All The Pretty Horses


Kivi watched Chasin Hot Chics, Chase for short, Run around the paddock like a madman. Today was his relax day and he’d spend half of it in this same paddock. He paused a moment to call out to the big pasture. He was a vocal guy and had important things to tell the other horses, Especially the mares.

At the gate of the big pasture stood a gaggle of horses. You could call it a herd, but they were all sounding off and the mules with their odd whinny. So gaggle they were. This was the ranches pack mules and the group of Geldings that worked for roundups and as guest mounts. To a one, over the age of 15 and experienced with all types of riders. Most of them were bay, with a few chestnuts. In the middle of the pasture was a large, comfy barn with enough open stalls for all of them. In the deepest winter cold. They all knew where the warmth was. Mac, the blood bay gelding that had taught Evie to ride, was first at the fence for his peppermint, but they all knew that Kivi had pockets of treats. all of these horses are for story purposes only

As she glanced over her shoulder, Lore and Michael were leading out the last 2 for turnout. Each of the stalls in the barn had its own small run and they all got plenty of outdoor time, but on the days that they didn’t train all the horses got a half-day turnout. This morning it was Chasin Hot Chics, Smarty Got the Blues, & Dakota Blonde. She always left a paddock empty between the stallions and the mares. Later, Zeus would get some time along with Blueit on Roulette and Hippy Trails.

That left 5 horses to train, Thank goodness for Michael and Lore. Evie was off to school again, and she’d have been riding till midnight to get all 5 done and groomed afterward.

As she turned away from the big pasture, pockets empty of treats and the horses moving off to find a sunny spot to enjoy their day, She took in the vast expanse of the Black Hills and the valley opening up before her. The view past the big barn was gorgeous and she never tired of taking it in.

Off on the far side of the barn, a crew was putting in a new fancy hot walker, or whatever it was called. All she knew is it had a cover, a door and the horses walked free in their own little cubby. Not only was it snazzy, but it could also hold 8 horses, rather than her old 4 horse metal death trap.

Michael already had Jimmy in the round pen warming up, the colt would need a lot of it before he was ready to take a person. All that piss and vinegar made for a rough ride if he didn’t get on with his antics first.

Beyond the Big barn, she could see the edges of the red pole fence of the cattle arena. It was huge. Large enough for any event she cared to hold. Kivi was proud of her place and as she took a final look around, she decided that it needed a coat of paint so that it all matched. Deep forest green to match the truck and all the horse wear she had just ordered. “Yep, it’s a good place to spend your day,” She said to no one in particular as she headed in to work High Top Sneaky.
Zeus would be her last ride of the day and she was looking forward to a simple hack, heading along the well trod path to have a chat with Sam and be sure the ladies were settling in.