The test of a champion

[Mycroft Hollins]

Mycroft was ever so slightly suspicious of his filly's intentions. All winter the young horse had been downright explosive, prancing each time she was led anywhere, digging holes in her stalls from all her pawing, and every so often he heard a complaint of her frightening people by lunging at them from the back of her stall as they walked past. He turned her out to pasture everyday to allow her to blow off steam, however she still pranced into the barn just as fresh and full of sass as she'd had when he took her out. Today however, after working with her in the round-pen for fifteen minutes, she was quiet. She was too quiet.

Though Mycroft normally wouldn't be bothered about her strange behavior, today was an important day. He had finally found someone willing to ride the thoroughbred. He found her qualified, but today was the real test. Today would be the first time she ever rode the triple tiara winning filly. He was relieved that he would no longer have to put himself at risk riding the sometimes unpredictable horse, but he didn't necessarily want to be responsible for someone else getting hurt. He'd already been down that road working for the MI6, and it was never pleasant. 


Tacking her up easily, his suspicions continued to grow. She'd stood perfectly still, and even accepted the bridle more willingly than ever. Once she was ready they headed towards the arena, her head held low and her ears flickering lazily. Mycroft patted her neck as they arrived at Benedict's Arena without incident, praising the filly for her good behavior. She swished her tail contently as they came to stand in the middle of the arena, and Mycroft set to work tightening her girth. He would leave the stirrups as they were for Gail to shorten or lengthen as she wished. Once that was done he began walking her around the arena until the filly's new rider arrived.  

[Abigail Sorenson-Faulkner]

Riding Thoroughbreds wasn't new. Jack used to be a racehorse, though it was a pretty miserable career. According to his previous owner, the gelding never placed higher than third in the total of five races he ran. As a jumper, he was superb, so the career shift ended up being for the better. Gail couldn't help but feel a little anxious as she pulled her helmet on and made sure her vest was adjusted correctly. One glance at her phone and Gail bolted out of her apartment. She knew how horses could be, and it would make for a terrible first impression if she couldn't even be punctual.

There was no time to second guess or doubt herself for agreeing to this. Rabbit was lovely, and she was glad to give the gelding some much needed attention, but he wasn't challenging. Her new project horse would be a challenge, but that was also very much a job. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and frankly, it surprised her that no one else jumped on it. The seconds ticked back to zero just as Gail walked into the indoor arena. The facilities were certainly good, and she didn't have any complaints about the lighting or footing.

"Hello, Mycroft. Your girl looks rather quiet today."

Gail did take the time to walk past Rainbow's stall a few times just to see what sort of horse she would be riding. She recalled the filly as being quite spirited and fresh, much unlike the docile animal standing in the arena. However, only time would tell to see if that behavior lasted. And horses were known to behave differently on the ground than in the saddle. Falling was a risk of getting on any horse, and it was a risk she was always willing to take. For now, Gail decided to follow Mycroft's lead. It was his horse, and she really didn't have the experience in riding a racehorse.

[Mycroft Hollins]

Mycroft patted Rainbow's neck apprehensively, nodding to Gail's comment, "I do believe she is testing us," he replied. He glanced at the filly a final time before giving the rider his full attention. "I've left the stirrups for you to adjust as you wish, but I've taken the liberty of tying your reins for you. I suggest keeping your stirrup leathers long, you don't want to be perched too high on her back if she decides to act up."

He waited patiently for her to adjust the tack to her liking, stroking Rainbow's nose and forehead while he waited. The filly rubbed her head against Mycroft's side, nearly pushing the man right off his feet. He shoved her back gently, not wishing to aggravate her or cause drama with the filly before a new rider got on her. Once Gail had finished he continued with his instruction. He grabbed the reins, bringing them down and forming a cross which he held between his fists.

"This is a cross, and how these thoroughbreds like their reins held, this will help you more than you realize. Keep your fists pressed against her withers at all times, this filly in particular seems to like the constant contact. And like most disciplines keeping your hands down and back is better than up on their neck. I'll give you a leg up, once you're up there I'll keep this leadrope on her and lead her to the rail. The moment you're ready just tell me so, and I'll let you go. After that, it will be up to you."

Gathering the leadrope in his hand, he allowed Gail the opportunity to ask questions or even back out if she was daunted. Once they were settled, he gave Gail a leg up onto the filly. She pricked her ears immediately upon feeling weight on her back, but didn't do anything particularly wild. Once Gail had picked up her stirrups he began leading the pair to the rail and around the arena, waiting for the ok to let them go.