cued him to halt. Taking a breath to steady them both she asked him to bend his head towards her and in a quick movement removed the head collar and let it and the rope drop onto the sand.

Kalkara shook his head excitedly, enjoying the freedom to fully control his carriage. With a deep snort he let his head drop to the wet sand and kept it there as they began walking along the beach.

Opal laughed at him and let him keep his head lowered as they made their way down the beach. At one point Kalkara had suddenly lifted forward, squealing and throwing his head around as his front feet flashed and he moved them into an energetic trot. Sitting lightly Opal let him trot out, not restricting his enthusiasm and if anything encouraging it.

Once they'd both warmed up and made it quite a length down the beach Opal game some more direction through the neckrope and her own body. Winding figure of eights and serpentines marked the golden sand as they wove along the beach moving from walk to trot to canter and back.

Eventually finished with their fun Opal turned Kalkara and let him turn on the speed as they raced back up the long flat stretch towards the beach entrance.

Shouting encouragement and beaming wildly Opal let Kalkara run until he chose to slow and let him pick his own path back up from the sand and towards the stable. Patting his sweaty neck Opal was incredibly pleased with the colt and his quick mind.

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Art by @theforeverknight

No reference used