Assana spent the morning like any other. Summer was coming to an end and the says were starting to get colder and rainier.
She took the sunny morning as a good sign and brushed all the horses down and picked out their feet.
The herd was always more lively in the morning and always made her smile.
She took the sunny morning as a good sign and brushed all the horses down and picked out their feet.
The herd was always more lively in the morning and always made her smile.
Later that day while Assana was riding Running Cloud, it started to rain. As she was headed home they went past the school.
It sent Assana into a thoughtful quietness. She was barren, and would never have kids of her own. An unfortunate twist of fate she had come to terms with after a riding accident when she was a child.
She still wanted to have children and a part of her longed for that deep connection and bond that mothers seem to have with their offspring. She considered adoption.
As she rode home and thought about it more and more she decided to have some renovations done to the house.
It sent Assana into a thoughtful quietness. She was barren, and would never have kids of her own. An unfortunate twist of fate she had come to terms with after a riding accident when she was a child.
She still wanted to have children and a part of her longed for that deep connection and bond that mothers seem to have with their offspring. She considered adoption.
As she rode home and thought about it more and more she decided to have some renovations done to the house.
The workmen came and Assana gave them a basic layout of what she wanted and where she wanted. The workmen said it would be easy and that they'd be done later that night.
Assana took all her horses away from the house and the workmen and went to the training grounds with them. They made quiet the sight and Hoaka was fawned over by alot of the other people there.
Assana took the oppertunity to train her horses for the day. Starting with Elle and her slowly improving jumping skill.
Assana took all her horses away from the house and the workmen and went to the training grounds with them. They made quiet the sight and Hoaka was fawned over by alot of the other people there.
Assana took the oppertunity to train her horses for the day. Starting with Elle and her slowly improving jumping skill.
Chaz also got a race training session since he still refused to jump. But thanks to the training he was getting faster.
When they all got home for the night, Assana gave Hoaka a feed while Cloud Magic ate and rested in the stall.
She spent some time with the little filly, brushing her and cooing at her. She seemed to love the attention and tried to follow Assana when she went into the house.
She spent some time with the little filly, brushing her and cooing at her. She seemed to love the attention and tried to follow Assana when she went into the house.
The next morning when the renovations were done and she'd gone out and bought some furniture for the new upstairs, she rang the adoption agency.
She made it very clear that she wanted a teenager that was interested in animals and was willing to get their hands dirty.
They told her they had several candidates and they'd talk to the girls and send the best one over.
Assana was very excited and was very anxious while she waited. She cleaned and scrubbed the house until it shined. The girl still hadn't arrived so she did some gardening, put some more hay out for the horses and then finally settled down and started painting.
She made it very clear that she wanted a teenager that was interested in animals and was willing to get their hands dirty.
They told her they had several candidates and they'd talk to the girls and send the best one over.
Assana was very excited and was very anxious while she waited. She cleaned and scrubbed the house until it shined. The girl still hadn't arrived so she did some gardening, put some more hay out for the horses and then finally settled down and started painting.
As she put paint to canvas she heard a car door slam. She looked out the window and saw a young girl wearing some rather revealing clothes.
Assana got apprehensive, this wasn't what she'd had in mind at all. She had wanted a tough girl that knew her way around animals not a fashion princess.
Assana got apprehensive, this wasn't what she'd had in mind at all. She had wanted a tough girl that knew her way around animals not a fashion princess.
Assana decided to give her a chance though as she of all people knew that first impressions aren't everything. She welcomed the girl, Karla, to her home and to her family.
And then she got down to business. She wanted to make sure all her rules were well understood and not to be broken, as they were for her and the horses safety.
First was the clothes. Assana made it clear that high heels and mini skirts and tops with her bra showing were not appropriate.
She also told her about the rules with horses and what would be expected of her. She was to go to school, monday to friday and she was to come straight home to help with the horses and do her homework. If she needed help with anything Assana was willing to help.
Assana made it clear that she was to ride none of the horses until she had done some reading about them and learnt the basics and the theory first. She told her that some of the horses she gets are rescued and have problems that can be dangerous. And some of the younger horses just simply hadn't been trained yet.
On the weekends she would be allowed to ride and would be expected to help train some of the horses once she gained more skills of course.
And then she got down to business. She wanted to make sure all her rules were well understood and not to be broken, as they were for her and the horses safety.
First was the clothes. Assana made it clear that high heels and mini skirts and tops with her bra showing were not appropriate.
She also told her about the rules with horses and what would be expected of her. She was to go to school, monday to friday and she was to come straight home to help with the horses and do her homework. If she needed help with anything Assana was willing to help.
Assana made it clear that she was to ride none of the horses until she had done some reading about them and learnt the basics and the theory first. She told her that some of the horses she gets are rescued and have problems that can be dangerous. And some of the younger horses just simply hadn't been trained yet.
On the weekends she would be allowed to ride and would be expected to help train some of the horses once she gained more skills of course.
Karla listened through out the whole speech. This wasn't her first home but she hoped it would be her last.
Assana was surprised that this prissy teen was an animal lover and wanted to be a jockey. She'd never been given the chance before, but she wanted to make something of herself this time.
Assana was relieved that this girl was more then she appeared to be and was glad she didn't let her first impressions cloud her judgement.
Assana was surprised that this prissy teen was an animal lover and wanted to be a jockey. She'd never been given the chance before, but she wanted to make something of herself this time.
Assana was relieved that this girl was more then she appeared to be and was glad she didn't let her first impressions cloud her judgement.
Assana spent some time talking to her and getting to know her. Karla was very friendly, but a bit dramatic. But she loved animals.
When Assana suggested a shopping trip to get her some more appropriate clothes, Karla was more then happy to agree.
When Assana suggested a shopping trip to get her some more appropriate clothes, Karla was more then happy to agree.
Assana bought her three new outfits. A work outfit for around the ranch, a dress for school and outings, and a prom dress for the fall dance that was coming in the next few weeks.
Karla was so happy and so grateful, she went out to the yard and started helping as soon as they got home. She worked mostly with the foal as Assana had told her the more human contact they get the friendly they are and the easier they are to train later on.
Karla was so happy and so grateful, she went out to the yard and started helping as soon as they got home. She worked mostly with the foal as Assana had told her the more human contact they get the friendly they are and the easier they are to train later on.
Assana watched Karla groom and play with Hoaka for a while. Karla seemed to be a natural and instinctively knew what she was doing. Assana was impressed.
After picking some veggies from the garden she went back inside to cook some stew for dinner.
After picking some veggies from the garden she went back inside to cook some stew for dinner.
While Assana was busy inside cooking, Karla started brushing Elle. She was amazed at how the mare would do anything she asked of her even though they'd just met.
Karla took a risk and sneaked Elle's saddle on her and then took her for a ride. Elle knew she was carrying an inexperienced rider and didn't go faster then a walk, even though Karla's legs were slapping her sides at each step.
Karla took a risk and sneaked Elle's saddle on her and then took her for a ride. Elle knew she was carrying an inexperienced rider and didn't go faster then a walk, even though Karla's legs were slapping her sides at each step.
They hadn't gone far when Assana had realized she was gone and rang her phone to find out where she had gone. She realised that Elle was also missing and that Karla had taken her.
She tried not to yell when Karla picked up, but she couldn't keep all the anger and worry from her voice. She demanded that they turn around and come back this instant.
When Karla got home Assana talked to her about how dangerous that had been. She had no riding experience and she had just told her how dangerous some of the horses were. She explained how lucky she was that she had been riding Elle and not Running Cloud or Chaz. Elle was obedient and well trained, not all her horses were as gentle as Elle.
She tried not to yell when Karla picked up, but she couldn't keep all the anger and worry from her voice. She demanded that they turn around and come back this instant.
When Karla got home Assana talked to her about how dangerous that had been. She had no riding experience and she had just told her how dangerous some of the horses were. She explained how lucky she was that she had been riding Elle and not Running Cloud or Chaz. Elle was obedient and well trained, not all her horses were as gentle as Elle.
When she was sent to bed early to think about how she wanted to fit in here at Assana's ranch, and think about the bigger picture, Karla realized what a fool she had been.
She was too proud and upset with herself to confront Assana so she decided to write an apology letter instead. She poured her heart into it and explained that she wanted it to work this time. She was tired of moving houses and she liked it here. She wrote and promised she'd follow the rules and promised to look after the horses. She realized the rules were there to keep her safe, not just because adults liked making rules.
She was too proud and upset with herself to confront Assana so she decided to write an apology letter instead. She poured her heart into it and explained that she wanted it to work this time. She was tired of moving houses and she liked it here. She wrote and promised she'd follow the rules and promised to look after the horses. She realized the rules were there to keep her safe, not just because adults liked making rules.
During the night when Assana and Karla had gone to sleep, Hoaka matured into a pretty cremello mare.
The next morning Assana woke to find that Karla was already up and grooming the horses. She had seemed to take a shine to Elle and Cloud Magic.
Seeing that Hoaka was now ready for her training though, she fixated on the mare and worked with building some trust. Spoiling her while she had been a foal had seemed to have a negative effect on her. She had grown to be a bit ornery and ontop of that she was yet to be saddle trained. Assana was going to have her work cut out for her with this one.
Seeing that Hoaka was now ready for her training though, she fixated on the mare and worked with building some trust. Spoiling her while she had been a foal had seemed to have a negative effect on her. She had grown to be a bit ornery and ontop of that she was yet to be saddle trained. Assana was going to have her work cut out for her with this one.
Assana asked Karla to tack up Elle and come for a ride with her down to the training grounds with Hoaka and Chaz being led behind.
Assana put Karla in charge of Elle's training since she was almost fully trained, She wouldn't be able to mess up anything and Elle was gentle enough to be trusted with a beginner.
Assana put Karla in charge of Elle's training since she was almost fully trained, She wouldn't be able to mess up anything and Elle was gentle enough to be trusted with a beginner.
While Assana worked with Hoaka and Chaz, Karla rode Elle around. She was so happy to be finally given permission to ride the pretty mare.
She felt safe and the mare subtly corrected her by shifting her weight or her pace if she was messing up. She was learning so much from her.
Later on she gained more confidence and Assana told her to try her around the race track. So she did. She was clinging for dear life but Elle seemed to really enjoy it and when Karla finally relaxed she started to get her balance and pay more attention to what she was doing wrong.
She felt safe and the mare subtly corrected her by shifting her weight or her pace if she was messing up. She was learning so much from her.
Later on she gained more confidence and Assana told her to try her around the race track. So she did. She was clinging for dear life but Elle seemed to really enjoy it and when Karla finally relaxed she started to get her balance and pay more attention to what she was doing wrong.
When Assana saw Karla relax with Elle around the arena, she left them on their own for a short time.
She had a buyer lined up for Chaz. He'd never be a top competing horse or a school pony, he was much too stubborn for that. But a retired horse handler wanted a horse with personality to ride for the weekends. He would live at the JRA Center and be looked after by the staff there, so he would receive the best of care.
The retiree paid $7,948 for him, so Assana delivered him as soon as he'd been exercised and ready to meet his new owner.
She gave him one last hug before she let him go, she would miss his stubbornness a little.
She had a buyer lined up for Chaz. He'd never be a top competing horse or a school pony, he was much too stubborn for that. But a retired horse handler wanted a horse with personality to ride for the weekends. He would live at the JRA Center and be looked after by the staff there, so he would receive the best of care.
The retiree paid $7,948 for him, so Assana delivered him as soon as he'd been exercised and ready to meet his new owner.
She gave him one last hug before she let him go, she would miss his stubbornness a little.
When she got back to the training grounds it had started to rain, but Elle and Karla were still doing laps around the race track.
She noticed that Karla was sitting a little straighter and not flopping as much. She was proud of what she'd managed to learn in one day and that she seemed to be taking it seriously.
Assana squeezed in a quick training session with Running Cloud before taking everyone home for dinner and some well earned rest.
She noticed that Karla was sitting a little straighter and not flopping as much. She was proud of what she'd managed to learn in one day and that she seemed to be taking it seriously.
Assana squeezed in a quick training session with Running Cloud before taking everyone home for dinner and some well earned rest.
Karla had school the next day so Assana made sure she went to bed early. While she was asleep there was a storm raging. The horses had been difficult and jittery so Assana had left them to free roam for the night.
While the storm raged outside, Assana decided to paint for a while. Since Karla liked all animals and her room was a bit bare of decor, she painted a cat to go in her room if she liked it.
Assana was feeling really positive about this adoption decision. Apart from the first hiccup, Karla really seemed to want to turn over a new life and try her best.
While the storm raged outside, Assana decided to paint for a while. Since Karla liked all animals and her room was a bit bare of decor, she painted a cat to go in her room if she liked it.
Assana was feeling really positive about this adoption decision. Apart from the first hiccup, Karla really seemed to want to turn over a new life and try her best.
Just before Assana went to bed a flash of lightening brightened the windows and she heard paniced whinnies outside. She rushed outside and calmed a freaked out Hoaka and panicked Cloud Magic.
Once they were settled again she went inside and dried off before going to bed.
Once they were settled again she went inside and dried off before going to bed.
The storm had knocked alot of the leaves off the trees making the paddock almost magical looking in the morning as the horses had breakfast. Before Karla left for school, Assana told her that she would send Elle to pick her up after school, so she could practice her riding on the way home.
Karla was amazed and a little doubtful that the mare would be smart enough to wait at the school or even find the school. She shrugged her shoulders and got on the bus.
Karla was amazed and a little doubtful that the mare would be smart enough to wait at the school or even find the school. She shrugged her shoulders and got on the bus.
During the morning Assana finished the picture of that cat for Karla and took it upstairs and hung it on the wall for her. If she decided she didn't like it or was too old for such things she'd move it or sell it later.
It turned into another rainy day as Assana took Running Cloud and Hoaka to the training grounds.
She worked on their jumping the most. Hoaka positively flew over the jumps and put her whole heart and soul into each leap. Running Cloud was more graceful and a little more cautious, but he was also a skilled jumper.
Despite Hoaka's great jumping skill she was still a little ornery and if anything made her nervous she would refuse to move until she was calm again. This would take a bit of time to work on and Assana made a mental note to make sure she told Karla to keep her distance and be a little wary of the unpredictable mare.
She worked on their jumping the most. Hoaka positively flew over the jumps and put her whole heart and soul into each leap. Running Cloud was more graceful and a little more cautious, but he was also a skilled jumper.
Despite Hoaka's great jumping skill she was still a little ornery and if anything made her nervous she would refuse to move until she was calm again. This would take a bit of time to work on and Assana made a mental note to make sure she told Karla to keep her distance and be a little wary of the unpredictable mare.
True to her word, Elle was waiting outside the building at the end of school. Karla was impressed, and even though she was riding in the rain and getting soaked through she was happy.
She had never experienced anything like this before and she didn't want to do anything to spoil it this time. She wanted to stay with Assana on her ranch, even if it was hard work, it was fun work. And riding Elle made it worth it.
She had never experienced anything like this before and she didn't want to do anything to spoil it this time. She wanted to stay with Assana on her ranch, even if it was hard work, it was fun work. And riding Elle made it worth it.
When Karla got home she gave Elle a quick brush and a treat before going inside to her room to work on her home work.
It was maths and she wasn't very good at it, but she knew if she wanted to stay here one of the rules was doing all her school work, which included homework.
She puzzled over it for what seemed like ages, until Assana called her down for dinner. They talked about it as they ate and discussed some of the problems and ways she could work them out.
Karla was surprised by how helpful Assana was. She didn't treat her like she was dumb, or foolish, she just tried to help.
It was maths and she wasn't very good at it, but she knew if she wanted to stay here one of the rules was doing all her school work, which included homework.
She puzzled over it for what seemed like ages, until Assana called her down for dinner. They talked about it as they ate and discussed some of the problems and ways she could work them out.
Karla was surprised by how helpful Assana was. She didn't treat her like she was dumb, or foolish, she just tried to help.
Later that night when it was still raining and everyone was asleep, Cloud Magic gave birth to Mocha, a little filly sired by Chaz.
Over the next few days, Assana spent her days as she normally would, the only change was the morning breakfast and dinner with Karla. Karla was focused on her school work during the week and helped out after school with cleaning stalls and grooming horses. Elle was sent every afternoon to pick her up from school so Karla could improve her riding.
Over the next few days, Assana spent her days as she normally would, the only change was the morning breakfast and dinner with Karla. Karla was focused on her school work during the week and helped out after school with cleaning stalls and grooming horses. Elle was sent every afternoon to pick her up from school so Karla could improve her riding.
While riding Hoaka Assana realises it's time to sell Elle. She was completely trained and Assana could take her no further. She hoped that Karla hadn't gotten too attached.
When Assana got home from riding Hoaka she rang the JRA Center and asked the manager if she knew of anyone who would be interested in the gentle mare. The Manager said there were a few people interested in any horses coming from her ranch. Assana said she'd send Elle down in the afternoon with her new adopted daughter. She talked to the manager for a while and told her the girl was to learn the business and seemed willing. She also gave permission for Karla to purchase a horse in Assana's name.
When Assana got home from riding Hoaka she rang the JRA Center and asked the manager if she knew of anyone who would be interested in the gentle mare. The Manager said there were a few people interested in any horses coming from her ranch. Assana said she'd send Elle down in the afternoon with her new adopted daughter. She talked to the manager for a while and told her the girl was to learn the business and seemed willing. She also gave permission for Karla to purchase a horse in Assana's name.
When Karla got home from school Assana was waiting for her. She explained that it was time for Elle to go to another family that would look after her and make her a star in the international show world.
Karla was upset. She didn't want Elle to go. She asked if they could sell Running Cloud instead, but Assana told her that his training wasn't finished and he still had a few days to a few more weeks with her. She tried to explain that was this was the way the ranch worked and if they didn't sell horses then she didn't make any money. She told her that because she had shown such skill with Elle that she was giving her the responsibility of picking out a new stallion.
Karla was upset. She didn't want Elle to go. She asked if they could sell Running Cloud instead, but Assana told her that his training wasn't finished and he still had a few days to a few more weeks with her. She tried to explain that was this was the way the ranch worked and if they didn't sell horses then she didn't make any money. She told her that because she had shown such skill with Elle that she was giving her the responsibility of picking out a new stallion.
Karla was a little overwhelmed with this news. She was upset about having to say goodbye to Elle but appreciated the responsibility Assana trusted her with.
Karla rode Elle to the JRA Center where the manager Assana had told her about was waiting for her. She gave Elle a last goodbye hug and then handed her over to the manager who gave Karla $14,815 simoleons in an envelope. Karla was in awe of being allowed to handle so much money and took great care with it. This was more money then she had ever seen in her life.
The nickers of other horses brought her back to herself and made her remember the other half of her mission.
Karla rode Elle to the JRA Center where the manager Assana had told her about was waiting for her. She gave Elle a last goodbye hug and then handed her over to the manager who gave Karla $14,815 simoleons in an envelope. Karla was in awe of being allowed to handle so much money and took great care with it. This was more money then she had ever seen in her life.
The nickers of other horses brought her back to herself and made her remember the other half of her mission.
She wandered along the aisle at all the different horses. She even found Chaz in one of the stalls. He looked content so she only stopped to pat him for a short time. She looked through the different horses that were for sale with the manager inconspicuously following behind.
She finally came to a stall door named "Boogie" where a dark bay Warmblood was pacing in his stall.
The manager came up and told Karla that Boogie was a naturally nervous horse and a little bit clueless about some things. But he was fast and agile and he might be what Assana was looking for.
She finally came to a stall door named "Boogie" where a dark bay Warmblood was pacing in his stall.
The manager came up and told Karla that Boogie was a naturally nervous horse and a little bit clueless about some things. But he was fast and agile and he might be what Assana was looking for.
Karla bought him and rode him home. She hadn't realized she'd spent so much time in the Center but when she was riding home it was dark.
She hoped Assana would approve of Boogie. He was completely different then Elle. He was alot faster, but he also seemed very skittish.
When they got home Assana had a quick look over him and brushed him. Then she let him go mingle with the herd. She explained to Karla that it was vital that he got along with the others. Sometimes they could be rehabilitated but not always.
Karla was brimming with joy at Assana's approval of Boogie and went to bed very tired but very happy with herself.
She hoped Assana would approve of Boogie. He was completely different then Elle. He was alot faster, but he also seemed very skittish.
When they got home Assana had a quick look over him and brushed him. Then she let him go mingle with the herd. She explained to Karla that it was vital that he got along with the others. Sometimes they could be rehabilitated but not always.
Karla was brimming with joy at Assana's approval of Boogie and went to bed very tired but very happy with herself.
That same night, during a storm, with the thunder and lightening raging a war over head, Mocha matured into a very noisy mare.
The next morning Karla got up early to rake up the leaves in the front yard before school. Under the leaves she found a food bowl and a chew toy. She wondered if Assana used to have a dog and why these things were still here. But before she could ask the bus came and she had to rush to catch it.
Another rainy Autumn day and Assana was out in it with the horses. Nothing stopped her from training and caring for her horses.
She took time working with Mocha. Lightening crackled a few times and she calmed him down each time which seemed to give her an added boost of trust.
She took time working with Mocha. Lightening crackled a few times and she calmed him down each time which seemed to give her an added boost of trust.
It wasn't long at all before she had a saddle on her. The storm passed and she took her for a ride along the wet roads.
Mocha was fast and seemed to want to run forever. She was a little slow to respond to commands, especially ones that slowed her down.
Mocha was fast and seemed to want to run forever. She was a little slow to respond to commands, especially ones that slowed her down.
The next day, Friday, Assana took the herd to the training grounds.
She spent some time jumping with both Hoaka and Mocha. Mocha seemed to be a natural at whatever she was asked to do, though she was a little hesitant with the wall jumps she had no problem with the water jump.
She spent some time jumping with both Hoaka and Mocha. Mocha seemed to be a natural at whatever she was asked to do, though she was a little hesitant with the wall jumps she had no problem with the water jump.
To finish off the training session, Assana did some laps around the race track with Hoaka.
Hoaka was fast and seemed to enjoy stretching her legs and racing as fast as she could.
Assana sent her horses home all except for Cloud Magic. She mounted Cloud after a quick brush and hoof pick and rode her to the JRA Center.
Hoaka was fast and seemed to enjoy stretching her legs and racing as fast as she could.
Assana sent her horses home all except for Cloud Magic. She mounted Cloud after a quick brush and hoof pick and rode her to the JRA Center.
Cloud was on heat again and Assana wanted to pair her with Magpie, an interesting stallion that lived at the Center.
She paid the stud fees and then walked with Cloud all the way home.
She paid the stud fees and then walked with Cloud all the way home.
It was the night of the Autumn Dance for Karla. It was held at her high school. She stressed all evening about her dress and her makeup. Assana helped her with her homework to get it out of the way faster and then helped her with her hair and her dress.
Karla was grateful that Assana had bought the dress weeks earlier. It was a pretty number with a white fake rose stitched into it. Karla loved it.
When she got to the Dance all her friends were there already. They danced, they laughed and they all had a good time. They talked about the fashion fopaux and relationship problems the other students displayed.
But to end her night on a high, Karla was named Prom Queen!
She came home late that night, but was very happy. Her new life seemed to be everything she had hoped.
She put her Prom photo and her crown on her bedside table before she went to bed.
Karla was grateful that Assana had bought the dress weeks earlier. It was a pretty number with a white fake rose stitched into it. Karla loved it.
When she got to the Dance all her friends were there already. They danced, they laughed and they all had a good time. They talked about the fashion fopaux and relationship problems the other students displayed.
But to end her night on a high, Karla was named Prom Queen!
She came home late that night, but was very happy. Her new life seemed to be everything she had hoped.
She put her Prom photo and her crown on her bedside table before she went to bed.