La Volta

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Finally seem to be dragging my ass out of this art block. So glad as i am super excited for his pair, and this show, and these fun plots!

Also we have returned to the cutout composition and man its still super fun to mess with XD

Hector had been in a mood. He was a sensitive horse at the best of times, and their partnership was only young, but the few days since they had arrived had been interesting to say the least. She had known that it was likely everything around their actual ride that would be the hardest for them. Both had competed at higher levels than they were entered in, just not together. The training sessions, arena familiarisation, even just the hacks around the area that were meant to keep him relaxed and loose after their travel had all been tense. No spills or serious issues, but just not as relaxed or as connected as Von wanted to be.

Neaghe and Ryan had been reminding her that some horses took longer to trust, to really connect with their riders. They even pointed out certain breeds that they owned took changes in ownership very hard. Hector had only been hers a few months now. A moment of madness or brilliance, who knows, but she had taken the leap, spending her money on something permanent to help fill the gap in her life that she had been struggling to make sense of. A partner and a goal to help give her a direction to strive towards. She just hoped that the stallion would an equal partner in her.

She had known what she wanted when she decided to go looking, and she had never expected to be buying a rare breed, nor a stallion. Thankfully he was young enough and unusual enough that most buyers were not really sure what to do with him. The market for breeding Maremmano's in Australia was non existent, and his temperament and minimal competition career so far had kept the price reasonable. It was still an eye watering amount for her, but nothing compared to what she knew her bosses spent.

What had sold her was something she couldn't describe. She was drawn to the dark rather pushy horse when she had gone to try him. He had not been the easiest ride and was hot to handle. But there was something in his eye, something in the way he stared at her after she was done and about to leave. Her Nonna would have called it God's hand. At touch of fate, of destiny. Something that pulled her in a direction that felt right despite all rational thought. It was the same thing that had kept her entering this event despite Ryan pulling out last minute due to another commitment. It had kept her company during the nights she struggled to sleep due to the nerves of such a big trip and step taken alone. It was scary, it was a little mad, but it felt right.

She focused on that feeling as they warmed up for their class.

Hector was still tense. He tossed his head more than she would like, fighting the contact and eyeing off the surroundings for monsters he seemed certain were looming everywhere. Vonnie was doubting if she should change her costume to a more normal competition outfit just to give him less noise and touch to deal with. But she had held that thread of hope and potential and set about getting him as relaxed and connected as she possibly could before they rode into the main arena.

It was not perfect. Not by a long shot. Hector had spooked slightly at a specific corner multiple times, had anticipated her cues for the canter sections, and their walk had been more of a jog. But there were some good points as well. He had not completely lost it, and their trot and canter work had been nicely balanced and even slightly supple and loose by the end of the test.

Vonnie couldn't hide the genuine smile of relief and happiness as she saluted the judges and reached down to run her hand along the dark neck in front of her. They had made it through their first dance. Hector danced sideways at the cheering from the audience, but Vonnie didn't really hear it, she could feel that tug, that draw of something important pulling at her again.

Next: Lady's Honour

Show:  2024 Singing Pines Medieval Show

Class: Courtly Dressage (Medium Level, Shown at the trot)

Extra Images: Lady's Honour, A token and a promise

Rider: Yvonne Landers (27yo)

Horse: Merlo II (8yo, Maremmano Stallion)

Stable: KhanCohban Farms

Country: Australia

Provided References used for BG inspiration.
Tons of dresses used to try help me get ANY idea of what to put Von in but nothing specific.