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Description

For the Roemoe Beach Seaside Show Jumping | Grand Prix

Featuring:
Horses name (+ref): S0002 NRR Birgitta
Riders Name: Dave Burton
Class: Grand Prix
Country: USA
Show Experience: Daddy Duties

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was going to be a long day. A very long day. Dave had just about all he could take of the shenanigans. From watching a sickening display of a dressage horse attempt show jumping to his own son's, Chris, intolerable attitude in public...the day was dragging on far too long for his tastes.
Daniel had been napping up until his sister, Abigail, decided that she needed a peon to poke at the crabs along the shoreline. Dave didn't comprehend how they still even had the energy!? Clearly the sun hadn't roasted their little child brains near enough- uh...what he meant to think was...oh, how precious, they are really having a great time on the beach like children should...that's what he meant to think...
He eyed the sky warily. Clouds had been setting in pretty thick but he had drawn almost last in order of go. It'd probably be raining by his turn. The thought made him cringe a little. It's not that he didn't like rain - rain was all fine and dandy by his book, but he hated the thought of his youngsters running around in a rain storm. What would his wife think if he brought soaking wet rat children home? He was already on a thin wire with her. She didn't exactly approve of them even being at these kind of things because 'horses were dangerous and unnecessary'.
Dave dropped his eyes onto Daniel and Abigail, poking things along the shoreline. It made him uneasy that they were farther away than he liked (but at least they couldn't dump sand down his boot at this distance). They needed rounding up. He leaned over to his teenage sun, whom he still had custody over until he and Tristan Ennerstone exchanged boy for horse, "Chris..."
Chris grumbled and paused what he was doing on his phone. He had been going over the course with his father - order of jumps, types, etc. and he wasn't even paying attention!? What a waste of time! "Dad, if you're done with this then I'm headed back to the trailer."
Dave glanced at the phone and then back to the younger kids, "That's fine and all but take your brother and sister with you. It looks like a nasty storm is coming in and I don't want you all catching death out here. Okay?"
Chris took a quick look at the sky and rolled his eyes, "They won't melt."
Dave took Chris's phone from him and raised a brow, "Christopher James..."
"Oh my god, not the middle name. Please forgive me father, for I have sinned." Chris's voice was flat and uninterested. Like his father actually had that much power over him. Why did parents think that saying a kid's middle name instantly meant death and doom if they didn't obey? Stupid. Chris rolled his eyes and set out after his younger siblings. At least he could act like an adult and take care of a couple of kids, not like Dave.
Dave sighed heavily. It didn't matter what he did...that kid made up his own choices and part of Dave was proud that he was independent and self-reliable. The other part of Dave missed the days when he'd come springing into his bed, asking for another bedtime story to be read to him. Guess they didn't stay young forever...
Dave certainly knew that feeling as he stared at the brick of technology in his hands. Okay...he had a similar one Chris insisted on him getting but that didn't mean he knew how to really work it. He knew how to make a call, take a call, and look at a text. He hadn't been taught how to respond to a text but Chris promised him one day he would teach him (that was three years ago). Dave tapped the screen and the picture of the course expanded rapidly. Dave flinched and held the phone further away like that would make it smaller... When that didn't work, he tapped it again and it moved about without his consent. "Blasted technology. Hold still!" Dave fought with it for a solid five minutes until he was flustered enough that he gave up. He had seen enough to get the idea! It was a bit jumbled in his mind but he knew the numbers well enough, he could formulate a game plan during his warm up.
True enough, it had started raining before Dave even had his go. He was already in the warmup area, getting Birgitta nice and limbered up for her go. Such a talented horse. He adored her in and out - a lovely looker and a lovely mind on her. Easily one of his favorites. It'd be tough to replace her once she got too stiff for upper level competition such as this. But that was another day's discussion. She was feeling good with the sandy footing and flat grounds to work with.
Dave scanned the shoreline for his children. He grit his teeth, threatening Chris if he hadn't gotten the younger ones inside of the living quarters already. He didn't see them out there but that didn't mean they hadn't wandered off further! Dave's dad senses were tingling and he didn't like it. He was a father first, a competitor second, though it pained him some days. He hopped off Birgitta and spotted Jarin with an umbrella watching the warmup area. He walked over to him with Birgitta in tow, "Mr. Jackson!"
Jarin flinched and backed up at Dave's sudden arrival! Jarin immediately began wondering what he had done wrong! He was just standing there watching Tristan's competition (silently judging them all against Tristan's standards...)! No harm in standing! He smile politely, "Hi, Dav- Mr. Burton. Have you went yet?"
Dave shook his head, "No, I'm afraid I'm one of the last go's. I was hoping you would do me a favor, if you don't mind?"
A favor for Dave? What could he possibly want from Jarin!? Jarin felt uneasy...he was here to cheer Tristan on but technically Dave was from the same stable...they were technically on the same team. Jarin nodded slowly, "What is it?"
Dave handed Jarin Birgitta's reins, "Just hold onto her for a moment, if you would so kindly. I have three children to track down or their mother will be the lightning that strikes me down today."
Jarin looked a little worried, glancing to the clouds and then back at Dave, "There's going to be lightning?"
Dave paused in step...right...this kid was a strange one..."I don't believe so."
"But you sai-"
"I will return quickly! Thank you, Mr. Jackson! I am in your debt!" Dave hurried off before he'd have to engage in any more oddities from the youthful "adult". He made for the shoreline and looked up and down it just to be sure but didn't see any imps - children - of his own running about. Dave turned back and headed for his trailer, getting a good soak going on from the rain that was only picking up. It was still tolerable and the show would go on unless there should be any lightning. But it was just a shower predicted so it should be fine. Dave wasn't worried about it. It was honestly feeling a bit like his home in Iceland. Rain and cold.
Dave hopped into the trailer and didn't immediately see the kids. He grumbled loudly and started to curse his eldest son. He was smarter than this and more responsible! Even though his attitude wasn't the finest, he was still a good kid! But leaving the younger kids out in the rain!? That was just unlike him!
Just then Dave noticed a small form move under the covers of the bed. He stepped closer and saw Abigail and Daniel both tucked in and napping. They had finally met their match and gave in to a nap. He noticed Daniel was holding Chris's shades. He smiled and stepped back quietly. He should have never doubted Chris. Of course, he finished the task he was given! He was a smart kid and a Burton, no less!
Dave headed back out of the trailer and back for the warm-up area when he nearly jumped out of his skin as Chris snuck up on him, "Hey, isn't it your go?"
Dave held a hand over his thundering heart and whipped around to see his unenthusiastic son raise a brow at him. He looked over and saw his name was on the call for next in line, "Shhii-" language... "Shucks!" (that was enough to melt down any of the respect Chris might have had for him...) Dave jogged to the warm-up to retrieve Birgitta and get going!
Jarin held out the reins, "Good luck, Da- er, Mr. Burton! I hope your wife doesn't strike you down for almost being late!"
Dave made a wild-eyed confused expression at the little oddity but swing aboard and took off for the main ring without questioning what the hell that send off meant.
By the time it was Dave's turn, the sky had blackened significantly and the wind had picked up. Most of the kite flyers booked it off the grounds and back to their vehicles to wait out the storm. Dave was far enough along that they wouldn't call it off just yet. Besides...no lightning yet. Dave's round was going well. He had made the most sense that he could out of what he had made out on Chris's phone and the lines he chose to make felt good and clean. Birgitta was moving like a queen, digging deep into corners and extending through straightaways. Dave refused to have any other form than near perfection over each jump. There was absolutely no excuse why a horse and rider couldn't achieve perfect position over every jump and still win. Dave refused to give into his old ways and the new wave of insane jumpers that flung themselves around courses like rubber bands on cocaine (Tristan Ennerstone...Ty Murray...just to name a couple...). Dave was determined to climb the ranks again with his newly refined style of riding - a respectable one.
But this round was going a bit too smoothly and even Dave noticed it coming into the last fence. He happened to glance at his time and noticed it was loads ahead of the top score...not that he wouldn't be proud but even he was suspicious of it. He looked back to his jump, feeling uneasy like something was missing. He cleared the last jump effortlessly and let up on Birgitta a bit but he didn't see any reaction out of the few brave souls still roughing it out in the rain. Something was off.
"-aaave!"
Dave thought his heard a voice through the wind and rain that he recognized. He glanced around, looking for where it came from.
"Daaad!"
Dave's dad ears honed in on it like a beacon opened up from the heavens. His attention shot around to his son shouting from the sidelines. He was pointing madly in the direction of a jump. He looked frantic, "Daaad! Last jump! You forgot the last jump!"
Dave's blood turned to ice. Last jump!? He glanced back to what he thought was the last jump and then the timer that HAD NOT STOPPED YET. Dave swore hard and shoved Birgitta into a gallop. He still had time! He hoped he still had time! He wasn't quitting now! He had to motor for the last jump! How could he be so blind!? He never even considered this fence! He swore again which was muffled in the sudden downpour and rumble of heavy thunder.
He wouldn't make it. He was coming in on the wrong angle. He was basically parallel to the jump's plane. He couldn't afford to swing out and back in. Time would not allow for it. Maybe it was pointless to try anyway! He had lost so many precious seconds thinking he had nailed the course at an obscene pace! This was crazy!
"Hurry the hell up, dad!" Chris called after him.
Dave resolved his will. He had no choice. He was a dad. His son wanted him to hurry up? He'd hurry the fuck up. He had a son to impress!
Dave grinned a little and pushed Birgitta on, straight for the fence. He was going to resort to something he used to play with in his younger days when he too, was a rubber band on cocaine. Only, unlike the youngsters in the sport, Dave had the trump card of experience. That didn't make what he was about to attempt any less stupid. It was risky and it was dangerous. But he didn't have time to negotiate anymore.
Birgitta's ears flicked forward. She was already getting the signs of the maneuver Dave still toyed with in private ever-so often. She charged on fearlessly despite the pass/fail result this act produced. They'd either achieve something impressive or obliterate an entire fence. No in-between.
Dave sat deep and although he hated to get sloppy and aggressive, it had to be done in order to achieve this. He backed Birgitta down just a few strides before they blew past the jump until she was so collected up, she about bounced into the air. But he had to have her at the exact spot or they'd destroy the fence. THERE.
Just as thunder rolled above their head and Dave boot lined up with the first standard, Dave dug his outside heel into her and tucked her head away from the jump. Birgitta crouched and shot off the ground, heaving herself sideways with a massive snort and grunt that mixed with the thunder. A loud clap and a bolt of lightning lit the entire scene as Birgitta sailed over the jump at an unbelievable angle. From her forward momentum and the shove sideways, she flew over the jump at a tight diagonal, almost sideways. She barely managed to tuck her legs underneath herself. She had to twist her hind end just to get her hind legs high enough to clear the pole. Thankfully Dave had her nose tucked to the side or she would have eaten the second standard (something he had learned to fix after about 17 failed attempts...).
It was a hideous jump and a gross form all the way over as Dave hunched and really just made sure he stayed on. The landing was even uglier! Birgitta had to drop a leg way early and scrambled sideways, nearly tripping herself and tangling her legs up. It took her several strides to work straight again and regain her composure.
Dave let her settle and looked to the sky. Did he see lightning? There wasn't any now...the rain was even starting to let up again...Dave brushed a hand on his throat, remembering what he had told Jarin earlier, 'their mother will be the lightning that strikes me down today'. He had a bad feeling that today's little sideways adventure would trickle right back to Helena's ears and he really would know what unleashed lightning felt like...
(2517 word count)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank the good Zoub-lord for extensions! I could take my time and do a lot better on this than if I tried to rush it :')
So, straight-laced Dave has a bit of a wild-child in him from back in the day. Rumor has it, he used to be pretty reckless and a bit of a speed demon. This was a peek back into his previous riding style and his signature sideways jump. On a good day, he nailed it. On the other six days of the week, he plowed a fence in half, taking the standards out with a horse face. Not his most elegant days but he's worked very hard to polish himself and vehemently denies his backstory with a passion.
So...I've decided Birgitta and purple are my favorite thing, now having put her in purple atmosphere twice now xD I can't help it. It looks nice! And look, lightning fun!
Disclaimer: don't try to jump your horse sideways...Bless pixel ponies and their ability to jump sideways...

BONUS EPILOGUE:
With the rain clearing off, Dave walked Birgitta back to the warm-up arena to cool down before he'd take her back. He saw Chris on the sidelines and rode up to him, "Thank you, Chris. You saved your old man out there."
Chris raised a brow, "A seasoned show jumper with multiple titles and he forgets his last fence? I only saved you from your own dementia. I'll start looking for your nursing home...do you prefer chocolate or tapioca pudding?"
Dave forced a smile on his face (don't let the teenager get to you Dave), "Chris, I was trying to say thank you for caring. I got to that last fence all because of you cheering me on! Your dad appreciates your support, son!"
Chris stared at him blankly, "Cheering? No, I just didn't want you embarrassing the family name. It's my legacy, after all."
DON'T LET THE TEENAGER GET TO YOU, DAVE. Dave's smile was tight and he forced politeness, "I'm humbled by how much you care for the family, Chris."
Chris nodded silently and was on his phone again. He turned to walk off without a word but looked back for a moment. This was it, thought Dave. He'd get a genuine compliment from him! Chris looked at Dave like he was no different than just another slab of concrete that made up a sidewalk, "Then how about you don't jump like shit next time?"
-insert the sound of Dave's heart shattering-

Dave/Chris/Daniel/Abigail/Jarin/Birgitta/Art © Drasayer
Tristan Ennerstone © Saoradh

SAI/Photoshop CS6

Description

For the Roemoe Beach Seaside Show Jumping | Grand Prix

Featuring:
Horses name (+ref): S0002 NRR Birgitta
Riders Name: Dave Burton
Class: Grand Prix
Country: USA
Show Experience: Daddy Duties

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was going to be a long day. A very long day. Dave had just about all he could take of the shenanigans. From watching a sickening display of a dressage horse attempt show jumping to his own son's, Chris, intolerable attitude in public...the day was dragging on far too long for his tastes.
Daniel had been napping up until his sister, Abigail, decided that she needed a peon to poke at the crabs along the shoreline. Dave didn't comprehend how they still even had the energy!? Clearly the sun hadn't roasted their little child brains near enough- uh...what he meant to think was...oh, how precious, they are really having a great time on the beach like children should...that's what he meant to think...
He eyed the sky warily. Clouds had been setting in pretty thick but he had drawn almost last in order of go. It'd probably be raining by his turn. The thought made him cringe a little. It's not that he didn't like rain - rain was all fine and dandy by his book, but he hated the thought of his youngsters running around in a rain storm. What would his wife think if he brought soaking wet rat children home? He was already on a thin wire with her. She didn't exactly approve of them even being at these kind of things because 'horses were dangerous and unnecessary'.
Dave dropped his eyes onto Daniel and Abigail, poking things along the shoreline. It made him uneasy that they were farther away than he liked (but at least they couldn't dump sand down his boot at this distance). They needed rounding up. He leaned over to his teenage sun, whom he still had custody over until he and Tristan Ennerstone exchanged boy for horse, "Chris..."
Chris grumbled and paused what he was doing on his phone. He had been going over the course with his father - order of jumps, types, etc. and he wasn't even paying attention!? What a waste of time! "Dad, if you're done with this then I'm headed back to the trailer."
Dave glanced at the phone and then back to the younger kids, "That's fine and all but take your brother and sister with you. It looks like a nasty storm is coming in and I don't want you all catching death out here. Okay?"
Chris took a quick look at the sky and rolled his eyes, "They won't melt."
Dave took Chris's phone from him and raised a brow, "Christopher James..."
"Oh my god, not the middle name. Please forgive me father, for I have sinned." Chris's voice was flat and uninterested. Like his father actually had that much power over him. Why did parents think that saying a kid's middle name instantly meant death and doom if they didn't obey? Stupid. Chris rolled his eyes and set out after his younger siblings. At least he could act like an adult and take care of a couple of kids, not like Dave.
Dave sighed heavily. It didn't matter what he did...that kid made up his own choices and part of Dave was proud that he was independent and self-reliable. The other part of Dave missed the days when he'd come springing into his bed, asking for another bedtime story to be read to him. Guess they didn't stay young forever...
Dave certainly knew that feeling as he stared at the brick of technology in his hands. Okay...he had a similar one Chris insisted on him getting but that didn't mean he knew how to really work it. He knew how to make a call, take a call, and look at a text. He hadn't been taught how to respond to a text but Chris promised him one day he would teach him (that was three years ago). Dave tapped the screen and the picture of the course expanded rapidly. Dave flinched and held the phone further away like that would make it smaller... When that didn't work, he tapped it again and it moved about without his consent. "Blasted technology. Hold still!" Dave fought with it for a solid five minutes until he was flustered enough that he gave up. He had seen enough to get the idea! It was a bit jumbled in his mind but he knew the numbers well enough, he could formulate a game plan during his warm up.
True enough, it had started raining before Dave even had his go. He was already in the warmup area, getting Birgitta nice and limbered up for her go. Such a talented horse. He adored her in and out - a lovely looker and a lovely mind on her. Easily one of his favorites. It'd be tough to replace her once she got too stiff for upper level competition such as this. But that was another day's discussion. She was feeling good with the sandy footing and flat grounds to work with.
Dave scanned the shoreline for his children. He grit his teeth, threatening Chris if he hadn't gotten the younger ones inside of the living quarters already. He didn't see them out there but that didn't mean they hadn't wandered off further! Dave's dad senses were tingling and he didn't like it. He was a father first, a competitor second, though it pained him some days. He hopped off Birgitta and spotted Jarin with an umbrella watching the warmup area. He walked over to him with Birgitta in tow, "Mr. Jackson!"
Jarin flinched and backed up at Dave's sudden arrival! Jarin immediately began wondering what he had done wrong! He was just standing there watching Tristan's competition (silently judging them all against Tristan's standards...)! No harm in standing! He smile politely, "Hi, Dav- Mr. Burton. Have you went yet?"
Dave shook his head, "No, I'm afraid I'm one of the last go's. I was hoping you would do me a favor, if you don't mind?"
A favor for Dave? What could he possibly want from Jarin!? Jarin felt uneasy...he was here to cheer Tristan on but technically Dave was from the same stable...they were technically on the same team. Jarin nodded slowly, "What is it?"
Dave handed Jarin Birgitta's reins, "Just hold onto her for a moment, if you would so kindly. I have three children to track down or their mother will be the lightning that strikes me down today."
Jarin looked a little worried, glancing to the clouds and then back at Dave, "There's going to be lightning?"
Dave paused in step...right...this kid was a strange one..."I don't believe so."
"But you sai-"
"I will return quickly! Thank you, Mr. Jackson! I am in your debt!" Dave hurried off before he'd have to engage in any more oddities from the youthful "adult". He made for the shoreline and looked up and down it just to be sure but didn't see any imps - children - of his own running about. Dave turned back and headed for his trailer, getting a good soak going on from the rain that was only picking up. It was still tolerable and the show would go on unless there should be any lightning. But it was just a shower predicted so it should be fine. Dave wasn't worried about it. It was honestly feeling a bit like his home in Iceland. Rain and cold.
Dave hopped into the trailer and didn't immediately see the kids. He grumbled loudly and started to curse his eldest son. He was smarter than this and more responsible! Even though his attitude wasn't the finest, he was still a good kid! But leaving the younger kids out in the rain!? That was just unlike him!
Just then Dave noticed a small form move under the covers of the bed. He stepped closer and saw Abigail and Daniel both tucked in and napping. They had finally met their match and gave in to a nap. He noticed Daniel was holding Chris's shades. He smiled and stepped back quietly. He should have never doubted Chris. Of course, he finished the task he was given! He was a smart kid and a Burton, no less!
Dave headed back out of the trailer and back for the warm-up area when he nearly jumped out of his skin as Chris snuck up on him, "Hey, isn't it your go?"
Dave held a hand over his thundering heart and whipped around to see his unenthusiastic son raise a brow at him. He looked over and saw his name was on the call for next in line, "Shhii-" language... "Shucks!" (that was enough to melt down any of the respect Chris might have had for him...) Dave jogged to the warm-up to retrieve Birgitta and get going!
Jarin held out the reins, "Good luck, Da- er, Mr. Burton! I hope your wife doesn't strike you down for almost being late!"
Dave made a wild-eyed confused expression at the little oddity but swing aboard and took off for the main ring without questioning what the hell that send off meant.
By the time it was Dave's turn, the sky had blackened significantly and the wind had picked up. Most of the kite flyers booked it off the grounds and back to their vehicles to wait out the storm. Dave was far enough along that they wouldn't call it off just yet. Besides...no lightning yet. Dave's round was going well. He had made the most sense that he could out of what he had made out on Chris's phone and the lines he chose to make felt good and clean. Birgitta was moving like a queen, digging deep into corners and extending through straightaways. Dave refused to have any other form than near perfection over each jump. There was absolutely no excuse why a horse and rider couldn't achieve perfect position over every jump and still win. Dave refused to give into his old ways and the new wave of insane jumpers that flung themselves around courses like rubber bands on cocaine (Tristan Ennerstone...Ty Murray...just to name a couple...). Dave was determined to climb the ranks again with his newly refined style of riding - a respectable one.
But this round was going a bit too smoothly and even Dave noticed it coming into the last fence. He happened to glance at his time and noticed it was loads ahead of the top score...not that he wouldn't be proud but even he was suspicious of it. He looked back to his jump, feeling uneasy like something was missing. He cleared the last jump effortlessly and let up on Birgitta a bit but he didn't see any reaction out of the few brave souls still roughing it out in the rain. Something was off.
"-aaave!"
Dave thought his heard a voice through the wind and rain that he recognized. He glanced around, looking for where it came from.
"Daaad!"
Dave's dad ears honed in on it like a beacon opened up from the heavens. His attention shot around to his son shouting from the sidelines. He was pointing madly in the direction of a jump. He looked frantic, "Daaad! Last jump! You forgot the last jump!"
Dave's blood turned to ice. Last jump!? He glanced back to what he thought was the last jump and then the timer that HAD NOT STOPPED YET. Dave swore hard and shoved Birgitta into a gallop. He still had time! He hoped he still had time! He wasn't quitting now! He had to motor for the last jump! How could he be so blind!? He never even considered this fence! He swore again which was muffled in the sudden downpour and rumble of heavy thunder.
He wouldn't make it. He was coming in on the wrong angle. He was basically parallel to the jump's plane. He couldn't afford to swing out and back in. Time would not allow for it. Maybe it was pointless to try anyway! He had lost so many precious seconds thinking he had nailed the course at an obscene pace! This was crazy!
"Hurry the hell up, dad!" Chris called after him.
Dave resolved his will. He had no choice. He was a dad. His son wanted him to hurry up? He'd hurry the fuck up. He had a son to impress!
Dave grinned a little and pushed Birgitta on, straight for the fence. He was going to resort to something he used to play with in his younger days when he too, was a rubber band on cocaine. Only, unlike the youngsters in the sport, Dave had the trump card of experience. That didn't make what he was about to attempt any less stupid. It was risky and it was dangerous. But he didn't have time to negotiate anymore.
Birgitta's ears flicked forward. She was already getting the signs of the maneuver Dave still toyed with in private ever-so often. She charged on fearlessly despite the pass/fail result this act produced. They'd either achieve something impressive or obliterate an entire fence. No in-between.
Dave sat deep and although he hated to get sloppy and aggressive, it had to be done in order to achieve this. He backed Birgitta down just a few strides before they blew past the jump until she was so collected up, she about bounced into the air. But he had to have her at the exact spot or they'd destroy the fence. THERE.
Just as thunder rolled above their head and Dave boot lined up with the first standard, Dave dug his outside heel into her and tucked her head away from the jump. Birgitta crouched and shot off the ground, heaving herself sideways with a massive snort and grunt that mixed with the thunder. A loud clap and a bolt of lightning lit the entire scene as Birgitta sailed over the jump at an unbelievable angle. From her forward momentum and the shove sideways, she flew over the jump at a tight diagonal, almost sideways. She barely managed to tuck her legs underneath herself. She had to twist her hind end just to get her hind legs high enough to clear the pole. Thankfully Dave had her nose tucked to the side or she would have eaten the second standard (something he had learned to fix after about 17 failed attempts...).
It was a hideous jump and a gross form all the way over as Dave hunched and really just made sure he stayed on. The landing was even uglier! Birgitta had to drop a leg way early and scrambled sideways, nearly tripping herself and tangling her legs up. It took her several strides to work straight again and regain her composure.
Dave let her settle and looked to the sky. Did he see lightning? There wasn't any now...the rain was even starting to let up again...Dave brushed a hand on his throat, remembering what he had told Jarin earlier, 'their mother will be the lightning that strikes me down today'. He had a bad feeling that today's little sideways adventure would trickle right back to Helena's ears and he really would know what unleashed lightning felt like...
(2517 word count)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank the good Zoub-lord for extensions! I could take my time and do a lot better on this than if I tried to rush it :')
So, straight-laced Dave has a bit of a wild-child in him from back in the day. Rumor has it, he used to be pretty reckless and a bit of a speed demon. This was a peek back into his previous riding style and his signature sideways jump. On a good day, he nailed it. On the other six days of the week, he plowed a fence in half, taking the standards out with a horse face. Not his most elegant days but he's worked very hard to polish himself and vehemently denies his backstory with a passion.
So...I've decided Birgitta and purple are my favorite thing, now having put her in purple atmosphere twice now xD I can't help it. It looks nice! And look, lightning fun!
Disclaimer: don't try to jump your horse sideways...Bless pixel ponies and their ability to jump sideways...

BONUS EPILOGUE:
With the rain clearing off, Dave walked Birgitta back to the warm-up arena to cool down before he'd take her back. He saw Chris on the sidelines and rode up to him, "Thank you, Chris. You saved your old man out there."
Chris raised a brow, "A seasoned show jumper with multiple titles and he forgets his last fence? I only saved you from your own dementia. I'll start looking for your nursing home...do you prefer chocolate or tapioca pudding?"
Dave forced a smile on his face (don't let the teenager get to you Dave), "Chris, I was trying to say thank you for caring. I got to that last fence all because of you cheering me on! Your dad appreciates your support, son!"
Chris stared at him blankly, "Cheering? No, I just didn't want you embarrassing the family name. It's my legacy, after all."
DON'T LET THE TEENAGER GET TO YOU, DAVE. Dave's smile was tight and he forced politeness, "I'm humbled by how much you care for the family, Chris."
Chris nodded silently and was on his phone again. He turned to walk off without a word but looked back for a moment. This was it, thought Dave. He'd get a genuine compliment from him! Chris looked at Dave like he was no different than just another slab of concrete that made up a sidewalk, "Then how about you don't jump like shit next time?"
-insert the sound of Dave's heart shattering-

Dave/Chris/Daniel/Abigail/Jarin/Birgitta/Art © Drasayer
Tristan Ennerstone © Saoradh

SAI/Photoshop CS6