Psyrens At Dusk

[Connor Anderson]

Things like common sense around a farm setting was always a good start. Connor knew enough to keep his wits about him with the large, and sometimes unfamiliar animals. Just a second of distraction was often enough to spark an incident. Like with their filly. She had been hard to handle to start with, but all it had taken was a split second of Connor’s attention to wander for her to take advantage and bite at him. He’d taken it as a lesson learned, and had since strived to not go for a repeat incident.

“Wilful isn’t a bad thing at all,” he said, affection creeping into his voice as he took a moment to pat Psyren’s shoulder. The sheer mix of horse breeds had him excited. For a boy who had only worked around Thoroughbreds, born, bred and trained for one purpose, it was a fantastic opportunity to learn. “Are the carriage horses broken to saddle too, or just harness?” It was mostly to satisfy his own curiosity, if perhaps slightly hoping that, if they were, that they could also be exercised under saddle as well as harness. If Lahja wanted them exercised at all. He was fine with anything, as long as it got him in the stables again. “It sounds like an amazing team, regardless.”

As far as his power went, yes, he had been lucky. He was well aware of that fact. For all the kids that had to deal with physical pain, or any of the other awful side effects that sometimes didn’t seem to make their powers worth it, he felt bad when his only side effects including a sharp increase in appetite and the need for a nap. “No, I know, and I’m grateful for it most days. I just feel bad for everyone that did have a bad manifestation. Or really bad side effects.” Briefly, he wondered what own side effects were, if only because he hadn’t seen her power at the school yet. “... I hope yours doesn’t hurt you.” He was nothing if not sincere.

The wheels were definitely turning, now. If he could get more information from Lahja on the possibilities of boarding, then maybe he’d talk to his parents and beg, barter, and plead for Sona to be sent to the farm. It would make the gelding happier, he was sure of it. But first, he had to make a good impression. “Would they also need care, or would the focus be on the carriage team?” He wouldn’t mind either, especially if it meant more time with Psyren. Her spunk made him ache a little for both Sona and home, but she seemed to also dull it. “Hi, Five,” he greeted the dog, still keeping his hands firmly on Psyren’s rope, just in case she decided to spook. Thankfully, she seemed to be used to him.

As they came up on the main barn, he just took it in with wide eyes. “The farm is so well kept. It’s amazing.” Hopefully, he could work to her standards. He glanced at Maestro, smiling at the pony. His and Curtis’ old pony was now the babysitter for the weanlings and yearlings most of the time, teaching them manners and keeping them company. So far, he seemed to be enjoying retirement, even if the babies got a little annoying. “How old is he?” The grey around his eyes and muzzle could only tell him so much. He was cute, though.

[Lahja Morgan]

Lahja chuckled softly as Connor spoke, fondness for him forming already. “To be honest, wilful is usually one of the things I look for. Sure it makes things... difficult, sometimes, but there is never a dull moment and they tend to be the proudest and look the most regal pulling a carriage.” All of her own horses each had their own personalities, and not in a hundred years would she change even the most difficult of them.

Lahja's smile twitched with amusement as Connor asked his next question, the woman already guessing where his mind was going. “A few of them are broken to saddle, yes. Psyren isn't but her team-mate Wiley is, as are a couple of the Andalusians and one of the Standardbreds. I have just started backing Storm, one of the Shires, and he seems to be thriving on the new challenge. All of my own personal ones are saddle horses, except for Eisbiber. She is completely unworked. As are the foals, obviously.” She reached over and gave Psyren an affectionate rub on the shoulder. “If you do start here, you will be able to exercise some of the horses under saddle. Especially since you will still be in the baby-steps of learning how to drive them.”

Connor was certainly a sweet boy, and Lahja smiled warmly as he asked about her own side-effects. “No, it doesn't hurt. I just tend to get very dizzy and disorientated if I do it too often.” She chuckled softly. “I learned the hard way to moderate it – there are few wake up calls quite as effective as falling down a flight of stairs.” Lahja made light and joked about it, but her leg still bore the scar of that terrible tumble and it was a constant reminder to always be aware of exactly what she was doing and exactly where she was going.

“The focus will be primarily on the carriage team, obviously, but we do some of the day-to-day care for some of the boarded horses. You can visit them later, if you would like. You will also sometimes have to work with my horses, if I am working elsewhere.”

She smiled as Connor complimented the facility, and she nodded her head. “I keep a high standard; we quite often have clients visiting so it's important to always keep the place looking neat and tidy.” Maestro whickered softly in greeting as they approached, the chubby little Shetland clearly quite content lying on the grass. “He's around thirty, we don't know for certain. I brought him home from an auction about ten years ago – poor little thing was going to go to a kill buyer otherwise.” That had been Lahja's excuse, and technically it was true. She didn't tend to mention that it had also been a gigantic 'fuck you' to her husband after he had tried to tell her she wasn't allowed to visit auctions any more because she had a habit of bringing home the sob-story horses. “He's allowed to wander loose around the farm; he doesn't go anywhere and he doesn't tend to cause much trouble.”

[Connor Anderson]

Connor could see that. It was sort of like why his parents didn’t condemn the wilful horses. They were often the ones that had the drive to win. Okay, so that hadn’t really worked with Sona, but it worked most of the rest of the time. “Yeah, it’s the same for my parents. The ones with strong wills are the ones that win.” It was why he liked watching the post parades for races, even if Curtis wasn’t racing. The ones that danced their way to the gates with a little bit of fire in their steps tended to be the ones to watch. “Psyren’s definitely regal.” He could see it now, even when she was likely tired from her carriage exercises. She still stepped and held her head high.

Now that his fix for the simple feel and smell of a horse nearby was somewhat satisfied, Connor was definitely feeling his body ache to be in the saddle again. Though a Shire... was a little intimidating, he’d have to admit. Sona was tall, but Shires were huge. “That would be amazing, Miss Morgan. I’m a good rider, I promise. But I’d still love to learn about driving, if you are willing to teach me.” He didn’t want to be in the way, especially if he was only volunteering his time. But if she was willing to impart the knowledge, he was more than willing to learn.

He was also likely more aware of others’ side effects simply because his own were so minor. It wasn’t fair in his mind to only have to deal with fatigue and hunger when everyone else had to deal with joint pain, or headaches, or anything in between, really. At least Lahja’s didn’t seem so hard on her. He managed a shy smile back. “I’m glad it doesn’t hurt you.” In the grand scheme of things, dizziness wasn’t too awful.

The healer was actually eager to see the boarding barn, though his reasons were borderline selfish. He felt a little guilty about it, but he couldn’t help it. Still, something else caught his attention. “Your personal horses?” That seemed... wow. Amazing, to say the least. “Wow.” There really wasn’t much else to say.

As they continued along, he smiled at the old Shetland. So not all the horses were working horses. The story behind his presence at the farm not only confirmed for him the kind of person that Lahja was, but also told him that his parents would very, very much approve of her. He’d been to the yearling auctions several times with his parents. While most of the buyers were there to buy racehorses, there were always a few with darker intentions there. It made him feel ill for a number of reasons, least of which was his vegetarianism. “I’m glad you saved him. He’s really cute.” And would probably be the recipient of some special grooming, or simply pets if Connor had some spare time.

If he got the volunteer position, of course.

[Lahja Morgan]

Lahja smiled softly as Connor spoke about his parents, but the corners of her eyes gave a slight betrayal of a deep sadness. It was lovely to hear Connor talking so proudly about his parents and the place where he was raised, a place he clearly had a deep fondness for and a legacy with them that he wanted to continue. Truly, it was wonderful to see and it did warm Lahja heart... but at the same time it served as a painful reminder of just how different it had been with Jeff. “Thank you. She is from pure German lines; her sire is a highly acclaimed dressage stud over there. It took a long time to get her working well, but it has been worth every second.”

Chuckling quietly, Lahja gave a soft shake of her head. “Please, call me Lahja. Miss Morgan makes me feel old, and I'm not quite ready for that yet.” Though Lahja was past her first flush of youth, she refused to believe that she was anywhere past her prime. If she could still get on a horse, she was still young. She fully intended to still be young at the age of eighty. “I would be glad to teach you how to drive, and once I've been able to assess your riding level you will get plenty of opportunities. The assessment can be held on your first day here, assuming you still want the job.”

Connor's obvious concern about her side effects caused a warm smile to cross her lips, the momentary sadness pushed back below the surface. “Thank you, that is very sweet. You have wonderful manners; your parents must be very proud.”

Nodding with a smile as Connor was obviously impressed about the mention of her personal horses, Lahja flicked on the lights for the driving horses barn. A number of horses inside whickered in interest, and a gigantic grey head appeared over the divider of the nearest door with a loud whinny. “Yes, I have a few Finnhorses and Black Forest Horses. This is one of very few farms in the states that has them; sad, really. They are both remarkable breeds. They are dressage horses, but sadly I don't get to compete them as much as I would like.”

The little Shetland stood and shook as they went into the barn, but quickly resumed grazing. “He is a sweetheart, and remarkably healthy for his age.” Heading into the barn, Lahja gave the Shire who had come to say hello a rub behind the ears. “This is Storm, and the beast in the stall next to him is Valiant. I'll introduce you to them all once Psyren is settled. Her stall is at the end on the left; her name is on the door plaque.”

[Connor Anderson]

Connor was extremely close to his parents, though more his mother than his father. They always gave him guidance with the horses, or just with school, and he’d never been afraid to approach them for anything. It was because of that he missed them so much, being states away now. Sure, he could Skype, but it wasn’t the same. At least he had a way to really distract himself now. “She’s really pretty. Really different from seeing Thoroughbreds all the time.” Compared to Psyren, Thoroughbreds looked like the tall anorexic horses in the equine world.

The manners that Connor had been raised with had included addressing all elders in a respectful manner. Hence calling Lahja Miss Morgan. Her request made him the smallest bit uneasy, but he swallowed it down and nodded. “Okay, Lahja.” It would be a hard habit to break, but as long as she didn’t mind slip ups here and there, he’d try to stick to a first name basis. At least he perked up at the idea of a riding assessment and the job. “Of course I am!” He’d do his absolute best for her, because he didn’t know any other way to operate.

Yes, his parents were usually proud of his manners, but the compliment still made Connor’s cheeks flush slightly. “Yes ma’am, they are.” Both he and Curtis had to have good manners due to the amount of clients they had around the farm at any one time. If they’d acted like hooligans, their farm’s reputation wouldn’t be as good as it was.

He’d have to look up the Finnhorses and Black Forest Horses. He knew about New Forest Ponies, but that was the closest. “Dressage is really neat to watch. It’s like figure skating on horseback. One of my friends back home started to get into eventing, so I’d watch him practice. He was going to help me teach Sona how to jump.” The cross country jumps had looked a little intimidating, but the rail jumps? They looked a little less scary.

He wanted to greet the other horses in the barn, but he also knew he had a duty to Psyren first. Stoking her neck, he nodded and headed down to her stall. After leading her in and turning her around, he eyed the harness. Surely it came apart somehow, and given enough time he could probably figure it out, but he didn’t want to break anything. Instead he just stroked Psyren and fussed at her ear as he waited for Lahja to come back.

[Lahja Morgan]

A compliment to her horses was always automatically a compliment to Lahja, and she smiled genuinely as she gave a small nod of her head. “Thank you; I take great pride in all my horses. Friesian's are almost expected to be a part of every carriage company, but I like to think my pair are the best. They certainly look magical decked out in their wedding finery.” Which Connor would no doubt be seeing a lot of over the warmer months. Weddings made up the bulk of the carriage business, after all.

Seeing Connor's obvious enthusiasm and genuine interest was a delight, and it gave Lahja much more confidence in him. Even the younger people who had worked with horses often balked at the reminder that they would be working outdoors in all weather year around, and that it wasn't all just grooming and pony rides. Connor had the knowledge and experience, and he certainly seemed to have the right attitude too. “That is good to hear, then. If today continues to go well, when would you be able to start here?”

Lahja chuckled softly at his statement about dressage, nodding in agreement. “It is. My first horse was actually a retired ranch pony; I only ever did western riding until I broke my leg and learned to drive to fill the horse-shaped void. While I was out of riding, I met a lot of dressage people at the stables where I boarded my gelding and I fell in love with it.” Sometimes Lahja found herself wondering where her life would have gone had she not broken her leg. Would she just be running the farm as her parents had; as a sheep farm with horses as nothing more than a hobby? It was an interesting thought. “I am hardly a world-class showjumper, nor are any of my horses, but I think combined we know enough that we could help you with the lower-level side of things, if you would like, down the line?”

As Connor led Psyren into her stall Lahja went into the little storage room inside the barn that housed all the stable essentials like first aid kids and grooming equipment. She retrieved the purple box marked 'Psyren' and carried it to the stall, hooking it over the door before letting herself in. “If you can take her bridle off, I'll take off the rest of the harness.”

[Connor Anderson]

Connor wasn’t too sure just what a carriage horse in wedding finery would look like, but his head told him it was something like the princess-y Cinderella-esque horses with plumes on their bridles and fancy gold tack. That was probably far from right, but the image of Psyren acting like her proud self in fancy tack like that made him smile. “I’m sure Wiley’s nice too,” he assured, even if he hadn’t met the gelding yet.

The thought that this was all going well made him perk a little bit. He’d almost forgotten this was an interview still. Miss Mor – Lahja seemed to be good at putting him at ease. “Right away! I don’t have any major exams coming up or anything.” The sooner the better, in his mind. He couldn’t wait to start learning anything and everything to do with the stable.

There was nothing wrong with ranch ponies. While a lot of Connor’s friends tended to have either off the track Thoroughbreds or warmbloods, there were a still a few that were of questionable parentage, but were great all around horses. “I’ve never tried western riding,” he admitted. “Just English, and exercise racing saddles.” Which were bigger than actual racing saddles, but not nearly as comfortable as full English saddles. “My first pony was a sort of mix, but he was great for learning.” Flynn had had the patience of a saint to teach both Connor and his older brother the basics before either of them got their hands on a Thoroughbred. “Really? That would be awesome!” Forgive his slip in professionalism. He’s still a fifteen year old boy. “I think Sona would like it. He needs to be busy.” Busier than the track could have ever kept him, that was for sure.

Once Psyren was in her stall, Connor gently rubbed her cheeks and, once instructed, began to unbuckle her bridle methodically, keeping one hand on her neck in the hope she wouldn’t wriggle around. It was a bit of a reach, but he managed to gently lower her head enough to pull the bridle up and over her ears, leaving the halter in place as he slid off the leather. “I bet that feels better, hey Psyren? No more bit in the mouth.” Hand still on the leadrope, he rubbed the other down her neck and shoulder before coming up again to scratch behind her ears. Grooming her would hopefully relax the mare enough to let her bed down for the night.

[Lahja Morgan]

Lahja smiled softly and gave a nod of her head. “Wiley is the steadiest and most reliable horse here. A small child could lead him around with one finger, but he still manages to look magnificent trotting alongside Psyren.” Friesian horses had always been a favourite breed for carriages horses, both for their looks and their impressive movement, but it often came with a headstrong attitude that could make them unpredictable. Psyren had definitely inherited that trait, but Wiley had all the patience and gentleness of a true schoolmaster. When together he fed off her energy and she was calmed by his steady attitude, and the result was magical. “I’m sure you’ll get to see them working together soon enough.”

Connor’s obvious enthusiasm was a great sign, and Lahja gave a soft chuckle. “Right away is good! It will give you some time to get to know the horses and equipment before the madness of summer starts.” The farm was much more sedate in the winter than it was in the summer. During the colder months the bulk of the income came from the boarded horses, the magazine column Lahja wrote and the deposits for the stud fees for the stallions. In the summer, however, the mad rush of weddings and proms and outdoor parties meant that the horses and staff were constantly busy, which was a great thing for the farm but often left very little time for completely training up new staff. “Around nine thirty this Saturday, then? I can give you a proper tour around the place then, as well as your riding assessment.”

As they got Psyren unharnessed, settled down and groomed, Lahja knew she had already made up her mind. Even if Connor had been somewhat overestimating his skills and abilities, he clearly had the theoretical knowledge and that did go a long way. If it turned out that he wasn’t overestimating himself, then there was little doubt that he would be a fine asset to the business once he learned his way around it. Even after this many years of running the business, a competent new staff member was still an exciting thing, and Lahja was smiling as she fastened up the straps of Psyren’s rug.

~ Fin ~