PEOPLE: Kirsten Jade & Melanie Mackenzie
PLACE: Akita Rose Stables Paddocks
Posted on January 27 2010.
juvenile intros.
look at them. and be SCARED!
Kirsten gazed across the paddocks at the young athletes frolicking with each other. They were two years old today and about to start their juvenile careers on the track. She rested her chin and arms on the white picket fence and watched the colts play a game of tag while the filly ran along on the other side of the fence whinnying with displeasure. Poor Sunny had to be separated from her stable mates because of her gender. She was the only filly of that year’s crop and it was now time to separate them and no matter who Kirsten tried to put the hard headed filly by True Enough with she made a fuss. The black filly was such a tomboy that whenever you would see her running you would think that she was a colt. Kirsten was looking forward for the filly to start because she just knew that she would blow the socks off any opponent who would dare take the risk. In fact all her horses were going to be amazing this year. They had their hands full training the yearlings last year but it will be well worth it.
Her eyes wandered over to the sleek dark hindquarters that belonged to Knight Rousseau and sighed. She had pretty much given up on that colt last year already but Aaron had been persistent in training the wild thing. And even Kirsten had to admit that her new jockey had done a wonderful job with him. He was still wild, dangerous and bitter but was ride able and showing serious potential. She was keeping a close eye on him because she had put all four juvenile colts together this time and they have been separated ever since Rousseau started showing aggression towards Striker. So far they seemed okay but Striker and Ian were sticking to each other like glue.
Ever since Ian came to ARS Kirsten has put him in the same enclosure as Striker so that the poor colt wouldn't be so lonely. The two hit it off as though they were long lost brothers. They will be spending a lot of time together though, that's for sure. They were Akita Rose's biggest chance on making a splash on the turf. Akita Rose Stables has been known for their great classic distance dirt runners but they have never had much for turfers. These two colts, however, are the cream of the crop because ARS has never had such great potential shown on the turf as a yearling... ever.
She yawned and dropped her arms over the fence to stretch her back. When she looked up she was looking straight into the trusting eyes of Pride Stalker. He dropped his head into her arms and started to rub his nose on her sleeve. Kirsten giggled and started to stroke his neck when a loud shrill whinny broke the silence and ruined the moment. Pride jumped in surprise and looked at Kirsten almost guiltily.
Kirsten grabbed the lead shank she had brought with her and bolted through the gate. Rousseau had Striker pinned against the opposite side of the fence. Kirsten groaned and started to run to the rescue. Next thing she knew Ian was slamming himself against the big bay by Night Stalker. Kirsten stopped in her tracks and stared in horror as both colts started to rear in a full blown stallion fight. Footsteps thudded against the ground as Melanie and Aaron tore across the paddock.
Melanie reached Striker, who was still shivering against the fence and proceeded to get him out of the enclosure while Aaron stopped next to Kirsten to observe his take on the situation. Kirsten jumped as Pride whinnied from behind her. She turned around just to see the majestic thoroughbred standing behind her completely still. Aaron groaned and mumbled something before jumping swiftly to Rousseau's side and somehow manages to clip the lead shank to his halter.
The blood bay son of Night Stalker screamed in protest and strained to rear again. Kirsten ran to Ian's side and yanked on his halter, just nearly missing a hoof to the head.
Once they got the horses separated Kirsten focused on calming down The Innocent Skier but the colt didn't need that much calming, other then a few eye rolling and a few beads of sweat the horse was fine. She walked him in a big figure eight to test his legs and make sure he was walking fine. Aaron was trying to do the same with Rousseau but the big colt was pretty much dragging him towards Ian. Kirsten started to walk Ian out from the paddock when Melanie met her halfway. "Sooooo... that was smart..." Kirsten glared at her younger sister, who was smirking at her. Kirsten shrugged and just handed over the lead shank. "Make sure he isn't hot when you put him away." She then turned and started walking back into the paddock to collect Pride. She heard Melanie snicker behind her back but whatever... screw it.
She clipped the line on Pride's halter and started to lead him out when she saw Rousseau rear again in the corner of her eye. Ah whatever... she'll let Aaron deal with the beast. Rousseau hated Kirsten anyway so whatever...