CHAPTER 5 SPORTS HORSES WHAT ARE THEY? That evening Nora curled up with a pile of books from the library and magazines she had collected. She was going to be informed about as many breeds as possible so Gwen wouldnt catch her out as a know-nothing.
Before long her head was awhirl with all the different kinds of horses. She had no idea there were so many. First she skipped the pony section and looked for the ones she had heard about the Oldenburg was the one she looked up first because they were part of the Friesian Foundation. She found them under harness horses, which was where the Friesians were also. Next were Hanoverians and Trakehner. She knew she had worked with one Trakehner, Apollo. Holsteiners came next. She thought they were cows, the kind Mr. Merriman used in his dairy no, that was Holstein-Friesian very confusing but the discovery that they were named for where they started made it a little clearer.
The Trakehner was Polish and German and described as gentle and brave. Her experiences with Apollo confirmed that description. When Gwen let her exercise him under Eduardos watchful eye, she had become aware of horsemanship as an art. She looked up Andalusian, the kind of horse Eduardos father had been riding when he lost his life in an accident. Nora had never heard the whole story since it didnt seem a polite question to ask, but she knew the horses name had been Lothario. She looked up Lusitano and saw almost the same image as the Andalusian, only taller and leaner. No wonder, since they were used in Portugal by rejoneadores to fight bulls. Both were beautiful.
Next she found the Lipizzaner. Some day she hoped to see these dancing horses perform their incredible ballet. Even from the pictures she couldnt imagine what these movements would look like the courbette, a series of jumps on the hind legs; the capriole, a leap into the air with a kick-out at the apex, then a return to the same spot. She knew she would see them someday, somehow.
Exhausted now, she was ready for bed. Tomorrow she might ride one of these breeds, maybe a Swedish Warmblood or a Dutch Warmblood. So far they all looked alike to Nora. Well, tomorrow she might notice some differences.
The next day Gwen took Nora into A-Wing to have a look. She gave her a warning.
Please understand, my dear, all you will be expected to do is exercise these horses. Their owners have their own special methods. Unfortunately, there are no hard-and-fast rules. Every horse is different in structure and temperament. So is every rider. You are undoubtedly a better rider than some of the owners, but you must follow their instructions unless, of course, they ask for something dangerous. Then you come to me and well deal with the problem together. Remember, you are working for them and you must respect their wishes.
Now I have four candidates for you. Today Ill watch and well see. The first is Mr. Williams gelding, Top Choice. We call him Topper. Hes a palomino, which, as you know, is a color, not a breed. He has no problems that I know of. Mr. Williams has to have surgery so he wants Topper to get a good workout under saddle three times a week.
The next one is not so easy. Caprice is a Westphalian mare. Her owner is not a confident rider so youll find her taking advantage if she can. Wear your spurs to make sure she understands what you want. If she refuses, dont give up until you get it. This will help her owner too, but were not going to mention it. Okay?
Sure, but whats a Westphalian? I dont even remember seeing that breed in the book.
Gwen laughed. Dont worry, it just means she comes from Westphalia. Sports horse breeding is complicated but basically its based on performance. If youre a breeder you have quite a range of possibilities. Theres licensing and theres registration. You dont need to know more than that now.
Your third horse, Alpina, is a model mare. Shes our Oldenburg, trained in Germany, and very responsive. Her owner will want to see you ride her before she gives permission.
Which brings us to Upstart, the one who is probably going to give you grief. You dont have to accept him if you dont want to. What he actually needs is a trainer. The owner, I think, is hoping to save a lot of money by having you ride him. Hes an eight-year-old Anglo-Arab. Youll earn your money if you get along with him. I think it could be good for you both. Well see.
Today Eduardo will get them ready and show you the tack each one uses. After that youll be responsible for grooming, equipment and cleanup. Youre going to be well paid, so is that any problem?
Nora said No and saw Eduardo leading Caprice, a tall mare sixteen hands at least who was that beautiful color known as blood bay. Her body color was a rich red-brown with jet-black points mane, tail, and legs. She had never mounted a horse that tall. She was really grateful when Eduardo gave her a leg up and felt a breathless moment when he smiled up at her with his hand still on her knee.
Is there anything I should know about her?
She wasnt surprised to hear him echo Gwens advice. Her names Caprice. Shes a lazy lady. Nobody has asked much of her. I think you should treat her the way you did Cinnabar; get her fit, then dont take no for an answer. I dont mean pick a fight, just let her know youre not going to give in until she does. Okay, take her away.
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