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Description
BVR Opening Day Western Showcase
Horse: CX Bad Luck Charm (8 y/o)
Rider: Wyatt Wallace (26 y/o)
Class: Freestyle Reining

Lucky in Ireland? Seemed like a good fit! The pair had travelled internationally before, so the trip overseas was fairly straightforward. The beauty of the facility, Blackthorn Valley Ranch, was awe-inspiring. Like something out of a fairy tale. Wyatt made a mental note to ask the ranch owners if he and Lucky could stay on a few extra days, just so they could do a bit of riding and exploring to fully appreciate the ranch and its surrounding countryside. But that would have to wait until the work was complete.

For now, Wyatt urged Lucky to lope in a wide circle o warm the stallion up. He occasionally changed direction and, as Lucky began to find a groove and melt into Wyatt's subtle commands, he began asking for more technical movements. Tight spins, lead changes, and many of the other moves associated with reining. Lucky, for his part, was an old pro and knew what was expected of him. He performed admirably, and Wyatt hoped that performance would carry over into the actual class.

When their was up, Wyatt guided Lucky towards the indoor arena. Late afternoon sun filtered through the trees just on the other side of the huge glass windows, and bathed the arena in an ethereal light. Lucky loped into the ring smoothly, his muscles loose and his movements confident. Occasionally, he flicked a single ear back towards Wyatt, listening for a command, but his rider kept his communication with his mount isolated to subtle movements from his hands, legs, and the weight of his seat.

The pair flew through the pattern, and finished with the ever popular sliding stop: arguably the most identifiable move in the reining world. Lucky leaned back on his hocks deeply as the pair slid through the soft footing of the arena. As the stallion stood, a thin sheen of sweat was visible on his dunskin coat; evidence of how hard he had been trying, despite it looking somewhat effortless. He knew he was done, and had done well, when Wyatt patted his neck roughly. "Good job!" he said out loud - the first words he had spoken since they entered the arena.

Nickering softly and feeling pleased with himself, Lucky allowed himself to be guided out of the arena. The day was done, and this had been their last class of the event. Wyatt felt somewhat melancholy that it was over, but was warmed with pride over how well Lucky had done. Despite his otherwise lazy nature, Lucky really was an outstanding cow-horse. The pair had come so far in their careers, And Wyatt was already thinking three steps ahead to their next training session and their next competition beyond that.

Lucky, on the other hand, was a simple beast. All he was thinking about was the soft bed of shavings that awaiting him in his stall, a luxurious grooming session, and maybe a few of the peppermints he knew Wyatt was carrying in his pockets. He had more than earned them, after all.
(502 words)

Description
BVR Opening Day Western Showcase
Horse: CX Bad Luck Charm (8 y/o)
Rider: Wyatt Wallace (26 y/o)
Class: Freestyle Reining

Lucky in Ireland? Seemed like a good fit! The pair had travelled internationally before, so the trip overseas was fairly straightforward. The beauty of the facility, Blackthorn Valley Ranch, was awe-inspiring. Like something out of a fairy tale. Wyatt made a mental note to ask the ranch owners if he and Lucky could stay on a few extra days, just so they could do a bit of riding and exploring to fully appreciate the ranch and its surrounding countryside. But that would have to wait until the work was complete.

For now, Wyatt urged Lucky to lope in a wide circle o warm the stallion up. He occasionally changed direction and, as Lucky began to find a groove and melt into Wyatt's subtle commands, he began asking for more technical movements. Tight spins, lead changes, and many of the other moves associated with reining. Lucky, for his part, was an old pro and knew what was expected of him. He performed admirably, and Wyatt hoped that performance would carry over into the actual class.

When their was up, Wyatt guided Lucky towards the indoor arena. Late afternoon sun filtered through the trees just on the other side of the huge glass windows, and bathed the arena in an ethereal light. Lucky loped into the ring smoothly, his muscles loose and his movements confident. Occasionally, he flicked a single ear back towards Wyatt, listening for a command, but his rider kept his communication with his mount isolated to subtle movements from his hands, legs, and the weight of his seat.

The pair flew through the pattern, and finished with the ever popular sliding stop: arguably the most identifiable move in the reining world. Lucky leaned back on his hocks deeply as the pair slid through the soft footing of the arena. As the stallion stood, a thin sheen of sweat was visible on his dunskin coat; evidence of how hard he had been trying, despite it looking somewhat effortless. He knew he was done, and had done well, when Wyatt patted his neck roughly. "Good job!" he said out loud - the first words he had spoken since they entered the arena.

Nickering softly and feeling pleased with himself, Lucky allowed himself to be guided out of the arena. The day was done, and this had been their last class of the event. Wyatt felt somewhat melancholy that it was over, but was warmed with pride over how well Lucky had done. Despite his otherwise lazy nature, Lucky really was an outstanding cow-horse. The pair had come so far in their careers, And Wyatt was already thinking three steps ahead to their next training session and their next competition beyond that.

Lucky, on the other hand, was a simple beast. All he was thinking about was the soft bed of shavings that awaiting him in his stall, a luxurious grooming session, and maybe a few of the peppermints he knew Wyatt was carrying in his pockets. He had more than earned them, after all.
(502 words)