HHs Midnight Zephyr - IAEC's First Show - Halter

Registration Number: #003
Event: Halter (IAEC's First Show)
Stable Name: Hawkheart Stables
Horse Name: HHs Midnight Zephyr
Handler name: Teagan Hawkheart
Class: Adult

--

Arrival Image
Training Image
 Halter Class Entry 

--

It seemed much earlier than it actually was when Teagan arrived at IAEC on the morning of their first show. The sky was dark and foreboding, grey clouds blocking out the sun and casting one big shadow over the entire showground. Tea really enjoyed gray days so, aside from some butterflies, she was feeling pretty good all the way around.

She could tell by how restless Raven was that the mare had definitely tired of being in the trailer after the long drive. Raven was unloaded uneventfully and left tied to the trailer with a hay net while Tea went to check-in, but the mare spent more time staring after Teagan than paying any attention to the hay. Tea returned shortly thereafter and patted the mare reassuringly on her soft nose, content with the news that they wouldn't be called to the arena until mid-afternoon.

A little later that morning, once Raven had settled into the stall they'd been assigned for the duration of the show, Teagan took the big, black horse to the dirt training arena to do a little lungework. It had rained off and on throughout the morning so the arena was muddier than Tea would have liked. But despite the slippery footing Raven stayed on task and performed wonderfully. Tea kept the lesson short, only about 15 minutes, just enough time to assess the mare's focus. She'd need the next couple of hours to groom the mud out Raven's thick, curly feathering.

Thankfully, despite the clouds, the day had grown at least a little bit warm, so Tea led Raven to a bath stall and rinsed her legs before returning to the stable for a vigorous drying and grooming session. She finished with just enough time to stretch her now-sore shoulders before haltering the mare and leading her to the indoor arena where the halter class was taking place. She'd been too busy to be nervous up until this point, but as they walked to the arena, the butterflies in her stomach suddenly started throwing a dance party.

Before she knew it they were being called into the arena. Teagan took a deep breath and stroked Raven's soft, wavy neck. The mare towered over her calmly, ears flitting back and forth as she listened to the sounds of the other people and horses around her. Raven's easy attitude had a calming effect on Tea. She smiled as she lead her into the arena for the class.

Everything went as well as it could have. Even Raven, who was known for not being able to stand still for very long, stood quietly and attentively, focused... mostly on Teagan, who was actually having a harder time standing still than she was.

Teagan sighed a huge sigh of relief as they exited the arena after the class. Raven seemed somehow confident, and Teagan had no reason to feel any differently.