throwback (or off)
Throwback to June last year, in the first month of Romy's lease with Honeybrook Canterbury. Feeling the 🌶️ bringing him back into work.
Romy had been in a rare good mood. Had being the key word. She now felt quite miserable as Center threatened to dump her, face first, into the arena footing for what felt like the umpteenth time in 15 minutes.
"He's in good form," called Steve, leaned against the fence with the lazy composure of a man who had arrived purely to witness someone else’s suffering. "Shut up, Steve." came through very gritted teeth, as Center twisted through the air. "No, really," He went on mildly. "Very expressive through the back." "It's because you are annoying, he was perfectly good yesterday." her voice strained with effort. "I'll keep quiet then."
They neared the gate, Center tossed his head and attempted a spin that rivalled a polo horse which Romy caught and straightened. Steve nodded, "Better." "I thought you were keeping quiet." His lips twitched, "I changed my mind."
As they continued the canter around the arena, Romy focused on not providing a reaction to Center's theatrics, just quick, firm corrections. With a bit more fuss, half hearted bucking, and Steve pleasantly calling out very unhelpful tips like "Try sitting.", Center finally, finally settled down. Both of them stood breathing heavily as Romy awarded him with heavy pats on the side of his neck. She swung her feet out the stirrups and stuck her tongue out at Steve, who pushed off the fence towards them. "I wouldn't-" she started as Center pinned his ears back. But Steve neatly dodged a nip and scratched the stallion between his eyes. "All bark." he told him as Center immediately softened. Romy glared.
"Alright you get on him then," she stretched her arm down, offering the reins. Steve waved it away, "I'd rather live, thank you." She snorted, her lips twisting into a real smile. Center huffed out a breath beneath her. Steve moved back to his spot against the fence, "Go jump something before he remembers he's dramatic."
