People: Charlie Burke Jr., Aaron Phillips, Melanie Mackenzie, Kirsten Jade & Emma Rose
Place: Akita Rose Stables Yard
Date: December 12 2013 (January Week Two)
Welcome Basket
this is what we have to offer.
Kirsten had just finished returning My Man O' War to his paddock when she heard the sound of a truck just outside the barn. Well, the new arrivals were here. She exhaled and made her way outside. It has been an eventful day and tomorrow will be even worse. Emma ran in just as Kirsten was exiting. "Mom they are here!" She nodded and smiled. "I know." She put her arm around her daughter and walked outside together.
Aaron grinned at the stable owner. "It's a good lot!" Kirsten smiled. She was very much looking forward to this. Melanie slammed her truck door and glared at her sister. "Did you really have to send us to four different stables in one day? I'm pooped." Kirsten shrugged. "Better to get it done in one shot, don't you think? Besides you got to snoop around other stables." Melanie grumbled under her breath and yanked the trailer door open.
Charlie walked up behind the group and rubbed his hands together. "Here we go, this is what I'm talking about." Aaron smirked and went up the ramp to help Melanie with the horses in the trailer. A loud bang sounded from within. Aaron emerged shortly after with a tall gray yearling. The colt whinnied and bucked at the sight of the ramp. Aaron smirked. "Well, Tempest hasn't changed much." Kirsten and Charlie laughed. "We didn't really expect him to."
Aaron walked/dragged the colt down the ramp with a twinkle in his eye. "I call dibbs on riding this one." Kirsten waved her hand. "You got it." Aaron laughed. "I knew there wouldn't be a problem with that." He continued to walked the colt past the little group. "I'll go get him settled." Charlie nodded. "Everything in ready in the training barn."
Kirsten admired the colt as he walked away towards the training barn. The yearling was definitely looking like a promising prospect. She couldn't wait to start the yearling training this year. It was always exciting to see which horses would be their most promising juveniles in the following season. It raises hopes and creates dreams. It's what horse racing was all about.
More banging sounded from the trailer. A high pitched whinny could also be heard. Melanie emerged muttering unrecognizable words under her breath and holding the lead of a gorgeous bay filly. The filly nearly ran over its handler to get out of the trailer. She was obviously happy to get outside of the trailer. Once she was down the ramp she halted and stared at the small group gathered there. She nickered a greeting and shook her mane, arching her neck and proudly prancing at the end of her lead.
Melanie grinned and gestured towards the showy filly. "Ladies and gentlemen I present to you the gorgeous daughter of a Triple Crown winner, Impressario, the amazing Impress the Moonlight!" Charlie slapped his hands together in excitement. He was the one who suggested they purchase the expensive filly and Kirsten had to admit she was pretty impressed already.
Charlie had seen the filly run last week and knew from that moment on that she was going to be a champion on the track - without a doubt. He pushed for the purchase and now he was excited to start training her. This may be the filly that changes his entire career. "I'll take her to her stall." Charlie grinned and reached for the lead shank. This would give him even more time to admire the filly up close and personal. He was almost giddy with excitement.
As Charlie walked away Kirsten caught the eye of her sister and winked. Melanie smirked and re-entered the trailer. She emerged shortly after with another beautiful tall bay filly. Kirsten held her breath and sighed. Man she loved Seattle Song offspring. She knew this was Whispering Melody, she had had to reclaim her from another owner once before. The poor filly has been from stable to stable in her short juvenile year.
Whispering Melody took in her surroundings cautiously. Kirsten slowly approached the filly. Wendy pulled back on the lead and started to shake. Melanie rolled her eyes again. "I think this filly is going to need a lot of work." Kirsten shook her head stubbornly. "I've seen her run and work. She has potential. She just needs someone to trust." Melanie shrugged and passed the lead to her sister. Kirsten took it slowly and started to talk the juvenile down the ramp.
After a few minutes they were on their way to the training barn. Melanie regarded them curiously. Kirsten always did have a way with horses. If anyone can earn the filly's trust it would be her sister...
Another whinny came from the trailer and Melanie gestured towards her niece. "There is just White Chocolate to bring in and the new yearling. Wanna help me out?" Emma's eyes went wide as she nodded. She held her head high and followed her aunt into the trailer.