Waiting on a Delivery [Alia]

[Melanie Cochran]

The white Ford F-350 Super Duty truck had been a welcome gift from her aunt and uncle, and while she appreciated the gesture, nothing would ever equal what she’d lost... Her parents and her home... her way of life. All thanks to a car wreck. Melanie had taken the truck and, with some of the insurance money she’d gotten from the insurance claims, had ‘jacked’ the truck up. It now sat much higher than a regular truck, had purple-ish black flames dancing over the hood and sides, and instead of humming or purring when the engine came to life, it roared. The vehicle honestly looked more like something a male would drive, not something that a five foot four inch female teenager would want to own.

Currently, though, the vehicle was sitting in the parking lot of the riding stable. That was another thing her aunt and uncle had agreed to do... board her stallion. Melanie had point-blank refused to sell the palomino Quarterhorse even though he would have easily brought a fair few thousand. He was her baby and the only thing she had left from her parents. Their ranch had been sold, their horses had been sold, and the ‘ranch’ hands they’d hired so many years ago had been let go.

Mel blinked away a few tears as she thought about it. It had happened so fast... first her parents were ripped away in the cruelest fashion possible, then her aunt and uncle had gained custody of her and had uprooted her from her Texas home of Onion Springs and moved her to this... Guineaville. She wasn’t against it, but it was hard to cope with. Of course, looking at her normally cheerful face, you’d never believe it.

The seventeen year old had already put all of her horses tack and supplies in the tack room and was glad that no one else was around at the moment. Usually she tried to surround herself with friends, but she didn’t want anyone to see her tears. She was strong. She needed no protection from the cold forces of the world like some people seemed to think. Mel loved her uncle Jim, but she secretly thought that he considered her a little kid still. She knew that most of it stemmed from the fact that she was so short and thin and the rest was just her uncle being an uncle, but it did grate on her nerves. She wasn’t an innocent little kid. She could ride and wrangle with the best of them... She could take care of herself. She was independent. Her parents had understood that, so why couldn’t her extended family?

Mel wiped her eyes furiously with the ba of her hand as she walked down the barn aisle. Everywhere around her were horses. Some nickered a greeting and threw their heads over the half-doors, looking for pats, scratches, and treats... Others ignored her presence entirely, too used to people coming and going to be bothered.

Melanie’s eyes trailed over each equine, studying their conformation and guessing at what they were trained in. The girl couldn’t wait for the transport truck that held her horse, her beautiful Quarterhorse, to arrive. She was excited over seeing her horse again, feeling his short, soft coat and underlying muscles as she curried his bulky frame... to feel the raw power and grace of his gaits as they became one. Yes, Mel was overjoyed, and as she pictured the ten year old 15.3 hand stallion in her minds eye, a wide smile crossed her face.

She'd dressed a bit more nicely than normal due to the fact that her horse was being delivered. Instead of her usual faded jeans and t-shirt, Mel had decided to wear a pair of her new, dark Old Navy's that fit her form very well and a nice white tank top with a black equine an rider silhouette on the front. She wore a cotton button-down long-sleeved shirt over her tank top (though she kept it unbuttoned and the sleeves were rolled halfway up) and her old, faded brown leather cowboy boots were on her feet. Her long reddish brown hair was pulled back in a high ponytail and she wore small silver studs in her ears.

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Words: 653
Time of Day/Weather: Tuesday, 2:30 pm/The sun is out but it’s not as hot as it has been and there’s a cool breeze blowing
Muse: Very good
Melanie is: Impatient, Happy, a little Sad, and Excited
Tagged: Alia
Notes: The weather is based on how it feels where I live right now... and here's a picture of Mel's truck

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[Alia Landon]

The dark blue mercedes pulled up, parking next to a truck that had been 'jacked up'. It was a very nice looking truck, the nineteen year old ran her hand through her hair, not caring about the fact that she had money, she just wanted to see her baby girl and nothing more and nothing less. She quietly sighed and ran her hand through her again, watching as the girl exited her truck wiping at her face, as though she had been crying. Alia turned away and grabbed her boots from the back of the car, this car was nice but it was a horse persons car.

She quietly finished putting on her boots and exited the car. Walking into the barn she stopped at the tack room noticing her horses stuff was here well that was a good thing. Alia saw the girl again still wiping her face but she did not approach as it seemed the girl wanted little to no company right now. Alia sighed hearing the truck pull up with the trailer, finally her mare was here, she could already see the 16 hh mare with her gleaming hide.

Walking back out of the barn a nice gentle breeze blowing on her face, she shook the mans hand before he went and dropped the ramp down, Alia walked inside and untied the mare who was already excited to see her dear friend. Alia walked the mare down the ramp and out into the day light, the mare tossed her head and pawed at the ground, Easy girl she cooed.

The two walked into the barn, some were looking at them intrigued that a new horse was here others were minding there own business, she stopped when she reached the girl, Hello I'm Alia and you may be? She took the mare to the stall across from the girl, Un clipping the mare she watched her as she walked about the stall but soon stopped to Nudge Alia, I know girl you want to ride but we will have to wait just a bit. She smiled, still waiting for the girl to speak.

[Melanie Cochran]

Melanie ignored the other girl at first, too focused of listening for the sounds of a transport truck as she walked on down the barn a little bit before stopping near the entrance. Mel was grateful that the other girl hadn’t approached her; she really didn’t want anyone to catch her before she could dry her tears completely. She leaned against an empty stall, unconsciously claiming it for her stallion, and eyed the driveway for any sign or sound of a vehicle.

She heard it before she saw it and jumped forwards slightly, then slumped back against the stall as the other girl approached the truck and trailer. Apparently the girl was getting a horse delivered as well. Mel watched as the girl led the mare down off the ramp. Her eyes couldn’t help but wander up and down the mares’ frame as the girl led the horse towards them empty stall opposite of Lani.

Melanie smiled as the other girl put the horse in the stall and couldn’t help the grin that lit up her face as the mare examined the area. The horse was very pretty. Mel’s eyes tracked back to the girl as she began speaking and she nodded in greeting, her reddish brown ponytail bouncing.

“Hello!” Melanie said, chipper as ever even though she’d been crying earlier, “I’m Melanie... but call me Mel or Lani, please. Are you new here too?” Mel paused to take a breath, hoping beyond hope that Alia would become a friend. “When the truck and trailer pulled up, I thought... or maybe I was hoping... that it was my horse... but apparently it was yours instead. Oh well, I’m sure that the transport truck is just a little lost... driving all the way to here from Texas can be a confusing ride.” Melanie blushed lightly as she finished talking as she realized that she’d been rambling like crazy. She knew the reason she was rambling, though... It was because she was nervous. She was scared that something had happened to her beloved horse and she was terrified of possibly getting a phone call from someone saying that the palomino had been put down or something. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to go on and on... your mare is really beautiful... What’s her name? She’s a type of Warmblood, right?”

Words: 358
Muse: Good
Tagged: Alia

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[Alia Landon]

I smiled, as Manhattan continued to try and get me to budge on my word, I was think about riding her in the sas jump but I did not know. I sighed I would have to decide soon. I slipped the pink halter back on Manhattan and led her out into the Aisle, I smiled at the girl as I hooked her up to the cross ties, Hi Mel its nice to meet you, yes I'm a new person, just hope I don't get trampled on by the others who have been here longer. I laughed and listened as she rambled on and on but I totally understood were she was coming from.

No need to be sorry I understand completely, This is Manhattan's Elite or better known as Manhattan, She is a Five year old Oldenburg eventer. I smiled, I walked to the tack room and grabbed her jumping saddle, bridle and pad. I walked back and set the stuff on the stall door, I looked at Mel if you would like you can come watches us work in the arena once your horse arrives and you could even join us.

I saddle Manhatten and walked her to the arena, checking the saddle I tightened the girth and tied her to the fence, I set up some 4 foot jumps along with mixing 5 foot jumps in it, I mounted and warmed her up before taking her toward the first jump. We cleared it and moved on to the next, it went nice and smooth accept for the second to the last jump, which she knocked and it fell causing her to spook just a bit, I slowed her and patted her neck,Easy girl its ok, We will get it next time, I cooed. I continued to pat her neck as she slowed to a trot and we moved around the jumps on the rail, I hoped Mel would join us, once her horse arrived I really wanted to get to know her and even give her a chance on Manhatten, I sighed and ran my hand down her neck which had just a little bit of sweat from when she spooked but she was totally fine, I quietly waited to see If she would come.

[Melanie Cochran]

Melanie’s blush had finally begun to fade. She wasn’t sure why she turned red when she rambled... she wasn’t really embarrassed... maybe it had to do with the fact that she was new and needed a friend or ten. The teen watched with barely hidden awe as Alia led the mare back out into the aisle.

“She’s so... floaty.” Mel breathed as she watched the Oldenburg walk. “I don’t think anyone will ‘trample’ you. I moved in with my auntie and uncle a few weeks ago. Everyone’s really nice so far, though I think some of it may be pity in a few cases.” Mel scowled, not liking the fact that she was pitied by some of the townies. “My parents and I were in a car crash a few months ago while on our way to a show. My mum and dad died on impact along with my dads’ horse. My mums’ horse was put down at a later date. Me and my horse were the only survivors, the guy that crashed into us was in an eighteen-wheel truck. He died a few days later in the hospital.” Melanie blinked rapidly when she felt her eyes tear up again and managed to keep the tears at bay this time.

“My boy... the one I’m waiting to be delivered, is a Quarterhorse. He’s better at western riding than English, but we’ve dabbled in a few English disciplines. He was the main stallion in my mum and dad’s breeding program for the last six years and he’s currently available for stud services. His fee is two hundred and fifty for mares whose foals can be registered and three-hundred for any other mare. A live foal is guaranteed, and if the foal dies during the pregnancy the mare owner gets a free rebreeding. If the foal dies during its first year, the mare owner gets a rebreeding for only fifty dollars. When my first horse died, I was given responsibility over him. I was about thirteen at the time and he was about six. He’s the only thing I have left from my parents. We had to sell the ranch and all our horses to help pay the vet and hospital bills and burial costs.” It felt good to get it all out. Melanie was surprised at how much better she felt to talk. She fell silent a few moments later and reached a hand hesitantly forwards to let Alia’s mare, Manhattan, smell.

“I’d like to watch you work with her if you’re sure she won’t become distracted by my presence.” Melanie stepped back to let Alia have room to tack the mare up and then followed her new friend... at least, se thought they were friends... to the arena. While Alia set up the jumps, Mel petted the Oldenburg and talked to the mare softly. The girl moved down the arena railing a little bit when Alia came back for the mare and mounted.

Melanie stared at the mare and Alia as they went around the course that Alia had set up. The mare was beautiful, popping over the jumps with ease, and Alia was in perfect rhythm with the horse. It was like a dance; it made Melanie wish even harder for the truck that was delivering her horse to hurry up and get there. She was itching to ride Daytona.

It seemed as though the gods above heard her silent wish and decided to grant it, for at the second Melanie’s ears picked up the sound of a vehicle coming down the drive. Her eyes widened and she smiled widely as she recognized the sound of a horse-trailer being pulled. “He’s here!” She whispered to herself before repeating it even louder, her tone excited. “He’s here! Alia, my boy’s here! Come on!”

Melanie seemed to forget that Alia had a horse with her and probably couldn’t ‘come on’. It was just how Mel was; she wore her emotions on her sleeve and tended to say whatever came to mind. The girl almost bolted towards the front of the barn, where the transport truck had stopped. “Daytona!” She squealed as she drew near the truck.

The driver of the transport was a boy only a few years older than herself. He had sandy brown hair and a sheepish grin on his face. “Got lost...” He muttered to the over-excited girl before turning business-like. “Are you Melanie Cochran?” At Mel’s enthusiastic nod, the young man handed her a clipboard. “Sign here, please.” He said, taking the clipboard back once Mel had scribbled something that resembled her name. “These are yours. Vaccination records, Coggins, and vet records.”

Mel jogged over to her truck and set the folder of papers in the drivers’ seat before running pell-mell back to the transport truck. She shooed the driver away, telling him that she wanted to get the horse out herself before opening the trailer door and stepping up onto the dark space.

The golden dappled palomino horse inside nickered as the sunlight lit up the inside of the trailer a little. Not much could be seen of the horse himself due to the fact that he wore a blue blanket trimmed in white and matching (blue trimmed in white) shipping boots. His halter was predominantly blue with white cheek-pieces and his lead that tied him to the trailer was blue and white braided. It was more than obvious what his colors were.

CR Gold Rush, better known as Daytona, was a fine specimen of the Quarterhorse breed. His golden dappled coat was bright, showing that he was in great health and he was thick, though not as thick as some QH’s, muscular, and fit. The stallion backed off the trailer quietly, snorting and looking around at his new surroundings curiously for a few moments before sounding out his call. Melanie moved the Quarterhorse out of the way and a few moments later the transport truck was moving back down the drive, heading back to Texas.[/blockquote]

Words: 992
Muse: Awesome!
Tagged: Alia
Notes: Long post...

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[Alia Landon]

Ya shes very floaty I patted the mares neck and listened as she told the story, which seemed as though it was need to get it off her chest and sometimes it just brought people closer, it also made the other feel relieved that the weight was gone, an almost sudden peace. I'm sorry to here about your parents, I would be an absolute wreck and to know that you had to sell everything that would be even worse but at least you still have your boy. I smiled and lead the mare down the aisle, Mel following behind, I consider us friends now and was going to invite her over for a sleep over, I could tell she was in aw watching us but I knew she wanted her horse and as if some kind of miracle happened he was here.

The stud price seemed to go but I would think about it if she was a quarter horse but she was not, I walked her over to the gate and stopped her so we could get a good look at her horse. I herd his call but they were not coming in the stable yet I figured we had some time seeing she would let him check everything out that I took her around the course I had set up again, except for the one jump that I had not set up which she still seemed iffy about, I stopped her and let her check it out, after that she was totally cool with it. I went back to the gate just waiting to see this horse.

Alright Lets see him, Seeing I cant leave the arena. I called out to her, She had said so much about him that I was dieing to see him. I patted my mares neck reassuring her that everything was fine, She nickered and pawed the ground, just wait we will go back over the jumps in time. I ran my hand down her neck, sometimes she was a demanding little thing that got everything. I sighed and trotted her around the ring making her relax so she would stop fidgeting and wait nicely at the gate, she was starting to drive me nuts. Next I cantered her twice and then walked her to the gate she stood wonderfully for a minuet and then went back to fidgeting with the bit, would you quit I tapped her side and we quietly waited for Mel to come.

[Melanie Cochran]

The transport truck was long gone now, but Mel hadn’t yet brought Daytona inside the stable. She was still outside, holding him on a loose lead and letting him walk around and explore. It was a good thing that her lead was a ten foot one, because Daytona was using all of it. He shied playfully and leapt in the air, kicking out as a leaf blew by and trotted in a circle around Melanie with his tail swung up over his back and neck arched, like an Arabian or a young foal. The blanket and boots that he still wore didn’t hinder his movements at all. Melanie finally took up the slack in the long lead and pulled Daytona towards her, being careful not to tug on the lead excessively, though, because the stallion wore a mouth-chain.

Melanie grinned when she heard Alia holler to see the stallion. She led the 15.3 hand horse into the barn. “Just a minute, I need to let him see his stall and take his traveling gear off! Then maybe we could ride?” Mel said/asked excitedly as she walked the horse on by. Daytona gazed around as he walked, nickering softly towards Alia and Manhattan when he saw them. His small ears were pricked eagerly and his eyes bright with anticipation.

“No Daytona, come on.” Melanie tugged gently on the lead when the big stallion hesitated. After a short minute, the golden palomino sighed and continued following his girl into the barn. Melanie whoa’d the Quarterhorse outside of his stall and quickly took the blanket and shipping boots off, revealing his muscled, fit body and legs. She could tell that his white markings had been chalked; the three socks and his blaze gleamed brightly. If the teenager had to guess, she’d say that he’d been given a bath and had been groomed to perfection right before being loaded up and sent to the stable. She’d have to remember to call her old vet and thank him, because she knew that it was his doings.

Mel folded the traveling gear and made her way into the tack room once she’d put the stallion in his stall. She set the blanket and boots down with her other stuff and grabbed Daytona’s western gear before heading back out. Mel was more comfortable riding western, though she knew how to ride English pretty well. Daytona was better western than English anyway. She returned to the stall to find that the palomino was busy trying to eat the jolly ball that she’d taken the liberty of providing. “I guess it’s a good thing that we’re going to ride for a bit, isn’t it, Tona?” She said as she brought him back out and threw the blue and white saddle-pad and the almost new black-with-silver-accents western saddle up over his broad back. She cinched it up lightly before kneeling down and picking up his SMB’s. His front left and hind right were blue, while his front right and hind left were white. After the SMB’s, Mel put on the Over-reach boots. Like the SMB’s, Daytona wore both white and blue’s, only instead of it being like his SMB’s, the colors were reversed... so on the blue legs went white Over-reach boots and on the white legs went blue Over-reach boots. It actually looked really nice, even though the white was like hell to keep clean.

The black headstall bridle went on over the halter next, after taking the chain from Daytona’s mouth. The bridle was, like the saddle, almost new, and had silver on the sidepieces and browband; the browband curved downwards and ended in a point just above Tona’s eyes, dead center. Daytona readily accepted the plain silver snaffle bit with copper inlay and chewed on it for a minute before settling down and waiting for his owner to finish tacking him up.

Melanie buckled the black and silver breast collar and buckled her spurs onto her boots before grabbing the blue and white lead and tugging the stallion forward, towards the arena. She needed to get in town and buy another western saddle and bridle that she could get dirty and not have to worry about cleaning it immediately. Daytona’s other western saddle, the one that was for everyday and trail rides, had been sold without her knowing... the black tack that he wore was his show tack.

Mel’s eyes were bright as she led the stallion towards the arena and Alia and Manhattan. “Sorry I took so long.” She said as she stopped in front of the gate. Daytona leaned over the arena railing and tried to smell of Manhattan. “Quit it, boy.” Mel pulled the stallion’s head back over the railing. “So... can we come in?” She questioned Alia, her smile never leaving her face.

Words: 759
Muse: Great!
Tagged: Alia

[Alia Landon]

I smiled as she walked by with the horse, wow he is a handsome boy. I laughed and nodded as she said he need to get settled then maybe the would ride. Dismounting the mare I set the jump she had knocked over and decided to try that jump again, I sighed and relaxed myself as I mounted her again, setting her off at a canter toward the first jump, We cleared each jump like before but when we got to that second to last one, she shied away from it, almost spooking in a way, I sighed. Girl its the same jump, but I knew it was not it was part of a combination jump, I walked her over to it allowing her to smell it and check it out, soon she lost interest in it and I knew we might be able to make it.

So once again we set off only this time each jump was clear and I decided it was good enough for now and allowed her that brake but I could tell she wanted to go again, she after all was a very high energy horse the only thing that tired her was dressage. Mel came into view with the stallion all tacked up, Its fine gave me time to work with her on the second to last jump, shes got the hang of it now. I smiled, of course you guys can come in shes fine with stallions she is used to warming up and walking past them at comps.

I backed her from the fence and turned her, we walked to the center and I stopped her waiting for Mel to come in with her stallion, Manhattan was totally fine with stallions, mares and geldings even ponies, yes there had been a few at our old stable. I love his tack what does he show in? I knew Western but what kind of events, that was some pretty nice looking tack, like for Western pleasure or something like that. I walked her around the railing waiting for Mel to enter with her very handsome boy.

[Melanie Cochran]

Melanie waited until Alia had Manhattan well away from the gate before opening it and leading Daytona through. She turned to close the gate back and the stallion turned with her; he was well trained and knew what to do, though his large brown eyes were focused on the mare. He wore his tack, though, so he knew that work was coming and it wasn’t time to play or act silly. Mel unclipped the lead and laid it over the rails. She tightened the girth before sliding a booted foot into the stirrup and swinging effortlessly up into the saddle. Daytona shifted, swishing his thick tail, and sidestepped a little bit, chewing at the bit. He was eager to move out, but Melanie made him walk over to where Alia and Manhattan were first. The stallion arched his neck and pranced in place as he neared the mare. He then stretched out to sniff noses with Manhattan, then he trailed the mares neck and shoulder before suddenly jerking away and squealing like a playful young foal.

“Daytona!” Melanie scolded, though she was laughing at his playful antics. He certainly didn’t act much like a stallion. “You strange horse. You’ve made a friend, haven’t you?” Mel had expected the stallion to attach himself to a mare, but she hadn’t expected it so soon. She glanced at Alia and decided to explain. “At our ranch, in the past, Tona here would have one particular horse, usually a mare, that he apparently loved and would try to protect. It was really funny to watch him, too... His ‘mare’ used to be our grey pony that my mum bought for the heck of it named Sadie. It was hilarious to watch him try to herd her around and keep all the other horses away from her and she never had any of it and was always kicking him and trying to chase him away. I think Manhattan’s just been given the status of ‘his’ in his mind. Silly boy.” Melanie ran her hand through Daytona’s short flaxen mane as he calmed down and lowered his head, relaxed.

“This is his show tack. His everyday stuff was sold without anyone asking or informing me. I’ve got to get to a tack store soon and buy some more stuff that can get dirty without me having to clean it all the time.” Mel said, shrugging as she tapped the reins together. “He’s shown in a lot of disciplines... cutting, barrels, poles, halter... he’s had reining training, but has never shown in it. We also do a little bit of English... some jumping and cross-country, a little bit of dressage and English pleasure. He’s much better at the western disciplines, though. He excels at trail classes.” Melanie finished, a touch of pride in her tone. “I would have put the English stuff on him, but normally, after not being ridden in a while, he likes to get his bucks out during the first few minutes of our ride if we do any cantering and I’d rather ride a buck in a western saddle. Once he gets them out, though, he’s just fine.”

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Words: 523
Muse: Good
Tagged: Alia