Arrival on Jorvik (Northchild)
Setting foot on the ground in Jorvik, Athena felt an almost tingling shock like sensation ripple through her. She had made it, here she was in the most horse-centric land in the world. A grin split her face as she hoisted her backpack up further on her shoulders and went to get the rest of her belongings.
Reaching Moorland Stables she found they were far smaller than she had expected but with the size came a sense of coziness. After her things were put away in the bunkhouse she wandered the yard, seeking out a guy named Justin who was supposed to help her with the horse she would be leasing for the summer.
She ended up finding him in the initial courtyard, holding the reins of a tall gelding with colors that sorely reminded her of the beautiful rocky mountain horses back home. Her eyes flicked between the horse and the young man as she approached. Immediately the horse’s ears flicked towards her and he raised his head higher, looking at her with an almost intense interest. She nearly paused but simply slowed down her pace a little, hoping she didn't spook him. The gelding looked a little older, not enough to show grey hairs in his gorgeous coat but he didn’t show off the same display as the many young stallions and geldings she knew back on her family’s farm.
Justin waved as he noticed her after looking up from his phone and grinned. Putting the device away in his pocket he held out his hand to shake. “Athena, right? Nice to meet ya, I’m Justin Moorland.” He had a firm grip that the new rider met equally before releasing.
“Yep, that’s me. Moorland huh, so I suppose you’re the one these stables are named after?” Athena put her hands back in her pockets, uncertain of the horse’s manners and not wanting to spook him by petting him right away despite her hands itching to.
Justin chuckled at her remark though. “No, that’d be my father. He’s the mister Moorland around here.” With their own introductions out of the way Justin turned to the horse beside him, giving the gelding a pat on his neck. “Here’s your horse, he goes by Wildsong but answers to Wild as well.” At the mention of his name, Wild’s ears flicked towards Justin but his head moved forward to sniff at Athena, most of his attention still completely on her.
“Well isn’t that a gorgeous name for a handsome boy?” she held her hand out, offering it to him palm flat as he sniffed over her and his lips snuffled across her skin. Her smile grew a little and as Wild lifted his head back up she lifted her hand to gently pet his neck. “Did you guys name him that or was that from prior to being here?”
Justin shook his head slightly, long hair swaying. “Naw, he came with it. Not sure who named him but I suppose it sort of fits. He’s not that ‘wild’ so to speak but he certainly has a lot of life to him, even in his age.” Wildsong snorted, ears flicking between the two humans’ voices and Justin chuckled. “He does seem to really love being out in nature, was often requested for taking trail riding as he has some of the best manners out on the trail out of all our horses.”
Athena hummed softly, still smiling and scratched Wild’s neck. “Well I’ll certainly keep that in mind. I suppose we’re birds of a feather huh Wild, I love doing some trail riding as well.” She watched as the horse’s head swung a little to look back at her, his big brown eyes almost gazing into her soul. She swallowed and smiled, feeling her heart stirr in an odd way as though she had just come home.
Justin cleared his throat softly after a moment of awkward silence. “Well, would you like to take him for a ride then? I know you grew up around horses so I’m sure you don’t need me teaching you anything. Though I’d like to just see for myself if you wouldn’t mind just doing a walk and trot around the courtyard before you do.”
Taking the reins, Athena nodded and gave Wild one more pat to his neck. “Oh I totally understand, it’s no problem.” She popped her helmet on, snapping it closed before she grabbed the pommel of the saddle. She was certainly glad Justin had taken note of her Western riding preference and carefully swung herself up into the saddle with the ease of someone who’s done it many times before. She took Wild around the edge of the courtyard, it was a good warm up for him as well. Justin watched her movements, how she handled Wild and how much leg or rein she used. While she didn’t normally use a bit at home, preferring a simple styled hackamore she kept her hands light and found to her delight that Wild actually responded incredibly well. Bringing him up to a trot she made one more pass around the yard before bringing him back to the center to stop beside Justin using a mix of her seat and just a touch of rein.
“He’s pretty responsive, did you guys train him at all?” Athena leaned forward a little, giving Wild a good petting over his neck.
Again Justin shook his head. “No, at least not to my knowledge. I suppose most riders that come through are beginners though so we don’t typically have anyone trying to work him with such light cues. Your riding looked great so I’ll open up the gate so you can head out.” He walked over to the large metal gate leading from the smaller enclosed courtyard out towards surrounding trails and roads. “Good luck Athena, it was great meeting you.”
Gently guiding Wild towards the gate, Athena gave Justin a quick wave. “Same, I’ll be looking forward to working together more.” She clucked her tongue and rode on with Wild to check out the rest of Moorland, taking a slow and steady pace as she was adjusting to her new steed and the land around them.
