[running] B&E&N ((open))

[x.Ella Volter.x]

The well experienced but lesser known jockey led a large colt to the dirt section of the large track. He tightened the girth, for Ben had puffed out in the barn, and adjusted the stirrups a little. Using the gate, he hopped aboard grabbing his crop. The colt started a prancing trot, but it was quite fidgety as well. Jarred tightened the reins up and got settled in the light saddle. He bumped his heels against the colt's well-groomed side, and they flew off at a controlled canter

He looked straight ahead through the colt's ears. His hands were tight around the reins, keeping the colt's speed under a gallop. They would gallop soon, but not yet. Ben wasn't warmed up enough yet. The two had started at the beginning of a stretch, so after the first turn he let the colt go. He didn't even have his head, and Ben was eating up ground. Jarred flexed his fingers around the reins, telling the colt to stay controlled.

[Kristy Ruscoti]

The teenager wandered into the estate. She knew she probably shouldnt be there. She didn't own it..much less know who did. But it was a large, expensive looking estate...and her curiosity got the best of her.

She walked towrds what looked like a training track...to see a man..in his thirties by the looks of it...exersizing a horse. She moved closer..but kept hidden in a bush.

[x.Ella Volter.x]

Jarred bent the colt left for the curve to end up where the were. That was probably enough for today. "That's my good runner," he praised the colt as they gently transitioned into a trot, and from there to a walk. He stroked the warm neck of the equine beneath him, then gave him a loose rein. He wasn't worried about Ben acting up. After a run he was always more relaxed. As the jockey gazed around, he saw movement in a bush nearby. "Hey! Anyone there?" he called. He wasn't mad, just wanted to make sure nobody was lost. Ah, it could just be a rabbit.

[Kristy Ruscoti]

"Ahh!" Kristy said lightly as she fell on her rump. She glanced up at the jockey...somewhat scared. She wasn't sure if she was going to get into trouble. She stood up quickly and without meeting his eyes she mumbled "Sorry...i'll...i'll just go... she began to turn around. All she wanted to do was get away as quickly as possible

[x.Ella Volter.x]

The man hopped down from his seal brown mount and let the horse itch his nose on his limber leg. Jarred smiled at the girl and led Bitter Like Apples, Ben, to the girl. "It's ok. I was just wondering if you were looking for anyone in particular. Guests are always welcome here at Sparrow Ridge, Ella insists," he said, trying to explain she wasn't in any trouble.

[Kristy Ruscoti]

"Oh..no i was just looking... she said feeling slightly better. She turned back around and looked at the man. Then she looked at the horse. He was beautiful. She gazed a little longer...before looking around the farm..taking in the appearance. Horses grazed in pastures. And she could here them in the barn as well. But the place seemed deserted otherwise. Then her mind wandered to another question. Who's Ella?

[x.Ella Volter.x]

The man nodded and fingered the colt's forelock. He nosed around in the grass, so Jarred took the bridle off so he could graze a little. Although, he did keep a hand on Ben's mane. "Oh, sorry. I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Jarred, Jarred Alexon. And this here is Ben, or Bitter Like Apples. He really hasn't run much, so I doubt you know him. And this stable is the one and only Sparrow Ridge Farm, owned by Ella Volter. We're making our way here," he said with a smile, and even a little chuckle. They were, weren't they. Sparrow Ridge was making its way into a couple newspapers and a few races.

[Kristy Ruscoti]

Kristy nodded. She had seen this farm in the papers now and then. And once in a while in the DRF. But she didn't know that much about it. She smiled politely and looked at the horse. He's beautiful she said quietly...but loud enough for him to hear.

[x.Ella Volter.x]

Jarred chuckled. "Ya, he certainly is. Do you wanna come to the barn with me? Maybe you'll be intrigued into a job," he joked. He was sure Ella would want a stablehand or two. And this girl looked eager to be around these horses. Jarred gave a slight tug on the colt's short mane as he started to wander. "Not now," he muttered. Ben would get to graze after this.

[Kristy Ruscoti]

Job. that word hit her like a ton of bricks. She did need a job. As she was alone. And..it was a job with horses. Thats what made it great. And once more...a job with Thoroughbreds. Racing thoroughbreds. She nodded slightly..trying not to look to eager. "Sure" She looked at the colt. And she became eager more...to see the other horses. What they looked like and how they raced. And then she got a longing feeling...hoping that she would get the job.

[x.Ella Volter.x]

He nodded with a sweet smile. He hoped to one day have her know all he knew about the world of racing. He could see the excitement running through her veins. "All right! Let's head to the colt barn where you can help me put Ben away," he said. He slung the bridle over his shoulder and the colt obediently followed him to the barn. He looked back, hoping that this girl would follow. He forgot to ask her name!!

[Kristy Ruscoti]

She followed. Still trying not to look too excited. A cool breeze blew her hair and sweatshirt ties around. She put her head down and walked in a slow pace behind him. Watching as the horse followed too. She looked up to see him looking back. I'm Kristy She said. She had never introduced herself...and he was being nice enough that it only seemed fair.

[x.Ella Volter.x]

He smiled. Kristy. He liked that name. "Well then, Kristy, let's see how you are with Ben," he said as the colt barn came in view. If she could handle the colt well in the barn, she could handle any horse. Of course, he didn't expect her to be perfect. Nobody was, and even Jarred had trouble getting Ben to listen sometimes. It all came with experience.

[Kristy Ruscoti]

She halted for a few seconds. He wanted her to..to handle a horse? Already? She cought up quickly. As she entered the barn, she gasped at its beauty. And the horses within it. She walked over to Ben's left shoulder and placed a hand lightly on his neck. She wasnt scared...just nervous to mess up in front of Jarred. She rubbed Ben lightly.

[x.Ella Volter.x]

ooc: I'll make a thread in the Colt/Stallion barn.