Games on Horseback

[Bruce Ropata]

Bruce had enjoyed the month he had spent with his parents, had thoroughly enjoyed a few weeks of skiing, and even enjoyed helping dig ewes who had lambed early out of the snowy mountains and bringing mothers and babies back to the shearing barn. They had, as always, ended up with a few orphaned lambs, and he had been oh so tempted to bring one back with him, but even he knew that he couldn't convince customs that the lamb was a really strange breed of Poodle.

Now, back in Kentucky, and slightly more tanned than when he had left - minus where his sunglasses had sat - Bruce led the mounted games ponies out to their yards by the arena he used for his class. Yes, he knew that he could take the next week to settle back into the change in temperature, and seasons, but he didn't see the point in not getting right back into it, and Boss was having fun out in pasture. So, the man had placed up notices about a games day (or days) that any students on campus could attend. He had also written up that they were welcome to bring their own mounts, or borrow one of the class ponies - thus why they were in their yards, gear sitting neatly on the ground in front.

While he waited to see how many students would show up, he began to set up five rows of bending poles, yes a little keen on his part, but even if he didn't get that many interested students, he could still make use of the rows.

[Martijn van der Berg]

Tijn had done the mounted games clinic the previous year as well, and he had been happy to find that this year's version was being held before he left to go home for two weeks. He had learned last year that Ritske was not the best choice of mount, so he arrived horse-less, but carrying his helmet by the straps. He approached the arena where Mr. Ropata was setting up with a smile, "Hello! Are you assigning ponies or how are you doing that?" He grinned easily, "Last year I learned at least something, that Frisians aren't the best choice for mounted games."