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Description

Horse name/link to ref: Beast of Gevaudan
Rider name/link to ref: Jim Kelly
Stables: Ballyroan-Farm (Representing Ireland)
Show: Tuscan Challenge - 3 Day Eventing
Class: 5* Barbaresco (Training Pre-Arrival)

Entries: Walking a Wolf (Dressage), Crash Test Dummies (SJ), Wind Beneath My Wings (XC)
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“He can jump, he just… He takes his time.”

During his rather intense training at Sugar Pine Stables, Jim had uttered this very defence of his handsome horse like a proud parent. Ironically, though, it could have applied to himself just as accurately. The grey pair hacked regularly, and Beast was a damn good hunter when he wasn’t prancing on arena sand. Bushes and walls, fences and ditches were seldom an issue for the tall draft with powerful quarters and lengthy legs.

Obviously, countryside obstacles weren’t exactly comparable to a 5* jumping course, though. The silver vet would have to train himself and his mount for the Tuscan Challenge, and he’d have to train well. He probably would have asked Frankie, the successful showjumper, who conveniently lived in his shed for help. But of course that would expose his adventurous plans, and this week abroad was supposed to remain hush-hush if he was to attend at all.

Who else, then, could be entrusted with whipping a thick-set cob and a dying man into shape to compete?

None other than Leoni Reid. Coincidentally the father of a beloved blonde who shared the same address. Yes indeed, there were multiple reasons Jim decided to pay SPS a visit. Brushing up on long-forgotten jumping techniques played only a modest part.

-

Tough-love training suited Jim, and luckily that’s exactly what he received from Leo in preparation for the jump-focused phases of the 3DE. Such methods forced old muscle memory back into action, with new tips and tricks he’d be thankful for. The advice was helpful, and valuable, and very much needed to miraculously manoeuvre the Beast of Gevaudan over 1.6m bars, that was for certain. The rigorous training was softened by the sight of a familiar face; Jamie, who’d pass by occasionally. His presence alone kicked the old vet into gear, a shameless showoff to the very end.
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Jim and Beast belong to me
Leo & Jamie (mentioned in story) belong to Joequidae

Stock used:
CCNA Aspang_59
Field Background Stock 021
Equestrian Facility Stock - Riding Hall
DressageKur_67
CSI3*_10

Description

Horse name/link to ref: Beast of Gevaudan
Rider name/link to ref: Jim Kelly
Stables: Ballyroan-Farm (Representing Ireland)
Show: Tuscan Challenge - 3 Day Eventing
Class: 5* Barbaresco (Training Pre-Arrival)

Entries: Walking a Wolf (Dressage), Crash Test Dummies (SJ), Wind Beneath My Wings (XC)
---------------------------------------

“He can jump, he just… He takes his time.”

During his rather intense training at Sugar Pine Stables, Jim had uttered this very defence of his handsome horse like a proud parent. Ironically, though, it could have applied to himself just as accurately. The grey pair hacked regularly, and Beast was a damn good hunter when he wasn’t prancing on arena sand. Bushes and walls, fences and ditches were seldom an issue for the tall draft with powerful quarters and lengthy legs.

Obviously, countryside obstacles weren’t exactly comparable to a 5* jumping course, though. The silver vet would have to train himself and his mount for the Tuscan Challenge, and he’d have to train well. He probably would have asked Frankie, the successful showjumper, who conveniently lived in his shed for help. But of course that would expose his adventurous plans, and this week abroad was supposed to remain hush-hush if he was to attend at all.

Who else, then, could be entrusted with whipping a thick-set cob and a dying man into shape to compete?

None other than Leoni Reid. Coincidentally the father of a beloved blonde who shared the same address. Yes indeed, there were multiple reasons Jim decided to pay SPS a visit. Brushing up on long-forgotten jumping techniques played only a modest part.

-

Tough-love training suited Jim, and luckily that’s exactly what he received from Leo in preparation for the jump-focused phases of the 3DE. Such methods forced old muscle memory back into action, with new tips and tricks he’d be thankful for. The advice was helpful, and valuable, and very much needed to miraculously manoeuvre the Beast of Gevaudan over 1.6m bars, that was for certain. The rigorous training was softened by the sight of a familiar face; Jamie, who’d pass by occasionally. His presence alone kicked the old vet into gear, a shameless showoff to the very end.
---------------------------------------
Jim and Beast belong to me
Leo & Jamie (mentioned in story) belong to Joequidae

Stock used:
CCNA Aspang_59
Field Background Stock 021
Equestrian Facility Stock - Riding Hall
DressageKur_67
CSI3*_10