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Description
so, I had these plans for...a lot more but realized that it was a bit outside my current skill level so..here we go. Huzzah I painted mountains that look good!! what is life. also how do you lighting P: but...I'm satisfied with the shading and the piece overall

Horse: CC Leaina
Rider: Alaric Montgomery
Show: WINTER CHAMPION'S CUP 2018
Class: Dressage on Ice

Extra: Training Image
Advertisement: www.deviantart.com/lamecupcake…
Donation: Points

  Alaric Montgomery frowned as he surveyed the grounds, his arms crossed over his chest. Beside him, Léaina casually munched on the hay from the net strung up on the side of the trailer. Her nostrils flared as she snorted loudly, ears flicking back at the sounds coming from the show ring. The sun was just peaking over the distant mountains and glaring off the surface of the snow. A fresh blanket of the white powder covered the grounds. At least with the amount of traffic it would be well packed, and slippage was unlikely.

  A pair of riders walked past him, chattering eagerly to themselves. The blonde aristocrat paid them no mind and instead turned to the barn rat who was busy brushing the bay mare’s coat.

  “Are you done yet?” he snapped.

  The smaller boy jumped sharply, posture wilting under Alaric’s stare. He debated on a response but decided against it. Knowing the rich snob any response he gave wouldn’t warrant the reply he wanted to hear. Ducking his head he hurriedly resuming his duties: grooming and tacking in preparation for the show. As soon as he finished, he hurriedly squeaked an “I’m finished,” and bolted away.

  Standing slowly, Al approached his mare and untied her reins. He glanced over his outfit one more time, making sure all his buttons were straight and there was not a wrinkle in sight. The glitter was perhaps a bit much for his tastes, but there was no such thing as looking too fabulous, too good, while in the spotlight. Truly the only reason he enjoyed the show ring was the attention he received from the audience and the judges. Every eye on him as he performed was exhilarating.

  After he was assured that his appearance was immaculate, he checked the cinch and then stepped into the stirrup and swung a long leg over Kitty’s back. Her bridle clinked as she bobbed her head in response, waiting for Alaric’s command. The blond ignored her antics. He lightly bounced in the saddle, testing the stirrup length and the comfort of his seat. He didn’t trust the kid he’d paid to tack her up.

  Satisfied, he nudged his heels into her sides and sent her forward. Alaric might be a snob, and to be honest a little bit lazy when it came to show prep, but he was never one to mess around with his horses. Especially not the Morizzan he was currently sitting astride. Luther would have his hide if he so much as scratched her, not to mention kicking him off the team and more than likely blacklisting him from ever riding again. Anywhere.

  The gruff Brit was absolutely crazy, and dead serious about his horses. And the guy had connections all over. If he truly didn’t want Alaric to never step foot on a stable again, the blonde had no doubts that he would make it happen. Shaking his head to dislodge that particular train of thought, he directed Leaina to the warm-up ring. She was still a little stiff while wearing her cleats and he was hoping to loosen her up enough for when his number was called.

  A loud bang echoed then, another horse kicking the inside of a trailer. Leaina startled and bucked slightly. Head turned toward the noise, tail swishing. If not for Al’s firm hold on the reins she likely would’ve bolted. After a moment and the reassuring pat on her neck, Kitty snorted loudly, foggy clouds puffing from her nostrils. The air was certainly brisk, the sun only just rising over the distant mountain peaks. Her ears flicked back when Al’s hands tightened and steered her through the opening in the fence line of the ring. Al sent her to the rail and gave her her head.

  One lap around the edges, then two. Alaric then began her exercises. Trotting her back and forth, then a working canter. He weaved through the other riders with ease and confidence, thoughts focused on the sequence of moves for the actual test. He felt the mare respond to his adjustments and shifts in weight, a hand guiding her left, a leg nudging her right. Well at least she was in a good mood, despite the earlier spook.

  Just when he could feel her breath becoming a bit labored, he received a nod from Luther who stood near the fence. Pulling her up, he took her toward Lu, halting her once he was within arm’s reach. Luther grabbed her reins near her chin and looked at Alaric seriously.

  “Have a good ride,” he said.

  Alaric rolled his eyes. Of course, he would. Who did Luther think he was talking to? He was the second-best rider on the team. Would be the best, if not for that prick Elliot. It wasn’t like he was putting in extra time at the barn, extra private lessons. Whatever, it didn’t matter. He was about to go out there and do his darndest to prove once and for all that he deserved the captain’s position on the team.

  He watched the previous rider exit the show arena. They were now calling his name and he pointed the bay mare at the ring. Show time. His lips curled in his best impression of a smile, which is to say his face morphed from a look of bored disdain to a simple frown, as they stepped onto the ice. To victory or death as they say. If Leaina slipped and fell out here she would definitely crush him as he’d have no way of jumping clear and getting out of the way.

  Their routine started slow in a walk. A good chance for them to test the surface of the ice and gain their confidence. Soon enough he was nudging her sides into a trot, and then a canter. The sun was now rising above the mountains behind him, casting orange-pink light over the snow and making the ice glitter and shine. Breathing out, Alaric turned Leaina in the corner and put her on the diagonal across the arena. A flying lead change. They had practiced it plenty at home…on sand and turf. Never on ice. If this went badly, he would never see the end of it. Or die. He might die. Taking a steadying breath, Alaric focused on a point ahead. It was now or never.

  As smoothly as he could, he closed his right leg around her girth and swung his left back. Leaina swished her tail in response and switched leads. Al let out the breath he had been holding. He could feel Luther at the rail, watching them and smiling. He had pulled it off. Now he could rub it in Elliot’s face. His mouth widened into a rather large grin and didn’t budge for the rest of the ride.

words: 1138

Breed (c) wizzykatt and myself
Alaric, Lu, & Leaina (c) me.
Reference: Personal photo

Description
so, I had these plans for...a lot more but realized that it was a bit outside my current skill level so..here we go. Huzzah I painted mountains that look good!! what is life. also how do you lighting P: but...I'm satisfied with the shading and the piece overall

Horse: CC Leaina
Rider: Alaric Montgomery
Show: WINTER CHAMPION'S CUP 2018
Class: Dressage on Ice

Extra: Training Image
Advertisement: www.deviantart.com/lamecupcake…
Donation: Points

  Alaric Montgomery frowned as he surveyed the grounds, his arms crossed over his chest. Beside him, Léaina casually munched on the hay from the net strung up on the side of the trailer. Her nostrils flared as she snorted loudly, ears flicking back at the sounds coming from the show ring. The sun was just peaking over the distant mountains and glaring off the surface of the snow. A fresh blanket of the white powder covered the grounds. At least with the amount of traffic it would be well packed, and slippage was unlikely.

  A pair of riders walked past him, chattering eagerly to themselves. The blonde aristocrat paid them no mind and instead turned to the barn rat who was busy brushing the bay mare’s coat.

  “Are you done yet?” he snapped.

  The smaller boy jumped sharply, posture wilting under Alaric’s stare. He debated on a response but decided against it. Knowing the rich snob any response he gave wouldn’t warrant the reply he wanted to hear. Ducking his head he hurriedly resuming his duties: grooming and tacking in preparation for the show. As soon as he finished, he hurriedly squeaked an “I’m finished,” and bolted away.

  Standing slowly, Al approached his mare and untied her reins. He glanced over his outfit one more time, making sure all his buttons were straight and there was not a wrinkle in sight. The glitter was perhaps a bit much for his tastes, but there was no such thing as looking too fabulous, too good, while in the spotlight. Truly the only reason he enjoyed the show ring was the attention he received from the audience and the judges. Every eye on him as he performed was exhilarating.

  After he was assured that his appearance was immaculate, he checked the cinch and then stepped into the stirrup and swung a long leg over Kitty’s back. Her bridle clinked as she bobbed her head in response, waiting for Alaric’s command. The blond ignored her antics. He lightly bounced in the saddle, testing the stirrup length and the comfort of his seat. He didn’t trust the kid he’d paid to tack her up.

  Satisfied, he nudged his heels into her sides and sent her forward. Alaric might be a snob, and to be honest a little bit lazy when it came to show prep, but he was never one to mess around with his horses. Especially not the Morizzan he was currently sitting astride. Luther would have his hide if he so much as scratched her, not to mention kicking him off the team and more than likely blacklisting him from ever riding again. Anywhere.

  The gruff Brit was absolutely crazy, and dead serious about his horses. And the guy had connections all over. If he truly didn’t want Alaric to never step foot on a stable again, the blonde had no doubts that he would make it happen. Shaking his head to dislodge that particular train of thought, he directed Leaina to the warm-up ring. She was still a little stiff while wearing her cleats and he was hoping to loosen her up enough for when his number was called.

  A loud bang echoed then, another horse kicking the inside of a trailer. Leaina startled and bucked slightly. Head turned toward the noise, tail swishing. If not for Al’s firm hold on the reins she likely would’ve bolted. After a moment and the reassuring pat on her neck, Kitty snorted loudly, foggy clouds puffing from her nostrils. The air was certainly brisk, the sun only just rising over the distant mountain peaks. Her ears flicked back when Al’s hands tightened and steered her through the opening in the fence line of the ring. Al sent her to the rail and gave her her head.

  One lap around the edges, then two. Alaric then began her exercises. Trotting her back and forth, then a working canter. He weaved through the other riders with ease and confidence, thoughts focused on the sequence of moves for the actual test. He felt the mare respond to his adjustments and shifts in weight, a hand guiding her left, a leg nudging her right. Well at least she was in a good mood, despite the earlier spook.

  Just when he could feel her breath becoming a bit labored, he received a nod from Luther who stood near the fence. Pulling her up, he took her toward Lu, halting her once he was within arm’s reach. Luther grabbed her reins near her chin and looked at Alaric seriously.

  “Have a good ride,” he said.

  Alaric rolled his eyes. Of course, he would. Who did Luther think he was talking to? He was the second-best rider on the team. Would be the best, if not for that prick Elliot. It wasn’t like he was putting in extra time at the barn, extra private lessons. Whatever, it didn’t matter. He was about to go out there and do his darndest to prove once and for all that he deserved the captain’s position on the team.

  He watched the previous rider exit the show arena. They were now calling his name and he pointed the bay mare at the ring. Show time. His lips curled in his best impression of a smile, which is to say his face morphed from a look of bored disdain to a simple frown, as they stepped onto the ice. To victory or death as they say. If Leaina slipped and fell out here she would definitely crush him as he’d have no way of jumping clear and getting out of the way.

  Their routine started slow in a walk. A good chance for them to test the surface of the ice and gain their confidence. Soon enough he was nudging her sides into a trot, and then a canter. The sun was now rising above the mountains behind him, casting orange-pink light over the snow and making the ice glitter and shine. Breathing out, Alaric turned Leaina in the corner and put her on the diagonal across the arena. A flying lead change. They had practiced it plenty at home…on sand and turf. Never on ice. If this went badly, he would never see the end of it. Or die. He might die. Taking a steadying breath, Alaric focused on a point ahead. It was now or never.

  As smoothly as he could, he closed his right leg around her girth and swung his left back. Leaina swished her tail in response and switched leads. Al let out the breath he had been holding. He could feel Luther at the rail, watching them and smiling. He had pulled it off. Now he could rub it in Elliot’s face. His mouth widened into a rather large grin and didn’t budge for the rest of the ride.

words: 1138

Breed (c) wizzykatt and myself
Alaric, Lu, & Leaina (c) me.
Reference: Personal photo