Cardassian Riding Hound Thoughts
Because of my DS9 and my horse obsession I think a lot about cardassian riding hounds more than most. I wonder what cardassian hound culture is like and whether or not it is similar to current earth's crazy horse world.
Anyways I have an idea for a fic that I might eventually write, but honestly steal it if you like. I think Garak is very much an equivalent of a horse girl. Once Cardassia is stable enough post war to involve yourself with more luxury hobbies, he does indulge in having his own riding hound. After a long day of politicing he will go out to the stable and do whatever the equivalent is of brushing his pony (his hound is always impeccably groomed and he has the equivalent of dressage girls matchy matchy tack and saddle pads that do match his own outfits of course), and then go off galloping into the dessert because its great stress relief. He would be one that would have an unbreakable bond with an animal because "people don't understand him".
Continuing that thought, this is a hobby others don't necessarily ask him about and just let him have. Maybe because he also continues riding as his one of his few sentimental urges to his childhood because riding hounds are involved in the one good memory he has with his father and no one wants to touch that. Though I do like to also think about how Bashir would interact with this hobby.
For one, if you know me you know I like to headcannon fail artist Bashir. Bashir cannot do anything involving art. I think it is really fun taking Bashir who is generally good at a lot of things and giving him areas of failure. Along with that I don't really think Bashir would be the best with animals. He family doesn't give the vibes of one that would have pets, and i don't think he as an individual would really ever indulged. That's not to say he would dislike them, but I think he would be awkward around most animals, especially large ones.
I think one day Bashir would invite himself along to the stable, and he would be like those annoying "I rode a horse once being lead around a fair" types that claims they know how to ride. Garak would clock him immediately but want to teach Bashir a lesson as he always does.
They go out to whatever dessert paddock the hounds live in and Garak whistles and his hound comes trotting up, and Garak then points at another one and tells Bashir to go get it. The hound hates his vibes and doesn't let him catch it, and Garak has to grab it. Bashir is annoyed but still not dissuaded yet.
They tack up. Garak of course, scolds him about his terrible grooming, explaining how he cannot embarrass his hound going out in public like that, and has to reposition the saddle. He also has to bridle the creature because it refuses to open its mouth for Bashir/ lifts its head just out of reach, but then very politely lets Garak do it (My first horse did this to anyone it didn't respect, I have to assume riding hounds would have the same sense of humor).
Once we get to the part where Bashir actually gets on, we have to remember how Garak learned to ride. There is no nice gentle lesson of course. However, he is not a monster. He holds the creature still and helps Bashir get on, but after that just lets Bashir putter around. The hound is generally well trained and Bashir can awkwardly pull on the reins and steer around a ring at the walk. Genetically enhanced or not, people's instincts at least on horses are about the exact opposite you need to do to ride well. He would be curled up in a ball, gripping his knees really tight using his hands for balance. Garak gets on (he has perfect equitation, he sits tall and light, would look like royalty and make it look effortless of course) and suggests they leave the ring and go into the dessert. They do a nice little trail ride, Bashir's hound just trailing behind Garak's. I think Bashir would realize he's a little out of his depth but is enjoy spending time with Garak and at least they're just walking.
Eventually Garak will stop and say something along the lines of, "Ready for some real riding Doctor?". Bashir would finally try and get something out about how "this is real enough for me", but would be interrupted by Garak galloping off. Bashir's hound will chase after of course. With or without Bashir (Never with someone who has never ridden, but I am guilty of galloping off with no warning on a trail ride. the horses generally all follow and my friends would be mad at me lol).
Garak to his credit would stop immediately after he heard the yelp of Bashir hitting the ground, would start to tell him to get back one, but actually show concern after its obvious he's hurt.
A broken arm and an awkward pony ride back later, Garak would get a lecture from Kelas about how we probably shouldn't make their fragile human with no experience gallop a hound. Garak would be defensive and say it was better than his first experience, plus Bashir said he knew how to ride. Are lessons learned from this? Maybe, but I think it goes make to being just Garak's hobby.
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