[Nordanners] Training Start!

Abigail sat in the waiting area of the stable, a book in hand as she waited for her number to be called. Truth be told, she was very excited and also very nervous.

She had been told that Nordanners were different from other horses due to their upbringing of fighting dragons, which continuously threw her off every time she heard about it.

The fact that there were horses powerful enough to even take down a dragon was amazing in and of itself.

“Number 624?!”

Abigail looked down at her ticket and smiled brightly, picking up her backpack and stuffing the book inside as she made her way over to the counter.

“That’s me!” She exclaimed, handing the person her ticket.

The person turned around and grabbed what looked like a small wooden plaque and handed it to her.

“The name and number on that plaque is the horse you’ll be training. To find her, just head out that door and into the pasture, someone’ll be waiting for you. Give that plaque to them and they’ll take you to your yearling.”

Abigail nodded firmly and held the plaque close to her chest, making her way outside.

Looking around, Abigail noticed that there were a lot more people and horses than she thought there would be.

“Maybe I should’ve asked what the person I was supposed to give this plaque to was wearing…” She says to herself, sighing heavily.

“Maybe they look like a stablehand from back home?” She wondered, scanning the area for anyone who looked like they were wearing some kind of overalls.

“Hey!” She called, running over as she spotted someone just like that.

The person turned around and stared at her. “Yes, may I help you?”

“Uhm, are you the person that I’m supposed to give this plaque to?” She asked, tilting her head curiously as she held it out to them.

The stablehand took the plaque and looked it over, a smile spreading across their face.

“Yes I am! So, you’re the one who’s gonna be training Mink huh? A sweet girl, that one. Might be a bit shy at first but I’m sure she’ll get used to you as long as you’re patient with her.” They said,

“Do you know what you’re supposed to be doing for her training? Cause if not I can tell you.”

Abigail rubbed the back of her head. “Well uhm, I read that starting with the easy stuff first is the best way to lead into basic training.” She replied.

The stablehand nodded. “Aye that’s true, it is. So the first thing you’ll want to do is try to train the horse in manners. It’s like… a kind of bonding experience if you ask me. Like a trust exercise. At least I believe so.” They said, laughing softly.

Abigail tilted her head. “Hm okay. How do I train her in manners? Oh wait I know! I read about that, I have to teach her how to wear a harness first right?”

“That’s right. Put a harness on her and see if she lets you lead her, then you tie her up to the post so she can get used to standing with it on.” They said, turning around and scanning the area, their eyes stopping on a black and white horse.

“That one right there is the mare you’ll be training this year. Just remember what I said about being patient and you should be fine. I also suggest praising her for a good job by giving her some snacks. Heard that there should be some in that backpack of yours. Just don’t give her too much, ya here? Can spoil them rotten when you do.”

Abigail followed the person’s gaze and nodded firmly. “Okay! Thanks for your help!” She says, waving to the stablehand.

Abigail stood a few feet away from Mink, watching as the pretty horse grazed on some grass.

“Okay Abbie, you’ve got this. Remember what you read and all the research you did.” She nodded firmly after psyching herself up.

Carefully she made her way over to Mink until she was standing right in front of her, hand outstretched with her palm up.

Mink stared at her, tail flicking from side to side for a moment as she sniffed the girl’s palm, not moving an inch until she decided to step forward a bit.

Abigail smiled, sliding her hand under Mink’s chin before moving around to gently pet her head.

“Hello Mink, it’s nice to finally meet you. My name’s Abigail and I’m gonna be your trainer this year.” She said, giggling softly as she gently rubbed the horse’s neck.

Stepping back a bit, Abigail takes off her backpack and rifles through it, taking out a colored harness.

“Okay so, I’m gonna put this harness and lead on you. Hopefully you don’t mind?” She says, holding it out.

Mink stared at the harness before leaning in and sniffing it, her nostrils flaring for a moment before she huffed and shook her head, keeping still.

Abigail watched Mink closely and waited patiently before stepping forward and carefully sliding the harness onto her head, making sure it wasn’t too tight or too loose before completely strapping it on and slipping two of her fingers under it to double check.

“There! I think I did a good job putting that on you. It’s a perfect fit too!” She says, smiling widely and petting Mink’s head, snapping the lead onto the harness and making her way over to the nearest post.

Mink was a good horse, following behind Abigail without any kind of resistance. Honestly, she looked pretty comfortable with the harness on.

“Good girl!” Abigail exclaimed, digging into her pocket and taking out a sugar cube, holding it out for Mink to take.

While Mink was munching on the sugar cube, Abigail tied the lead onto the post.

“Alright, I’ll be right back. I gotta go and get your grooming supplies for later.” She says, gently petting Mink’s head before wandering off.

Mink waited patiently for Abigail to return, her tail swishing from side to side, flicking every now and then.

That is, until she became a little bit restless and started to walk around the post multiple times, until she found herself all tangled up.

Mink huffed and tugged at the post, trying to get free but it only seemed to be making the situation worse.

A loud whinnie caught Abigail’s attention once she returned with a large bag full of grooming supplies.

Sighing she shook her head. “I leave you alone for a few minutes and you go and get yourself stuck.” She says, putting the bag down.

Mink huffed again and tried once more to tug the lead free of the post.

“Easy girl, easy. Don’t worry I’ll get you loose.” Abigail reassured, gently patting Mink’s nose as she made her way over the post and examined it.

“Okay, I see what you did.” She says, taking the end of the lead that was sticking out and walking Mink around the post the other way until she was completely untangled.

“There you go. You gotta be more careful.” She says, glancing at her watch.

“Anyway, I think that’s enough training for today. It’s about time for both of us to eat lunch! Plus, I need to find my room before it gets too dark.” She says, leading Mink towards the stables.