Austr attempt 2
The morning started late, but not because they'd overslept but to take it easy today. It was a chilly and pretty morning, cold enough that their hands stayed buried in jacket sleeves, but not cold enough it burns, just felt clean
They got to the farm before people started arriving. Before buckets started clanging and boots started stomping around the yard. The woman who ran the place barely looked up from her clipboard, just gave a quick wave when they mentioned the name they'd come for
"Looking for Australorp," they said quietly
"Back barn. Probably still eating his breakfast" No halter handed over, no lengthy instructions, just a nod toward the far building
So they walked over, taking their time. Past sleepy ponies that were still working through their morning hay. The smell of horses and leather filled the air, so comforting.. They found him in the last stall, exactly where he was supposed to be
God, he was something else
Nearly black from nose to tail, except for those white stockings that looked like someone had dipped his legs in paint. Clean white blaze running down his face like a lightning strike. His coat had this deep shine and gleam to it, not show horse flashy, just healthy. Visibly well loved
He didn't acknowledge them at first. Kept eating calmly, but one ear swiveled their direction. A subtle recognition that he knew they were there, even if he wasn't ready to interact yet, fair enough
Instead of approaching right away, they settled against the stall doorframe. Watched him work through the last of his grain, watched his tail swish at the occasional annoying fly.
No real agenda for the day. But maybe they'd make it to the old trail that goes through the forest behind the farm, mayeb even down to the lake if things went well
When he finally finished breakfast, he turned toward them, just his head at first, then shifting his whole body to face them more directly. Those dark eyes weren't asking permission or offering immediate friendship, more like "Alright, what's the plan here?"
They pulled out a brush from their jacket pocket. Their usual worn wood with soft bristles that had seen plenty of horses over the years. Australorp stepped forward, but not eagerly, and dropped his head slightly to offering the side of his neck
The brushing went easy with him, hey started with gentle strokes along his neck, down across his shoulder and down to his chest. Just the accessible spots, enough to remove the dust from wherever he'd rolled last night and the bits of hay tangled in his mane during breakfast
His coat was impossibly soft under the brush, each stroke revealing more of that deep black shine. He shifted his weight occasionally, adjusting position to give them better access, but never moved away
When they were done, his coat gleamed in the filtered morning light. The halter slipped on without any drama, he didn't fight it, they didn't even have to help much either. Just stood there like he'd been through this routine thousands of times before. His acceptance was matter of fact, almost professional
The saddle followed the same pattern. Each buckle secured with a pause in between, giving him time to process each new sensation. They checked his expression constantly for any sign of discomfort, but found nothing, Just steady breathing
Then they were walking, leading him out into the brightening morning. Past paddocks where other horses watched with small interest, through the gate at the pasture's edge
Shade immediately took them as they entered the woods. The temperature dropped a few degrees, and the light turned green and filtered with light
Australorp moved not cautious exactly, but deliberate. Like he wanted to understand every step before committing to it, every root and rock assessed before placing his weight. Each hoof touched down with quiet precision
They mounted from a perfect log, settling into the saddle with a satisfied sigh. His back felt solid and reassuring. They gathered the reins lightly and asked for forward movement. His response was immediate but not rushed, he simply began walking, setting his own pace along the wider sections of trail
They settled into his rhythm, kept their hands light, their seat relaxed. This wasn't about speed or showing off
The woods were alive with small sounds, distant woodpecker hammering, rustling in the underbrush, the creak of trees swaying in the breeze. Australorp's ears moved constantly, tracking every sound, noticing every shift in their environment. Not nervous about any of it, just aware. Engaged with his surroundings in a way that spoke of his intelligence
Sunlight broke through the trees ahead, it looked like golden coins got scattered across the trail. He paused there, nostrils flaring at something they couldn't detect, maybe the scent of water from the lake still hidden ahead? A maple leaf detached itself from somewhere high above tree and spiraled calmly down, landing right on his nose. He blinked once, snorted softly, then kept walking. They couldn't help but giggle a bit at it
They started humming without thinking about it, some half remembered melody that seemed to fit their peaceful rhythm perfectly. Nothing specific, just something to fill the nice quietness. His ears settled back to a more relaxed position, and his walk evened out even more
Deeper in the path narrowed. Tree roots crisscrossed underfoot like veins, and the light turned even more dappled and mysterious. His ears flicked left and right, tracking bird calls and distant branch creaks. They continued humming, and gradually he seemed to relax into the sound, even his movement becoming more fluid
The forest opened up again near the lake, revealing something that took their breath away. Not large but perfectly peaceful, like a mirror smooth stretch framed by cattails and wild grass, reflecting the slow clouds above. Ducks moved across its surface in slow moves, leaving gentle and pretty v-shaped waves
They dismounted before the final slope, wanting to lead him down by hand over the slightly worse footing. His hooves sank slightly into the soft ground near the water's edge, but he didn't seem too bothered by it at all, he actually seemed more interested of the terrain
Looping the reins loosely over a strong branch, they knew he wouldn't wander off. He stood watching the water with obvious fascination, neck arched gracefully, ears tracking the movements of waterfowl and the gentle lap of tiny waves against the shore. Yeah there's no way he'd run away from this
They walked to the lake's edge and crouched down, running fingers through the surprisingly cool water. It was so clear you could see the bottom several meters out, scattered with smooth stones and the occasional fast fish
When they stood and turned back, Australorp had shifted to face them more directly, as if he'd been watching them explore. They approached slowly, resting one hand against the warm curve of his shoulder
They leaned their forehead against his neck for a moment, breathing in the warm horse scent of him, feeling his steady rhythm of his pulse. Sharing the space, sharing same quiet and this perfect moment beside still water under clear sky
No words needed here, the silence ,beside the nature, really said everything and it was to be enjoyed
Late afternoon was turning the place in shades of gold when they finally turned back toward the farm. The return trip felt different, less tentative and more settled. He still picked his way carefully around exposed roots and took corners wide but the careful pauses he did were gone
Back at the farm, long shadows stretched across the yard and most day visitors had gone home thankfully, make it off for a peaceful last moments. He walked beside them to the barn without being led, then stopped at his stall and waited patiently while they worked the latch
They thought there's no need to brush him again or fuss around. Just elegantly pulled off the tack, checking each piece as they removed it and then hanging everything carefully in its proper place
From their coat pocket came one final gift, oats mixed with molasses wrapped in cloth. Something special they'd brought just for this moment~ They held it out flat on their palm, and he took it with the same gentle precision he'd shown all day, warm breath brushing their skin in the quietest kind of acknowledgment
Then without any notice, he stepped into his stall and immediately moved to his water bucket, taking a long drink after his day's work
They didn't hang around much after that. Just took one last look through the bars at the coal-black horse with painted white legs, already settling into his evening routine as if their adventure together had been just another pleasant way to spend a few hours
Just a very good day they'll remember happily
But maybe, if they were very lucky to get him, the beginning of something that'll happen more often
Submitted By Simonetry
Submitted: 6 days ago ・
Last Updated: 6 days ago
