Solo Befriending a Beast (Part I)

[Edreina]

83rd of Summer, 513 AV Windmount Stables Shortly after the Drykas left, Serena returned, a saddle on her shoulder and a bridle hanging from her arm. "I had other business to attend to," she explained simply setting all of the tack on the wall of the corral. Edreina nodded her understanding and moved closer to the owner of the stables, smiling when Jorven automatically followed her. At the sight, Serena smiled slightly, before hardening on the outside. Before she let this little woman of the sea take one of her favorite horses, she would make sure that this woman had a grasp on how to care for a horse. "Good to see you two are getting on well... But I need you to know that horses are not just something you ride from place to place. Instead, they are a friend, a companion. You have to take care of them. I will teach you the basics today, and then tomorrow you will come back to learn more." Edreina had not really planned on coming here multiple days, but if that was what it took for the woman to allow her to buy the sweet gelding, Edreina would do it. After all, from what she had heard, the caravan would not be leaving for days yet. It would be best for her to get good at this before setting out on the trails criss-crossing Mizahar upon the back of one. And so, she nodded silently, running a hand down the horse's velvety snout. "The first thing you have to do is check your horse's feet. If their feet aren't healthy, they won't be able to do what you need of them." From there, Serena showed Edreina how to tie the horse up - an easy enough knot for a sailor - and how to move about the horse. As you walked behind a horse, she showed her how to keep the horse aware of the rider so that it would not get spooked and lash out with its sharp, metal-clad hooves. Contrary to the Svefra's belief, you could not tell the condition of a horse's hoof simply by looking at it. Serena had Edreina move her way down the horse's leg and then coax Jorven into lifting his hoof so that she could wiggle the shoe, making sure it was still on firm. After a moment's consideration, Serena said that she would have the horse's shoes removed before Edreina left so that she would not have to worry about a loose shoe while riding to Zeltiva. The horsewoman then had Edreina inspect the hoof for stones and chips in the hoof. Edreina was given a small pick to remove stones and clods of dirt in the future, and a file to keep any chip in the hoof from getting worse. In a nearly manic fashion, Serena commanded Edreina to check her horse's hooves both before and after riding. Ok... Obviously hooves were important. Next, Serena pulled out a round brush which she referred to as a curry. This was made, she said, to dislodge dirt and help with shedding during the spring. Edreina was shown how to hold the comb, and to move it in circular motions over the horse's body. The dandy, Serena instructed, came next to remove the last vestiges of dirt and any loose hair that the curry missed. This was used over the entirety of the horse's body. Finally, a softer brush was used over the horse's body. Edreina learned that a brush is rarely used on a horse's face because it can irritate and even hurt them. When, rather foolishly, Edreina asked why horses have to be brushed over three times, Serena gave a mildly exasperated sigh. She really hated starting from scratch. "It reinforces your bond with your horse, first of all. A new rider such as yourself will learn to appreciate the closeness that can come from taking good care of your horse. Second, it lets you thoroughly check a horse over for injuries, even bruises, without poking and prodding. And third, a healthy, un-clotted coat allows a horse to move freely and comfortably." Stepping back, Serena moved around the horse and had Edreina repeat the entire process on the horse's two remaining hooves and other side of his body. Whenever Edreina started to scrape from toe to heel instead of the other direction, she would receive a reprimanding "Ah ah!" from the horsewoman. The body brushing was easy enough, Edreina just had to learn to be more efficient in her motions and to make sure that she got the entire horse. "Right... Now I think it's time for you to get on him." If ever there were words that caused Edreina's heart to seize up, those were them. What on Semele's bountiful earth had she gotten herself into?

[Perplexity]

Riddled With Rewards Edreina Experience Skill XP Earned Animal Husbandry + 3 EXP Observation + 1 EXP Lores • Lore Earned • Animal Husbandry: Caring For Horse Hooves • Animal Husbandry: Preparing A Horse For Riding • Animal Husbandry: The Importance of Bonding • Animal Husbandry: Grooming A Horse Notes : Amusing. Very amusing. I cannot bestow points in Riding because to earn points in said skill you must actually ride the horse. The care of, grooming, healing etc. etc. of animals is Animal Husbandry. Just a little explanation of why I gave what I gave. PM me with questions, comments or concerns.