Jack Cooper
New Member
[M:100:0:NaN:][M:100:0:0:]
Played by Sprinkles <3
Posts: 29
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Post by Jack Cooper on Feb 10, 2013 1:45:50 GMT -5
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Since he'd moved here, Jack was continually amazed at how expansive Saving Grace Ranch was. The property never seemed to end, and he loved it. Maybe later he'd hit one of the many trails with one of his horses. But for now, he was content just to visit them both and make sure they were settling in as well as he was. He'd check on his stallion first, since he was the fussier of the two. Once in the stallion barn, Jack felt the tension of moving ease away. The familiar scent of leather and hay and horse greeted him like an old friend. As he walked down the aisle, the corners of his lips tugged upwards in a smile. The barn was empty save for the horses, which was just the way he liked it. Stall after stall housed the handsome creatures, and each looked more well-bred than the last. But, admits all the powerful stallions, there was only one face he was looking for. His Trakehner Desperado, affectionately called Des. The seal bay stallion had been his partner in crime for the past three years. The pair had won many shows together, and Jack was hoping to set him out to stud soon. He had no doubt Des would throw foals that were equally as willing and talented as the horse himself. Jack knew he was lucky to have such a great stallion, even though Des was unpredictable and hot-headed. But he didn't hold it against the Trakehner. Stallions would be stallions. He could handle it, and so the pair made a great team. The trick to handling a stallion was to be as prepared as possible. And he'd come prepared today.
Armed with his tack box, a leather lead line, and about 15 peppermints, Jack made his way to the Trakehner's stall. The handsome stallion perked his ears forward and nickered in greeting. That brought another smile to the man's face. "Hey bud," Jack said affectionately as he stepped into the large stall. "Ready to get your first real grooming in Virginia?" The horse snorted, swishing his black tail. Jack took it as a resounding yes. He spoke to the horse quietly and calmly as he lead him out of the stall and clipped his leather halter on to crossties. It was nice to be back in the swing of things. Soon he'd be teaching lessons again, and competing as well. Des crunched happily on a peppermint as Jack worked, starting with the rubber currycomb to loosen all the built up dirt in the stallion's dark coat. Jack knew the stallion loved to be brushed, which was strange to him. Most of the stallions he'd encountered hadn't really been the touchy type. But, then again, he didn't have the bond he had with Des with any other stallion. And because of that bond, Jack felt as though Des really respected him. At least, until the mares were around. Then he'd become a full-fledged nightmare, just like any other hormone-laden stallion. But, they were far away from any potentially flirtatious mares, so Jack felt comfortable with the grooming session. He was about to grab a hoof pick from his grooming box when he heard a noise behind him. Startled, Des tossed his head, ears pinned to his skull. Jack patted the horse soothingly, waiting to see the perpetrator of the noise.
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Post by Kathryn St Pierre on Feb 10, 2013 15:16:27 GMT -5
| [atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 400px; background-color: #343434; padding:20px; border-top: 10px #af9390 solid; border-bottom: 10px #af9390 solid;] repair your broken wings ( WORDS ) 429 ( TAGGED ) JACK/OPEN ( STATUS ) COMPLETE Frustrated, Kat peered behind her at the stallion she was leading back into the stallion barn. Rum danced sideways, not exactly eager to be returning to his testosterone filled quarters. Heaving a sigh she stopped and turned, snaking an arm up to pat the side of his neck and toy with the inky black locks that hovered there. The stallion scraped a hind hoof along the floor, his body tensed and his dark eyes wild. "Shh, Rum. Come on now. I'll be back tomorrow and i'll take you out again." He didn't seem to care at all, she noted, as he tossed his head and snorted again. He danced in place, his large body swaying as it seemed he was becoming more frustrated with his surroundings. Patting his neck and running her hands down the slightly wet patch of fur, she cooed at him. It was something that normally helped calm him. She didn't like how tense he became around other stallions, even if it was normal.
Turning, she lead the stallion further into the barn, his shoos meeting the hard floor with a steady thumping. His tail shot from behind him, shaking up only to slam against his hocks. It was the natural sign of an unhappy stallion trying to display dominance to those around him. She found herself laughing, as she eyed the black mammoth. Well, he was a mammoth to her at-least. Perhaps not so mammoth to the other stallions boarded here. "Oh, don't you just look so big and bad." He snorted in irritation, though she took it as a response to her jesting. Turning her gaze back around she spotted his stall a few feet away.
"There, we're almost ho-" Before she could complete her sentence, he lurched and shot a hind limb out to kick at and connect with a stall where a stallion had leaned his head out to inspect the people in the isle. "RUM!" She piped, a hand reaching up to grip his his halter. Dragging his head down, the stallion stilled as she made full on eye contact. "Want to act out again and earn yourself a day in the box?" Huffing, the stallion flashed his eyes testily in the direction of another stallion and Kat allowed her eyes to finally fall from the horse. "Oh!" She blushed heavily, once more embarrassed but not from falling from the stallion this time. She was used to working with stallions and now she felt like a fool, because someone was grooming a horse and obviously privy to her own horse's outburst.
rum is in trouble. c,c RUM |
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Jack Cooper
New Member
[M:100:0:NaN:][M:100:0:0:]
Played by Sprinkles <3
Posts: 29
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Post by Jack Cooper on Feb 10, 2013 16:54:39 GMT -5
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Just what he needed, another stallion. The girl that was leading the other horse looked almost as surprised as he felt. She'd let out an involuntary gasp at the sight of him and Des. Surely their horses had felt the other's presence, but he and the blonde woman had been taken unaware. Des' ears still snapped back to his skull menacingly, Jack stepped out next to him, ready to create a barrier between the two testy stallions if need be. He'd seen many stallion show downs before, and they usually did not end well. Not that he was biased (although he certainly was), but if worst came to worst, his money was on Des. The Trakehner was just shy of a hand taller than the other stallion, and was most likely older as well. So much for his relaxing grooming session. Although it was normal stallion behavior, it still made Jack uneasy when Des acted like this. Especially in the presence of another volatile male, it a recipe for disaster. Desperado tossed his head, jingling the crossties, and stamping his back leg. Jack reached back to pat the Trakehner's now sweaty shoulder. He felt the stallion's skin twitch beneath his hand. After a few soothing pats, Des let out a long winded sigh, as if he'd been holding his breath. Jack let out his breath too. He knew his stallion was still tense, eyeing the other horse suspiciously, but at least he was a bit more manageable now. He rewarded him with a peppermint, which Des greedily gobbled down. The stallion's eyes flashed back to the opposing horse, as if he would attack at any moment.
Jack gave the blonde a small smile, now that he knew Des was under control. Still, he kept one protective hand the Trakehner's halter. "Typical male ego," He shook his head and rolled his eyes at the two horses squaring off. He'd been working with stallions since he was 17, and nothing had changed. They were still hot blooded, egocentric show offs, and always would be. A real credit to his gender. The again, he knew some men who acted even less mature than the greenest of stud colts. "Would your boy like a mint?" He turned his gaze to the girl, finally looking at her instead of her horse. She was most certainly pretty... Jack felt a sharp pang of guilt for thinking it. His girlfriend Marina was notoriously jealous. If he didn't look at every other woman like she looked like Rosie O'donnell, Marina was not happy. But, Marina was back in Texas, and she wasn't a mind reader (or so he fervently hoped).
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Post by Kathryn St Pierre on Feb 10, 2013 17:46:27 GMT -5
| [atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 400px; background-color: #343434; padding:20px; border-top: 10px #af9390 solid; border-bottom: 10px #af9390 solid;] repair your broken wings ( WORDS ) 478 ( TAGGED ) JACK ( STATUS ) COMPLETE Uncertain, her blue eyes traveled from the guy to his horse. The stallion had his ears pinned back, obviously in response to Rum's outburst. Following the man's lead she stepped in from of Rum, leaning her back against the stallion's chest, as she pulled his head down over her shoulder. The stallion seemed to calm a bit, as she petted his chin and turned her head into his cheek. "Shh!" She muttered, feeling his body relax, though his eyes remained on the other stallion cautiously. Pulling her head away, she eyed the man ruefully. "I fear Rum got a double dose of that." She offered the words with a small smile, very unsure of herself in these situations.
Tilting her head up to Rum as though unsure that he should be given such a thing after his bad behavior, she released a sigh and nodded. "Yes, please." Before glancing back to the male. "Although he doesn't deserve it." At her response the stallion lipped through her blond hair and she stepped aside to pull the locks from his grasp. Wiping the strands with her fingers, she peered at the other stallion. The male had been very calm until Rum had interrupted their grooming session. She could tell that this stallion wasn't the type to constantly act out, as Rum did. She had the patience of a saint, to spin off of her name, or she might have just sold Rum and bought a Gelding in his place. The man, however, had far more patience than she did. Another boarder she'd had a run in when she'd first arrived, had screeched for her to control her beast, and she'd left the barn mortified.
"I think he's acting out because I cut our jaunt short today." She frowned slightly, as she offered an explaination. She had the feeling that she would start rambling if she didn't get a grip on herself. She had avoided people for the most part since moving here, and so far she had only run into one other person. Now that she was confronted with a situation where it would be rude to just walk by, she felt at a loss as to how to act anyone. Normal, obviously, but I don't know what normal is. For one, she didn't have to notice the man's appearance or how handsome he. Or did women usually do that? But then, most women fawned over any man with decent looks. Kat seemed to shy away from men and the whole idea of finding one attractive. She had certainly cut her mind from such things since Riles. Uncomfortable with her train of though she tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear and offered sheepishly. "I'm Kathryn St. Pierre. The new Breeding Coordinator for the stallion barn." As if thinking twice about that she added quickly. "I go by Kat, though."
rum is in trouble. c,c RUM |
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Jack Cooper
New Member
[M:100:0:NaN:][M:100:0:0:]
Played by Sprinkles <3
Posts: 29
|
Post by Jack Cooper on Feb 11, 2013 18:36:22 GMT -5
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Jack noted with approval that the woman followed suit and put herself in front of her stallion, just in case. It was always nice to see another person know how to handle their horse. As an instructor, he'd come across too many people (students and otherwise) who couldn't control their own horse. Yes, the relationship between horse and rider was a partnership, but if the horse didn't respect the rider and vice versa, that relationship would never grow into a truly functioning one. It was safe to say that the woman in front of him had a healthy partnership with her horse. He chuckled at her remark, brushing aside the pesky feeling of guilt. It was rare for him to connect with people upon first meeting them, although he wished he'd found a guy he almost immediately respected. As opposed to a pretty blonde woman. "Occupational hazard of being male, I guess." He noted her hesitation in speaking to him, almost as if she feared him. Unconsciously, he took a step back to give her more space, his back meeting Des' solid chest.
Now that the stallion was calm again, he gave Jack a gentle nudge, eagerly searching for more treats. He pushed the stallion's velvet nose away with an affectionate smile, before turning back to the girl. He handed her one his last peppermints after she'd accepted his offer. Jack understood her not wanting to reward her stallion's less than desirable behavior, but he seemed to be more relaxed now. And if anything, rewarding good behavior did more than punishing negative behavior. At least in his own training philosophy. Jack took a good look at the other stallion, mentally running over a checklist in his mind. He couldn't help it, as an instructor, it came naturally to him to look over horse and rider. He was a handsome beast, a true black as opposed to Des' seal bay coat that only appeared black in the winter. Probably some type of Warmblood if he had to put money on it. The girl's conjecture took him back to the present, and he nodded in agreement. That seemed like a reasonable guess as to why her stallion had been acting up. Jack nodded back at his horse, putting a hand on the Trakehner's shoulder. "Des here always gets antsy if I don't spend at least an hour letting him work out his hijinks," He offered the information hesitantly, but in a genuine attempt to connect with her. It wasn't like him to talk about himself, or his horses. Probably because his horses meant more to him than he did himself. However, he got the sense that the same may be true about her as well. "Nice to meet you Kat, I'm Jack Cooper, one of the new instructors." He held out his hand to shake.
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Post by Kathryn St Pierre on Feb 11, 2013 20:53:43 GMT -5
| [atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 400px; background-color: #343434; padding:20px; border-top: 10px #af9390 solid; border-bottom: 10px #af9390 solid;] repair your broken wings ( WORDS ) 429 ( TAGGED ) JACK/OPEN ( STATUS ) COMPLETE At his words, she felt herself relaxing, a hesitant smile on her lips. She hadn't known a stallion that hadn't acted out atleast once, so perhaps it was occupational hazard. She felt Rum's lips skimming her head, his breath bathing down the back of her neck. Reaching up she pushed his head gently, tilting her neck away from his mouth. "I should think so." She found herself laughing at the stallion's antics, almost as if he found the conversation topic amusing. She watched him take a step back and for a moment she had to wonder if her uncertainty was that noticeable. As her handed her the treat, she turned to Rum and offered it up in the palm of her hand. "Thank you." She found herself murmuring, as Rum greedily lapped at her hand seeking more. Turning back she found herself genuinely smiling. She didn't know many people who treated their horses anymore. Most felt as though their food was reward enough.
"Rum in the same way. I only had a half an hour today and it really didn't settle well with him." She sighed, peering at the man's horse. Both stallions seemed relaxed, despite their gazes constantly keeping the other in check. She eyed the stallion, impressed by his size compared to Rum's. He was just about a hand taller at-least, and very well formed and developed. It reminded her of her college days, when she had been learning the different breed standards and what traits mixed well with other traits. "I couldn't live with myself if I left him in his stall until tonight when I would have more free time." She smiled as he introduced himself. It was a relief to know that she wasn't the only new employees on the ranch. She had felt like the new kid the past few days, trying to learn her way around. "Oh? I suppose we can be new together!" She grinned, relief obviously flowing through her. "I thought I was the only new face around here." She almost hesitated to take his hand, but decided it couldn't hurt. Shaking his hand, she felt completely normal for once, like she wasn't being judged. Perhaps it was because he was as new as she was, or she was just surprised that he had put her at ease so quickly.
rum is in trouble. c,c RUM |
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Jack Cooper
New Member
[M:100:0:NaN:][M:100:0:0:]
Played by Sprinkles <3
Posts: 29
|
Post by Jack Cooper on Feb 12, 2013 20:45:40 GMT -5
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Her smile encouraged him to stay longer and talk to her, even though he knew he had things to do. Jack returned the smile, grateful that he'd found someone who didn't make him wholly uncomfortable simply by existing in his presence. Des seemed to like her too, although it was obvious Kat's horse didn't do much for him. His slender dark ears perked forward as she laughed at her own stallion's behavior. It wasn't like Des to warm up to anyone so quickly, and for a moment Jack felt both betrayed and amused. He slid his hand from the stallion's shoulder up his neck and rubbed the spot just behind Des' ears that he seemed to like so much. The stallion made a deep throaty noise in appreciation, lowering his head so Jack could reach better. Jack nodded at her thanks, almost sheepish when it came to gratitude. It was beyond him that people didn't reward their horses anymore. When he taught lessons, that was one his main nonnegotiables. You rewarded your horse when they did what you asked, no matter how many tries it took to get them there. Positive reinforcement was the best kind of reinforcement, no matter what anyone said.
"Yeah, I haven't taken Des out in a few days, and he's not entirely pleased with me," Jack confessed ruefully. "Maybe I should hire someone to exercise him when I can't..." The thought of the upcoming show lingered in the back of his mind. Jack knew if he didn't take Des out soon, he'd have hell to pay. Des was usually very focused and attentive when it came to shows, but that was only when he had regular exercise and training. Jack shuddered to think of what he'd be like now, since it'd been almost a week since they'd jumped a course. "Maybe I'll ride him during my next lesson, sort of an interactive teaching experience," He was more thinking aloud than he was speaking to Kat, but it didn't seem like such a bad idea. He looked back at her, considered asking her opinion on it, but pushed the thought away quickly. He'd just met her, he didn't need to be seeking her approval. (What would Marina say?) But Marina was quickly forgotten when Kat grinned and spoke about being new together. "Nope, definitely not. We can stumble around blindly together," He grinned back, pushing Marina firmly to the back of his mind. He'd call her later to assuage his guilt. But for now, he didn't see the harm in enjoying some friendly, equally new company.
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Post by Kathryn St Pierre on Feb 13, 2013 1:11:38 GMT -5
| [atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 400px; background-color: #343434; padding:20px; border-top: 10px #af9390 solid; border-bottom: 10px #af9390 solid;] repair your broken wings ( WORDS ) 558 ( TAGGED ) JACK ( STATUS ) COMPLETE She watched Des for a moment, her lips curled into a smile as he made a sound that obviously portrayed his satisfaction. It still amazed her that horses could be so expressive, letting you know exactly what they did and didn't like. Unfortunately, Rum became a little overzealous in expressing himself, and would often end up in trouble doing so. Her glance slide back from the stallion to Jack and she nodded at his words. She understood better than most how busy one could be in the first few days living in a new city. She had made certain to take Rum out every day, though that had been because she had the time. She couldn't forsee her schedule being piled around here, as it didn't seem as though the breeding program was in full swing yet. A bit hesitantly, she piped up, "You know, I've taken Rum out twice a day since I moved here. If you ever need someone to take Des out for some exercise, I'd be willing to do it." Why had she just made that offer? She bit her bottom lip, worried that she'd overstepped her boundaries. People could be extremely protective of their horses, and some couldn't fathom the idea of a perfect stranger riding their horse. "I'll most likely be working with him a lot in the Stud program, so I think he and I will be seeing each other a lot...'
Some people shied away from using stallions in the Lessons, though when he mentioned it in passing she was all ears. It wasn't a bad idea, she thought as she glanced between the two stallions. Riders needed horses with life and personality, to show them how active and competitive horses could be. Most used gelding, who were good and determined mounts despite their overly relaxed demeanors. "That might be good for him and your students." She spoke, as her eyes moved back from the horses to Jack. "Especially while he's adjusting here. He's going to some extra attention so that he's not overwhelmed."
"Yeah. Between getting settled in and how busy it's been around here, the only places I've acquainted myself with are the Stallion Barn and the Cross Country Field." She sighed, glancing to Rum to offer up a sad smile for her incident in the Cross Country field. "Rum and I compete in Hunter and Jumping primarily, but I haven't even found the time to sign up for any lessons." She eyed Jack, a small smile on her face. She felt like she was rambling and it was somewhat uncomfortable. Probably responding to her nerves, Rum became unsettled and danced sideways, his nostrils flaring as he grunted and then snorted heavily. Stepping toward him she curled her fingers through his mane and pulled his head toward her, cooing. She was grateful for the small distraction and the opportunity to calm her nerves. It wasn't that she was scared of Jack or that their conversation was inappropriate. She just didn't know how to feel comfortable around people, and the fact that she was made her nervous. Turning away to lean her back against Rum's chest she looked to Jack and Des and offered as a joke, "I'm sorry. He's constantly acting out to get attention. I never know whether to ignore him so he's not rewarded with it or what.."
Poor Kat. She's so shy and nervous. ^^ RUM |
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Jack Cooper
New Member
[M:100:0:NaN:][M:100:0:0:]
Played by Sprinkles <3
Posts: 29
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Post by Jack Cooper on Feb 17, 2013 16:32:29 GMT -5
[style=width:400px; height:200px; background-image:url(http://25.media.tumblr.com/8544320b1404ac0bb17fc8968d3ef3ec/tumblr_mhwykyDIFy1rp1a8ho1_500.jpg);]
Des' total and utter contentedness seemed contagious. Jack relaxed with him, continuing to scratch behind his ears. When he wasn't being a big fierce macho man, the stallion almost acted like a dog. The big horse sighed again, leaning into Jack's touch. He'd found Des' favorite spot to be touched by what seemed like a happy accident. When he'd first bought the stallion, all those years ago, he'd been trying to fit a bridle on the horse's (admittedly large) head. Jack had been fiddling with the crown piece, when Des, who had been a little anxious before, made the same low throaty noise and almost seemed to slump into him. Surprised, Jack had stepped back, only to have Des pin his ears with what he could only now describe as exasperation. So, tentatively, he did it again, and it yielded the same results. The memory was interrupted as Kat spoke, Jack's eyes landing back on her small frame. He considered her words briefly, noting how she seemed to regret what she'd said afterwards. But her offer was sweet, and it would definitely help him out. Yet she seemed so hesitant about making it... But he figured she wouldn't have asked if she hadn't meant it. "Thanks," Jack responded, "That would be really great. He's usually pretty well behaved under saddle, but if you don't mind I'd really like to see you ride before I dump him on you." It was nothing personal, and he didn't mean for it to sound like he was demanding an audition of her. It was more a matter of safety (mostly hers) than anything else. But, she did have her own stallion who she seemed to control just fine, so he wasn't entirely too skeptical. "Maybe we could go on a trail ride?" He asked, trying to lighten his sentiment. It had come out a lot harsher than he'd meant for it to. Maybe she wouldn't go for it, he had no idea. A man she'd just met, inviting her on a trail ride? It did seem a little unorthodox. Jack tried not to think of what Marina would say, he was sure it wouldn't be pretty. "Or maybe just in the outdoor arena if that's easier," He added hastily, the tiniest bit embarrassed.
Brushing away the blush he felt creeping up his tanned neck, Jack nodded at her thoughts on bringing Des in on lessons, grateful for the distraction. "Yeah, it would be good for people to see that stallions are definitely viable options for competitions," He mused. Jack sometimes felt that stallions got an undeserved bad reputation. If the rider was experienced and knew how to handle the stallions and did everything they could to keep things under control, he didn't see what the big issue was. However, there were plenty of people who disagreed with him. Des nudged him with his muzzle, as if prodding him to continue scratching behind the horse's ears. Jack obliged, turning his body slightly so he was still facing Kat. She was talking about lessons and looking at him. He shifted uncomfortably, unsure of exactly what she wanted from him. Of course he would give her lessons if she wanted them, but did she actually want them? He couldn't remember if he'd mentioned he was an instructor or not, and didn't want to seem presumptuous by offering to teach her. "I have some time on Thursdays in the afternoon if you want some friendly critiques," He told her hesitantly. "My mare Tali and I need some work with judging distances between fences." That part wasn't completely true, but it made him feel a little better. Almost out of nowhere, Rum started acting up, dancing away from Kat, and snorting. Jack watched, impressed, as she soothed him and got him back under control just as quickly as he'd gotten upset. Jack smiled at her small joke. "It's no problem, stallions can be such drama queens sometimes."
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