Dream Sketches

Training images for Dream! I have been meaning to do this forever but I recently saw a show that would be perfect for her to enter but I figured she needed trained first haha. Anyways....

Stories:

Part 1 (top two sketches):

“Okay,” Miru said aloud to no one in particular. “Let’s see what the problem is.”

Dream was standing in the aisle in cross ties and seemed entirely distracted, looking over her shoulder to watch some people walk by in the distance. She seemed indifferent to Miru as the girl tacked the tall mare. Heading out to the arena Dream carried herself so elegantly, with her head held high above Miru’s.

Miru spent some time on the ground, checking all the foundation skills, of which Dream seemed quite adept at. Feeling comfortable, Miru led the tall horse to the mounting block and climbed aboard. She adjusted in the saddle lightly and asked her forward. Wow, was Dream light and floaty! Miru couldn’t stop the smile that spread on her face. This horse seemed totally fine, Miru thought. But just as soon as that throught crossed her mind, Dream sped up into a prancy jog. Without really thinking, Miru tightened the reins and sunk her weight into the saddle. In immediate protest, Dream flung herself into the air. Miru had no time to think but instincts felt her grab the mare’s neck. When she landed, Dream tossed her head a few times and Miru tried to stay soft in the saddle as she felt her legs start to tremble. 

“Was that really necessary?” Miru scolded as Dream finally relaxed some of her tension and Miru took a deep, shuddering breath. “Are you done now?” 

Dream shook her head again and Miru felt herself tense. But Miru knew that making her stand like this would likely induce another rear so she forced herself to loosen the reins and give a gentle squeeze. This time, Miru was ready and proactive, half-halting with her seat before the mare even thought of trotting. She put her to work doing circles and various patterns and soon enough Miru felt herself giving the mare a little more rein. 

“You are one sensitive diva,” Miru said and Dream flicked an ear back to listen. “And vain, too.” But Miru could feel her bravery returning already. Dream wasn’t a wild beast, but merely an impatient drama queen. That, Miru could deal with. It was so different from riding Kumara, where it felt like a constant negotiation. Dream, in contrast, was like dancing. Each step the mare took, the girl had to match and each movement Miru made, Dream responded to. It would certainly take some getting used to. But then again, Kumara took some getting used to as well. 

Part 2 (bottom sketch):

“You’re the biggest, baddest, fastest horse around,” Miru cooed to Dream, whose ears turned back to hear the praise. “Everyone wishes they were on you.”

It had become her little ritual, a way of keeping Dream focused. They had been working on basics lately but Miru was bored out of her mind. Dream, too, seemed less and less focused each session. This particular day the air was chilly and the sky bright blue and a wind whipped across the open spaces. It seemed to wake both horse and rider. 

“Alright, my awesome superstar,” Miru spoke, gently nudging Dream up into a canter. “Let’s go for a real ride.”

They cantered along the narrow alley between pastures, out towards the open hills beyond. Dream had a lofty gait, clearly restrained, though Miru only focused on breathing and sitting. While Kumara seemed almost able to read her mind, riding Dream required a more conscious effort. She hated to admit it, but Dream was making her a better rider. She continued to talk to her softly and every few strides she reached a hand down to stroke her wither in front of the saddle. 

Dream was holding the pace well until they came to the last small bend in the alley before a straight stretch. The mare took a sudden stride sideways, giving a small snort. 

“No need for dramatics,” Miru warned her. But then she realized what had spooked the mare. Kumara, in the field, had noticed them and had begun to canter to the pasture fence. 

“No thanks!” Miru called out to the fiery Zlesdin who had such a mischievous look on her face that Miru nearly decided to bring Dream down to a walk. But under her, the red horse had gathered herself. Instead, she seemed only to be taunting Kumara. For a moment, both mares cantered side by side, an ear each turned on the other. Miru found herself laughing and gave Kumara a nod. 

“Alright,” she said. “Let’s give her some competition.”

Miru lifted into a half seat, leaning close to Dream’s neck, and gave a squeeze with her lower leg. Dream’s engine seemed to rev to life and the mare darted forward. Dream gave a shake of her head and Miru realized she had minimal steering, but there wasn’t anywhere to go so she just let the mare settle below her and find her rhythm. Kumara, in the pasture, sped up too, her ears pinned to her neck. They galloped up the alley at break neck speed, the sound of their hooves like thunder, spooking other horses who snorted and pranced circles as they tore past. Finally, they reached the end of the alley and Kumara turned to avoid the fence with an annoyed buck. Miru focused on bringing her own energy down, half-halting and circling in the open space beyond the pasture. Dream was amped up now, but slowly she came down. 

“You’re incredible,” Miru breathed, panting. She patted the mare’s sweaty neck and guided her back to the pasture’s fence-line. Kumara stood at the fence with a glare and gave her big head a heavy shake. 

“Good race,” Miru said to Kumara. In response, Kumara stomped her hoof against the ground. 

_______
Refs:
Rearing horse/rider
Galloping Dream+Miru
Galloping Kumara

No ref for top sketch