Matt, Kayla, & Bethany Anderson
Matt had nodded when the girls all said that they were ready. Then he had headed to the truck after speaking. Paige, you can ride with me if you want and the girls can ride with Kayla and Bethany in the Jeep? It was more of a question than a statement as if she didn't want to ride in the truck with him then she didn't have to. Though, if she did then he would once again open the door for her and then climb in himself. He watched as Bethany tore out of the area and shook his head. Don't worry about them, Bethany is a speed demon but she is a good driver, she will get them there in one piece. Then he followed at a much slower pace since he had the horse trailer attached. If he did not then he might punch the gas as well and attempt to race his sister down the dirt roads, but he would never speed with the trailer attached and a horse in it.
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Yeah, come on girls! It was Bethany with her excited words that she spoke as she went towards the Jeep. She knew that she better hurry and call it before Kayla did so she hurried and exclaimed I'm driving! Then she took off towards the Jeep. Kayla ran after her and yelled Oh, no you ain't driving my Jeep! Of course it was all in fun. And these two could be just as big of kids as anyone else could be. After all, what was life without having a little fun? In the end it was Bethany who ended up in the driver's seat. She looked back to the girls and spoke. Better hold on tight! Then she spun the tires as she tore out. Maybe she would scare the girls, but if they were anything like she was at their age then they would love it. If they were scared then they just had to say something and she would slow down. She was just having some fun. Kayla shook her head and laughed at her sister as she looked out the window at the scenery passing them before looking back to her sister. You wreck my baby and I'll kill you myself! That was how she referred to the jacked up Jeep as her baby... Though, she knew that Bethany wouldn't hurt her SUV.
Paige, Brook & Jenna Walker
Paige nodded to Matt before walking up to the truck. He opened the door for her again, and she climbed up inside and once again placed her handbag down next to her. She was a bit shocked to see Bethany go shooting out of the area, but then she had to give a chuckle at Matt's next words. "Oh, it's fine." she said, thinking about what the two girls were probably thinking.
The girls both took off after Bethany and Kayla, giving their own small squeals of excitement. They reached the Jeep in no time and got inside. You can imagine the total surprise of Brook and Jenna whenever Bethany did tear out of the area. They weren't exactly prepared for it, but had looked up in confusion when Bethany said that they had better hold on tight. Well hold on tight they sure did. They didn't want to show what was close to utter terror, but they were secretly clinging to the seats on either side of where they sat. It was fleeting though, and as time went on, they grew used to it and actually found it quite fun. Now all that was left was getting there.
Matt, Kayla, & Bethany Anderson
Bethany kept the Jeep going probably faster than these dirt roads were made for traveling. Well, way faster than these roads were made for. The thought that she might be scaring these girls had not even crossed her mind. This had been something that she had loved doing since she was a child. You see, Matt and Luke were always tearing down these types of roads and Bethany had been riding with them since she was ten in this way so she had gotten used to it quickly and loved it. Kayla spoke about not hurting her baby and Bethany laughed at this. Have I hurt your baby yet? Then she continued to drive to the ranch. Once close to the ranch she slowed down considerably. She didn't know if Matt had let the dogs out when he had come back so she didn't want to risk hitting one of them. Here we are! It was Bethany as she pulled the car to a stop. Many of the horses could be seen out in the pastures but the dogs must still be inside or in the back yard that was fenced. They could be heard barking.
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Matt laughed as she said that it was fine. At least she was not mad that his sisters were taking her little sisters on such a crazy ride. They can be pretty wild sometimes, but they're harmless. He laughed once more reassuring the girl. From the way Bethany had talked, she had invited the younger girls to visit the ranch when ever they wanted, and he didn't want Paige to get the wrong idea about his sisters and forbid the younger girls from visiting.
Paige, Brook & Jenna Walker
Brook and Jenna looked out the window as they speedily made their way to the ranch, until they noticed Bethany slow down considerably as they drew nearer. They were incredibly excited to check this place out, see the horses, and just experience the ranch. They had never been at an actual ranch before, although they used to spend plenty of time at a friend's house who just happened to own a couple horses-- certainly not enough to found an entire ranch on.
Both Jenna and Brook were straining their eyes to see the horses that had been left out in the pasture. Then suddenly, the sound of dogs barking reached their ears. It didn't bother Jenna, but was another issue for Brook. She tensed up, and her excitement mostly turned to nervousness. She did not like dogs. At least not big ones. However, she would just try and see past the canines and enjoy herself.
Jenna, despite knowing of her sister's intense disliking of most dogs, remained oblivious to the matter as she continued to look out. "Yeah!" Jenna exclaimed as they hopped out of the Jeep. Starting to feel the heat of summer, she ran up to Paige when they arrived and got a hair piece off of her, which she proceeded to pull her brown hair back with. "I can't wait to see the horses!" she then stated, as Brook came up next to them.
Paige nodded, smiling. "This is a beautiful place you have," she said, gazing around. She knew the twins would love spending their time here.
Matt, Kayla, & Bethany Anderson
Kayla and Bethany were also out of the Jeep pretty quickly after they got in to the drive. Though, they waited to see Matt drive up before they walked over to them and smiled. Matt, how about you be a doll and get Risk here settled in while we show the girls around? This was Kayla speaking, she gave Matt her biggest puppy dog eyes before she heard his response and grinned. Bethany also grinned as she spoke to the girls. Jenna said she couldn't wait to see the horses and Bethany was glad to show them. Let's go then! She then led the way into the barn as she spoke. The ones in the pasture are Holly, Dixi, Hulia, Shulia, and Jasmine... She introduced those horses first before she entered the stable doors. She was willing to go down every stall and introduce the mares who lived in this barn if the girls wanted. Though she just walked up to the first stall that held a very pregnant looking sorrel mare. The mare poked her head over the stall and Bethany stroked her forehead before speaking. This girl here is Genuine. You girls can look around if you want, any questions just ask!
Matt laughed as his sisters came up to him like some excited children, much like Paige's sisters had to her... Kayla had of course asked him to settle Risk into the stallion barn and he replied. I guess... But you owe me now. He then heard Paige's statement about how they had a beautiful place and he nodded. The girls had it built from the ground up. You can go look around with them if you want... Then he moved away towards the back of the trailer to get the stallion out. He would not mind if she kept him company while he got the horse settled in, though...
Paige, Brook & Jenna Walker
Jenna still couldn't wait to see the horses. She pictured them in all sizes, and colors. She stood there the whole time, looking between everyone, wanting to get this show on the road. Not to be rude or anything, but she really wanted to go. Then Bethany announced they were going, so Jenna and Brook followed after like obedient little puppies. Brook was feeling better knowing that no dogs were just going to come charging at her, so she loosened up and looked around, enjoying the sights.
Paige smiled, glad that Jenna and Brook were thoroughly enjoying themselves. She watched as they headed off toward a barn before turning back to Matt. She nodded. "Impressive." she stated. "Sure, I'll come along," she then said, as she came around to the back of the trailer as well. She stepped back, watching as he began to unload the stallion.
Right now, they all had their eyes set on that barn. Although Jenna routinely stepped ahead of Brook, they both kept pretty constant motion with each other behind Bethany as she led them inside the barn. Then they came upon the first stall with a horse in it. They both peered inside, seeing a heavily pregnant mare. They then reached to lightly rub the mare's face. "Lovely name," Jenna said, as she began petting the mare.
"What other horses do you have around here? And do you have any other kinds of animals?" Brook suddenly rattled off a couple questions.
Matt, Kayla, & Bethany Anderson
Bethany continued to stroke the mare's forehead as the girls also stroked her. She heard Jenna state that Genuine was a lovely name for the horse and she nodded. She liked the name as well. Then the girl asked her what other horses they had around here. She smile at this, not even having to think more than a moment before rattling off just how many horses they did have. We have a total of forty horses right now along with three foals. We also have seventeen dogs and five cats. It sounded like they had a lot of animals, and maybe they did... But they were all very well taken care of, had plenty of room to run, and were loved. Her smile never wavered as Kayla exited one of the stalls. She was leading out Flora. The yearling was a mixture of a Quarter Horse, Paint, and some sort of Zebra. She was interestingly marked being a bay horse with stripes on her legs and withers. Kayla spoke this time. This girl came to be before we got the higher fences... We are not sure who her father is but her mother is the blue roan there beside Genuine. The yearling tossed her head around and attempted to rear up a little before Kayla quickly got her calmed down.
Matt lead the stallion down the ramp and onto the ground, taking a chance to actually look him over for the first time. He had good muscling and looked like he would have made a good racer when he had been racing. The woman had stated that it was impressive that his sisters had made all the plans for this place and he agreed. He then walked towards the stallion barn with the Thoroughbred and Paige following. So, what brings you to Atroe City?
Paige, Brook & Jenna Walker
Brook and Jenna both listened as Bethany began to rattle off the number of horses, foals, dogs, and cats they had. Once again, a look of displeasure crossed Brook's face before suddenly returning to normal. Seventeen dogs was a lot. Jenna caught the look on her sister's face, and then tilted her head and grinned. "Oh, Brook here doesn't really care much for canines," she stated, as she went back to petting the mare.
Brook shot her sister a glare, but then nodded. It was entirely true. When she was little, a large dog had come at her, but she made it away with only a few cuts and bruises. It was quite miraculous, really. However, the memory still lingered as though it was just yesterday, causing her to continue to dislike most dogs. She could do with little ones. Jenna absolutely hated how her sister didn't want a dog, but she said that they had to get a small one at least.
Brook said nothing as she continued to pet the horse. Then she suddenly spoke up. "For good reason." she said, focusing on the mare named Genuine.
Both girls turned as suddenly, Kayla came walking out of another stall, leading one of the most gorgeous horses they had seen around here. Their eyes were all drawn to the legs and withers, where the stripes seemed to form. "That is one gorgeous animal!" Jenna said, eying the yearling.
Paige watched as the stallion was lead down the ramp. She was now looking him over as well, although didn't know much when it came to such creatures. She could tell, though, that there was just something about him. Paige followed after him and the horse, eyes straying about the area as they walked to the stallion barn. "I just came out here to finish my schooling," she stated, "We weren't planning on staying here permanently, but if all goes well, we may end up staying. We already really enjoy it here." she said as she then breathed in a deep breath of the fresh country air.
Matt, Kayla, & Bethany Anderson
Bethany continued to pet Genuine as she named off the animals that they had here. Then Jenna offered that her sister didn't really care much for dogs and she frowned slightly. She would have to make sure that they kept the dogs in the back yard while their visitors were here, then. Most of the dogs they had were larger dogs. Out of the seventeen that they owned all together, counting Matt's four, they only had five that would not be considered as large. She was about to ask why the girl didn't like dogs when she spoke up saying for good reason and she just replied. I'll keep the dogs in the back yard then, they really are good dogs but they may be a little overly friendly if anything. Never had she a problem with any of her dogs being aggressive, but she would respect this girl's fears and keep the dogs outside until she was ready to meet them.
Then the girls had noticed Kayla with Flora and she had smiled. She then went to the stall just beside the one that Kayla had walked out of and hooked the lead rope on to the other yearling who looked almost like her sister except smaller. This is her twin sister, Ptera. She knew that these two would get plenty of looks from just about any one. And she was excited to see if they might do well in competition... She patted the calmer of the two fillies.
Mat lead the stallion to the barn as Paige walked along with them. She answered his question, saying that she had come here to finish her schooling and that they weren't planning on staying permanently but that they might now. He nodded as he replied. The girls asked me to come out here and help them get things going, but I liked it here, so when they asked me and Luke if we would stay we agreed. It didn't take long before they reached the stallion barn and he put the Thoroughbred in the stall that was already sat up for him.
Paige, Brook & Jenna Walker
Brook simply shrugged her shoulders when Bethany said that they would just keep the dogs in their backyard. It may seem like she couldn't care either way, but she was actually happy that the girl would respect her feelings. Unlike some people... She was glad that the matter wasn't pushed.
They watched as Kayla went into the stall beside the one she had come out of. Anticipating the horse she would lead out, the girls watched curiously. Then she came walking out with another one that looked like the previous horse. "They are both quite eye-catching," Jenna stated, watching. "What do you plan on doing with them?" she then asked.
Paige listened as he explained why he was here as well. He had also stayed. She did think that the valley was a very likable place. "My sisters want to open up their own stable, the sort of place where people can just go and ride." she said. The dream seemed so far off, but with the extra money coming in from their parents back home, they could maybe rethink it. After all, the two had wanted their children to use it in a way that would make them happy. Their parents weren't rich, but they were well off enough to live quite comfortably, and any extra bit of money helped.
Matt, Kayla, & Bethany Anderson
Bethany would never push the issue if the girl was afraid of the dogs. She would come around in time and see that they were good dogs. If not, then that was ok too. Jenna would still be welcome to visit the dogs in the back yard if she wanted to. She would just have to make sure that she told Matt not to leave Maddox, Cara, Bruce, and Kelsa run while the girls were here. After all, they were all pretty big dogs, especially Bruce and Kelsa. The girl's question was heard, asking what they were planning on doing with them and she smiled.
Well, we are wanting to get them into some western events. We think they would do well at barrel racing or reining or something like that. We will really be able to tell better as they get older and learn more basic riding skills.
She spoke as she stroked Flora's neck. Now both of the yearlings were out in the hall, one held by each of the two older girls.
Kayla smiled to the girls before speaking. You want to help us take these two out to the pasture? If they agreed then she would hand Ptera's lead rope to one of them while Bethany did the same with Flora's. We have to take all of these guys out so they can have some time to run...
Matt agreed that he liked this place, and the fact that the girls had built him his own house on the property made it even better. Well, I'm sure that the girls would help them learn the basics of running a stable, Kayla has a degree in business to handle financials, she was taking the classes while still in high school. Bethany has always been the trainer around here. Both of them compete in various things, though. Matt himself competed in different western events, but really had not branched out into any thing else. Kayla also stuck mainly to western but Bethany enjoyed show jumping, eventing, and endurance as well. Of course, their own parents had put up a lot of the money for this place, since none of them had really been able to save up anywhere near what they would need. But, their parents saw this as an extension of their own ranch even though every decision was left up to them.
Paige, Brook & Jenna Walker
So they were thinking of doing western events with them. Both Brook and Jenna were more into English riding than western, but they had never really tried it. All they had ever done was jumping, which they still weren't entirely good at, but they were working on it. Their parents buying them their own horse before they moved away also greatly helped, since then they could train whenever they wanted to. And it was nice to just have a ride every once in a while as well.
Brook and Jenna jumped at the chance to help lead the horses out. "We would love to help take them out," Jenna said, smiling widely as she was handed the lead rope of Flora. Brook took Ptera's rope. Both girls enthusiastically patted the horses they had been given, before waiting for Bethany and Kayla. Once they were all set, the two would begin leading the horses out.
Paige listened as Matt spoke about his sisters' roles in the ranch. She nodded every once in a while, showing she was listening. If they received enough from their parents, then Paige would have next to nothing to say in the ranch, as she could already predict. Maybe handle the money side of things, but other than that, everything dealing with the horses would be up to the girls. "Well it all seems to fall into place," she said, "It's nice that they'll have someone for guidance for the future." she stated.
Matt, Kayla, & Bethany Anderson
Bethany had handed Ptera's lead to Brook then went to one of the last stalls, she found that it was easiest if they started at the back of the barn and worked their way to the front. Their younger horses were in the back, and also as they all saw the others being led out, they got more excited. So, it was just logical to take the ones who would have to walk farther first. The last stall that was occupied belonged to another of their yearlings, a red ran Quarter Horse. Bethany hooked the lead rope to her halter and led her out of the stall.
Kayla had followed Bethany and went to the stall across from the one Bethany went to. Inside this stall was a bay overo Arabian mare. As she was led out, she pranced around a bit and tossed her head in the air. Kayla approached the girls and introduced the two yearlings that she and Bethany had. These two are Deja Vu and Desert Angel. She motioned to the Arabian as she spoke the first name then to the Quarter Horse as she spoke the second.
Matt nodded when she said that it all fell into place. Most would think that their ranch would be an utter failure since in reality they were all pretty young. Matt and Luke were the oldest and they were only 21. Not many of their ages could successfully run an operation of this size. I wonder what those girls will make for dinner... Anything in particular you guys would like? He knew that the girls would be too wrapped up in telling Jenna and Brook all about the horses to worry about asking what they wanted for dinner, so he might as well ask.
Paige, Brook & Jenna Walker
Brook held on to Ptera's lead as she once again looked over the young horse's coat. Jenna seemed to be doing the same. They both continued to rub their hands against the softness of their muzzles, enjoying the velvety feel. They waited patiently for Bethany and Kayla as they led out two more horses, a Quarter horse and an Arabian. They especially watched the Arabian with interest as Kayla lead it up to them. "Arabians are a unique breed," Brook said, speaking of the usual dished profiles and elegant motions.
"Are we ready?" Jenna then asked, ready to march out of the barn and out to the pasture-- wherever it was. She had no idea where exactly they would be leading the horses, so she would stay behind and follow.
Paige thought to herself about what sounded good to eat. She could eat just about anything, but the twins were the ones who were usually picky. Since they were over as guests, she knew they wouldn't object to much. "Well, I never gave it much thought. Something with chicken does sound nice though," she said, suddenly feeling hungry, and not realizing that the last time she had eaten anything was just before she got to their new apartment.
Matt, Kayla, & Bethany Anderson
The two older girls each had a yearling in hand as they reached the younger two. Kayla patted the bay and ivory Arabian as Brook spoke about the Arabian breed. She nodded in response. Yes, they are very beautiful horses as well. Though, maybe this breed was nor entirely her favorite, since she more liked the stockier Quarter Horses and Paints, she did appreciate the beauty that the Arabians possessed. She and Deja moved past the rest of them to take up the lead. When Jenna asked if they were ready she lead them a few paces away from the stables, where the gate to the pasture was. She opened it and took the Arabian in the fence while Bethany did the same with the horse she led.
After those four were safely in the pasture they would return to the stable. The next horses would then be led out as they were introduced to the girls. This would be repeated until all of the mares were out in the huge pasture. Well, what do you girls think? You like the place so far?
Matt listened to what the woman said, she said that anything with chicken sounded nice and he thought for a moment before replying. Well, I could get the grill going and we could grill some chicken and whatever else the girls might decide on. The idea sounded like a good one to him.
Paige, Brook & Jenna Walker
Brook and Jenna, although still appreciating the beauty of each of the horses, had now turned most of their attention to the other two girls before them. They all had a horse to lead out to the pasture now. They waited patiently till Kayla took the lead, walking out of the barn and toward the pasture, which actually wasn't very far away. In only a few strides, they reached the pasture gate. Once there, Brook and Jenna lead each of their horses in after the other sisters.
"We love it," Jenna stated, after they had been introduced to each of the mares. "You have a lovely bunch of horses here." Brook then said after Jenna, looking out across the pasture.
Paige was really liking Matt's idea. She particularly enjoyed food from the grill. "Yes, that sounds like a great idea," she said, feeling her stomach once again rumble. She silently wondered if they were done with the horses. She thought about asking him they would be, but didn't want to rush him.