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lobster-tales · 5 days ago

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Baby Blue and the Starlight Kid

Rating: T Chapter 1 Chapter 2 This work is available here on AO3.

Chapter 3

The next morning, Blue made coffee. It was the one comfort she gave her collections, other than a few scraps of food. She didn't need to, of course, but felt inclined. The way Blue saw it, if she was captured, she would want that tiny grace, that gesture of goodwill. No hard feelings, it said, as they would share over the morning fire.

Then she'd put the gag back over their mouth.

She never really enjoyed those moments, as they were often filled with a tense silence, cut into by a comment about the weather. Her collections would glare and sip, or use the time to plead or curse her.

But her breakfast with Lux Crownguard was one of the better breakfasts she'd had in years.

Lux was deeply grateful for the coffee, and asked if she had any sugar, to which Blue said no. "That's alright," Lux said, and hummed as she sipped from her mug. "And thank you again for the blanket, or poncho, I suppose. I might wash it later to get the smoke smell out, though. Not that I mind the scent of smoke, like campfire smoke for example is just fine, but I'm not too keen on cigar smoke."

Blue just stared at her. She had grown up around folks who kept up walls, who answered in grunts and clipped words. But Lux was so openly enthusiastic and grateful, and towards her of all people.

Of course, Blue knew that enthusiasm would disappear if Lux knew the truth. So she didn't let it get to her head.

"Do you smoke?" Lux asked. "I haven't seen you smoke, so I guessed not, but I thought I'd ask. I don't mind if you want to smoke, I'd just ask that you do it downwind so it doesn't get on my clothes."

"I don't smoke."

"Alright." Lux sipped from her coffee, watching as Blue heated up some salted pork and two more biscuits. "I've never smoked, but I might try it now that I'm technically an outlaw."

"I got a few of Sevika's cigarillos in her bag."

Lux's eyebrow quirked, and she contemplated it. "Maybe tonight, when we make camp. I've heard it makes you dizzy."

"Not if you do it right."

"So you do smoke!"

Blue felt herself smile. "Every now and then," she conceded.

As they cleaned up, Blue intended to help Lux tack up the bay. She doubted Lux had much experience saddling horses, especially ones as tall as Sevika's.

But to her surprise, Lux didn't need any help as she stood on a stump, tack dangling from both hands. She tossed the blanket over, heaved the saddle on, and began cinching the strap, slipping her hand between the leather and the horse's chest to make sure it was tight enough to keep the saddle steady, but loose enough for the horse to breathe. She then set to work on the bridle, easing the bit into the horse's mouth with her fingers, buckling the straps in place. Each action was swift and confident, practically second nature.

Blue watched, impressed, before she realized she needed to tack up her own horse. As she swung her leg over Fishbones' back, she asked, "By the way, I meant to ask how you know the Firelights?"

"The same way any mage would know about them, word of mouth." Lux hauled herself into her saddle with ease, settling in the seat as she gathered up the reins in both hands, the way eastern folk rode.

"No, I mean, how do you know Ekko?" Blue asked, taking her reins in one hand like a true westerner.

"Oh, I don't." As they set off, Lux explained that she had heard of the Firelights from another mage, Sylas, who trained her in secret until he was discovered by the law. Sylas had always impressed that if she was ever in trouble, she could take refuge with the Firelights. All she had to do was ask for their leader Ekko.

"Friend of his?" asked Blue.

"No, but most mages have a contingency plan if their magic is discovered. There are lots of communities that protect magic-users, the Firelights are just one of them."

"Right." That was exactly the reason that Blue stayed out of their territory. She'd lost too many bounties to magic-users who had been rescued by the Firelights.

"Are you a mage?" Lux asked bluntly.

"Nope."

"Then how do you know Ekko?"

Blue mulled over how to summarize their complex history. "We were friends."

Lux asked nervously, "Were?"

"Are. We are friends," Blue lied. But for what came next, she told the truth. "We grew up together."

"Oh." Lux pondered this revelation for a moment. "So you two are close?"

"Sure are."

"Did he send you to come get me?"

Yeah, that worked. Blue pointed a finger gun at Lux, pretending to shoot as she said, "You got it. Smart cookie."

Lux's cheeks flushed, and she looked away. "Why didn't you just say that to begin with?"

"I knew you'd figure it out."

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The landscape changed around them, the hills mellowing out for a vast prairie. Grasshoppers leapt through the tall grass, vultures gliding in lazy circles high above. Some deer grazed at the other end of the prairie, but on seeing the two women, retreated to the tree line.

For the few homesteads they did encounter, the women made sure to keep their distance. The occasional farmer glanced up as they went by, their dogs sprinting towards them, barking safely from the property line.

Blue heard the rumblings of a cattle drive and redirected. She didn't need any cowhands seeing them and blabbering around the saloon table. They steered the horses further up the hill.

Lux leaned out of the saddle, trying to get a glimpse of the massive herd that rolled through the valley below, leaving a dust cloud in its wake like some monstrous machine. They could hear whoops and calls from the cowboys, guiding the stragglers and keeping the herd in line.

Blue heard the rush of hoofbeats nearby, but only when it was too late. A cow burst through some sagebrush, lowing in a panic. Fishbones jerked beneath her but stayed still: he had spent too much time around bullets and outlaws to be fazed.

But Lux's bay squealed and took off. Lux clung to the saddle horn, yelling, "Whoa! Whoa!" The horse ignored her, thundering along the side of the hill.

"Lux!" Blue followed on Fishbones, galloping after them.

At one corner, the bay bucked, kicking its feet out. The action sent Lux flying, and she landed hard on her rear.

Blue urged Fishbones on. They managed to catch up to the runaway bay, and Blue leaned out, snatching one of the flapping reins as Fishbones skidded to a halt. The bay breathed heavily as they walked back to Lux, who was still sitting in the dirt, eyes wide with shock.

Blue secured the bay's reins to her saddle horn and crouched in front of Lux, putting a hand on her shoulder. "You alright, kid? Anything broken?"

Lux blinked at her, coming back to herself slowly as she stretched out her arms and legs, checking for pain. "I'm- I'm fine."

Relief washed over Blue. Because if she'd been damaged, there was a likelihood that Blue would get a lower payout. That was the only reason for her concern. The only reason.

As Blue helped Lux to her feet, a man on horseback approached them. The cowboy tipped his hat, a missing tooth at the center of his grin. "Sorry about that, y'all. Your wife alright, mister?"

"Oh," Lux said with a gracious chuckle. "We're not- ow!"

Blue dug her fingers into Lux's arm, silencing her. She kept her head low, letting her hat cover her face. Her short hair often gave folks the initial impression that she was a man, and she used it to her advantage when possible. "She's fine," she barked in a gruff voice. "No thanks to you. Can't you handle your livestock?"

"I'm mighty sorry," the man said. "Y'all stay safe out here."

Before Blue could grunt in response, a sudden gust of wind caught her hat and sent it tumbling. Blue snatched it in her hands, but it was too late: the man saw her face, and more importantly, her blue hair. He froze, tilting his head to the side as if trying to place her. She held his gaze as she put the hat back on, daring him to try something.

Without another word, the man nudged his horse forward and trotted off.

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Spooked by their encounter in the open, Blue aimed for a row of trees. The path through the forest would set them off course just slightly, but the cover would be worth the extra time spent.

They stuck mostly to the treeline, hidden enough to where they could see out, but outsiders couldn't see in. Birds chirped in the leaves above, squirrels racing through the branches.

Lux started up her questions again. After receiving some unsatisfying short answers, Lux gave up on learning more about Blue and her connection to the Firelights, focusing on other topics. Lux rambled about her favorite books, her opinions on current events. Blue offered grunts of acknowledgment here and there, along with the scattered, "That so?", pretending not to enjoy her presence.

In the mid-afternoon, the forest skirted a large field, where a herd of bison grazed. Lux went silent for the first time in hours, and Blue glanced at her. She was staring at the buffalo and whispered, "They're huge. I mean, I've seen pictures so I knew they were big, but they're just... so much bigger in real life."

Blue followed her gaze, and saw the bison the way Lux did, with new eyes. Bison had always been a part of her world, as natural as birds or deer. But as they passed by, Blue watched the great beasts lumbering, tails swishing through the grasses to keep off flies, and she felt a strange sense of gratitude for them.

There was a commotion from farther down the herd. The women went to investigate, keeping to the shade of the trees as they watched the scene unfold.

A buffalo was charging through the field, snorting and baying. The grass swished in front of it, and Blue suspected it was chasing a coyote or some other creature that had gotten too close to the calves.

The tall grass gave way to shorter grass, and a small figure emerged at a run: a young girl with a metal bucket in her hand. The bison bellowed, the girl quickening her pace as she huffed for breath.

"We have to help!" Lux said, and before Blue could stop her, she'd kicked her horse forward. Blue huffed under her breath and followed.

The girl spotted the women approaching. Distracted, she tripped, the bucket flying out of her hands. The bison pressed forward, growling as it aimed to trample the child.

Lux leapt from the back of her horse. She bolted towards the girl and stood above her just as the bison arrived.

"No!" Blue shouted but could only watch helplessly.

A blinding light erupted from where Lux stood. The bison squealed in confusion, entrapped in a gleaming cylinder of magic for a few moments. Fishbones lurched to a stop beneath Blue, and she leapt down. The cylinder disappeared, the bison scrambling away, but the light still surrounded Lux.

Blue covered her eyes with her arm, the brightness overwhelming her vision. "Lux!" she called. At first, there was no response, and her heart jumped at the thought that something had happened.

"I'm alright!" Lux's voice answered from within the magic, and it began to fade away, leaving only Lux and the fallen girl who gaped up at her. "Are you hurt?" Lux asked the child, bending down to check for injuries.

The girl jumped to her feet and darted towards Blue, hiding behind her legs as she eyed Lux suspiciously.

Lux set her mouth. She didn't seem disappointed, but resigned. It was likely a reaction she'd received before.

Blue, though, was completely unused to anyone seeing her as a safe space. "Hey, rude." She gestured towards Lux. "She saved your life, sister, the least you could say is thank you."

The girl looked from her to Lux, then back. She put her fingers to her chin, then lowered them towards Lux.

Lux made the connection before Blue did. "Oh!" She lifted her hand to her temple, making a salute-type gesture with her hand. "Hello." She placed a hand to her chest, then pointed the index and middle fingers of both her hands, tapping them on top of each other. "My name is-" She made an L shape with her thumb and pointer finger, then aimed her middle and pointer finger skyward, and finally curled her index finger. "Lux."

Both Blue and the girl gawked at her.

"You know to speak... um...?" Blue asked.

"American sign language," Lux explained. "My tutors taught me years ago, but I'm a little rusty." She paused, trying to remember the next step. "Let's see... what-" she placed her hands so that her palms faced the sky, moving them side to side. "Is your-" She faced the flat of her palm towards the child. "Name," she repeated the gesture from before.

The girl smiled shyly, signing five letters.

"Isha?" Lux pronounced. This time, she didn't sign back. "Is your name Isha?"

The girl nodded.

"What a pretty name!" Lux said, clapping her hands together. "Isha, are you hurt at all?"

Isha shook her head, and made the 'thank you' gesture again.

"You're very welcome."

Blue asked, "What'd you do to piss off the buffalo, Isha?"

"Ah ah!" Lux admonished. "Language!"

Isha was unfazed, though, picking up her bucket as she signed milking a cow.

Blue scoffed. "You're crazier than an outhouse rat, trying to milk a buffalo. Don't your folks have any cows, or your neighbors?"

Isha avoided their eyes, bowing her head.

Lux knelt in front of her. "Where are your parents, Isha?"

Isha considered them both for a few moments, then set off, gesturing for them to come with her.

Without hesitation, Lux followed. "Where are we going?" she chuckled.

Isha made the shape of a house with her hands.

"Hoooold up!" Blue took Lux's arm and said to Isha, "One second, sister." With Lux aside, she whispered, "What are you doing? We've wasted enough time already."

"She's alone, Blue," Lux insisted. "And she almost died! The least we can do is make sure she gets home okay."

"What if her folks recognize you?" Blue hissed. "Or what if little Isha tells them about the nice lady who saved her with-" she flared out her fingers dramatically. "Magic!"

Lux opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. Blue could tell that she'd made a good point, and Lux hesitated, considering the little girl again. "Isha?" She crouched again so they were at eye level. "We'll take you home, but you have to promise me something, okay?"

Isha looked her up and down, nodding curiously.

"I, um..." Lux wrung her hands, uncertain. "Well, I need you to promise that you won't tell your parents about..." Her fingers glowed softly, and Isha gasped, but didn't run this time. "It's our secret. Promise?"

Isha nodded fervently, pressing a finger to her lips, then putting her palm flat against her fist.

Lux sighed in relief, and swept her up in her arms. "Come on, then. You can ride with me."

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For Caitlyn, one of the hardest adjustments to life on the frontier had been learning to read the land.

In the city, there were eyewitnesses, flat surfaces with shoe-scrapes to show movement, sharp corners bent out of place when an incident took place. The city was easy to read because anything out of order raised suspicion.

But in the frontier, everything was out of order. There were rarely witnesses, and those that did see the incident were often too far away to make out any details. Dust shifted under the weather, smearing or washing away footprints. Tree and shrub branches could snap under the weight of a squirrel, much less a human.

So she had learned to read other clues. She learned to shift her perspective, to work with the wilderness instead of against it. Instead of looking for what would be considered disorder in the city, she searched for order in the wild.

Gun shells, for example, did not belong in the wilderness. Vibrant pink dust did not belong, particularly when it clung to the grass neatly around a pair of large boot-prints.

But the most orderly thing, perhaps, was a blue ribbon. A blue ribbon with a strand of blonde hair stuck stubbornly to the fabric.

Lux.

Of course she'd heard the accounts, every lawmen west of the River Pilt knew that Lux Crownguard was on the run. Before Sevika entered the saloon, Caitlyn had been chasing down her own leads for the last several weeks, though they always led to dead ends. She had resorted to hope, hope that Lux would seek her out, hope that their years spent together as children would keep her memory fond.

To think, though, that Lux had come so close to her town only to be redirected in the opposite direction. And by Jinx, of all people.

No, not Jinx, she corrected herself. Baby Blue. But what did the name matter when the person behind it was dangerous either way?

Dangerous and cunning. Something about the situation weighed heavily on Caitlyn's mind. She took pride in her detective skills, believing them to be far superior than most, but even she had trouble tracking Lux down. According to Vi, Sevika happened upon Lux by chance after interviewing several homesteads in the area.

But Blue had been far from the Lanes. The last Caitlyn had heard from her network of lawmen, Baby Blue was spotted in a town north from the Lanes several days ago, which meant that she must have made a straight line south for Lux.

Caitlyn had followed the carnage and found a makeshift trail heading east. Likely towards Everpeak, if she had to guess, which made sense if Blue planned on collecting a bounty.

As she lifted herself back into the saddle, Caitlyn made a mental list of her next steps. She needed to get a letter to the Firelights, warn them that a magic-user was in the area: if anyone could stop Blue, Ekko could. She would need to write Vi as well, let her know she was hot on the trail and that they needed to rendezvous at Everpeak.

As she made for the nearest post office, there was one more thing she mulled over, the same thing she had been mulling over for the last day.

How had Blue found Lux so easily?

#lightcannon #jinx #lux crownguard #arcane #arcane fic #western au #cowboy au #my fic

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sindoesstuff · 1 year ago

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Sims Horse CC Finds September 6th

I've been too busy the last few weeks to put together a list and test most of these items.

If you haven't yet, I really recommend checking out @objucts roundups of Horse CC finds! There are probably things I have missed :)

Hairs

Flower Tail

Flower Mane

Breeze Tail

Fjord Manes 2 new ones

More Feather colors

EA Hair Recolors Manes, Tails, Forelocks, Feathers - Adult & Foals

Even More Recolors Ties and Ribbons

Recolors on Objuct's Short Tail

Roached Mane SSO Conversion

Unicorn Hair Colors (and Hooves)

Pintopalooza Multicolored Mane

Jumper Tail

Longer Mane

Crystal Ripple Tail Shiny, curly tail

Vintage Trip Tails in different lengths

Accessories

Halter Recolors - Leather, LeMieux, Emelie

Basic Rope Halter

Dressage Saddle w Sheepskin

Jumping Saddle w Sheepskin

EA Western Saddle w/o Bags

English Breastplate for EA English Saddle

Western Set recolors (Saddle, Bridle, Saddle Pad)

SaddlePad

EA Recolors Halters, Saddles, Pads

Saddle Blanket

Chester Bridle

Simple Nylon Halter

Nylon Halter with Stripes

Tack with Numbers e.g. for eventing

Eventing Saddle with Sheepskin

Exercise Rug

Objuct Turnout Set update

Front Tendon Boots

Pastel Western Tack Set

Stencils

Shine Stencil v2 (another creator)

Star & Snip 1 | Star & Snip 2

Blaze 1 | Blaze 2 | Blaze 3 | Blaze 4 | Blaze 5

Leg Markings

Tabiano

Bald

Splash

Badger

Overo

Other CAS

Realistic Hoof Recolors

Shine (3 variations) Accessorie Slot - not a stencil, makes saddlepads also shiny

SSO Eyes

Horse Skin/Shading - this might also add a shine to some saddles

Helmet for Sims which allows hair

Equestrian Clothing

Separated EA Equestrian Set found under male

Slightly adjusted Horse Mesh read notes on how it works with poses and saddles

Glorious Striped Hooves

Dream Horse Eyes

Default Replacement Hooves options with Shoes

Really Unnatural Horse Eyes

Build/Buy

Special Paddock Gate updated

Washbay Divider (NOT MaxisMatch)

Stable Decor

Invisible Horse Jump to make custom jumps

Leadrope Clutter

Helmet Clutter

Dressage Saddle and Pad Decor

Mobile Tack Trunk

Other

Lead Horse XML Mod

Better Horse Breeding CurseForge only allows one version to be installed, sadly in this case it means you can only have one of the improvements but you can download the other files via the browser

Selectable Pets Always

Equestrian Center always open

#sims 4 horses #sims 4 custom content #ts4 horse cc #sims 4 horse cc #ts4 cc #sims 4 horse ranch #the sims 4 horses #ts4 horse cc roundup

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greenmountainlodge · 5 months ago

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Knight Outfit & Tack Ideas!

With our new medieval event kicking off, maybe you want to stick out from the other knights of your house! We've put together an alternative tack set, with an easily changed blanket to show allegiance to your house.

Click below for outfit details <3

Total Tack Cost | 261-280 Star Coins or 25,050-27,900 Shillings Total Set Cost | 661-680 Star Coins or 64,950-67,800 Shillings.

#star stable #star stable photography #star stable update #sso #ssoblr #star stable screenshots #star stable horses #star stable outfits #star stable tack #star stable medieval #knight outfit #greenmountainlodge

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sazaartack · 4 months ago

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Why Consider a Used Western Saddle for Your Riding Needs?

A used western saddle can be a cost-effective selection for riders looking for quality without breaking the bank. Several pre-owned saddles are well-maintained and offer outstanding durability and ease. When shopping, look for trustworthy sellers and review the conditions carefully. Hold the appeal and value of used western horse saddles for your next journey!

#used western saddle #western horse saddles #western saddle tack set #best western saddle pad #synthetic western saddle #lightweight western saddle #custom western saddle pads

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buckarooranch · 9 months ago

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Howdy, folks! 🌻

Well, dust off them cowboy hats 'cause we're back in the saddle again, and it feels finer than a cool breeze on a hot day!

Today, we're unveilin' a brand new tack set tailor-made for all you 'basic' lovers out there.

This here set's got everything you need: a sturdy western saddle, a trusty bridle, and a snug pad for your trusty steed. It comes in 8 different basic colors, so you can mix and match with all your other gear without breakin' a sweat.

Now, don't be shy! Once you've rigged up your horse with this here set, snap a pic and give us a holler! We would love to see your beautiful creations with this set. So, don't hold back—tag us and let's see them horses lookin' fine. 🤠🐎

Details:

- 8 Western Saddle & Bridle variations

- 8 Saddlepad variations

- The Set is for Elder/Adult horses.

This set requires the Horse Ranch DLC.

Releases: 2nd of June - 17:00 CET

🌻 ~ Howdy

Some inspiration pictures:

Patreon (Early Access!) | Website

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pixelpony-cc · 1 year ago

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Horse Tack CC Finds

Horse Saddlecloth #1

Horse Saddlecloth #2

Ella Horse Blanket

Pferde Western Satteldecke (Horse Western Saddle Pad)

Horse blanket / riding blanket (Pferdedecke / Ausreitdecke)

Pferde Bandagen / Gamaschen (Horse Bandages / Wraps)

Horse Set - Horse Boots and Saddle blanket

#ts4ccfinds #ts4horsecascc #tack #sims 4 horses #ts4horses #sims 4 horse cc #ts4 horse cc

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bluestar22x · 1 year ago

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The Riding Lesson

Summary: When you are hired at a ranch as a trail guide, the owner asks the foreman to teach you how to ride Western style.

Pairing: Jack Daniels x F!Reader

Rating: 18+ (to be safe)

Warnings: Some sexual tension and thoughts, lots of horsey terms

Word Count: 2,381

Author's Note: AU fic for the @pedrostories 1k celebration. Prompt quote was "Is that the best you've got?"

See my Main Masterlist for other Pedro character fanfics.

xxx

Summers were a busy time at Western Willow Ranch. Not only were there the beef cattle and their calves to tend to, but there were also guests coming and going for both morning and afternoon trail rides.

You were hired as a temporary employee, needed for the surplus of guests they got every year as the weather turned hot. Your role would be to help guide trail rides and keep the tack clean and polished.

Having grown up around horses and competed in jumping competitions back in California, you had plenty of experience for the job, except for one small detail.

You'd never ridden Western before.

You were confident you'd pick it up fast though. English and Western riding were different, but they weren't intimidatingly different. As far as you could tell, the only difference was the saddle shape, the speed of the horse, and the way the reins were held and used.

Though you figured you could probably teach yourself, you'd still agreed with the owner of the ranch to take a riding lesson with his foreman.

You had your riding lesson on your very first day, after you were shown around the farm by a stable hand and shown what a typical morning was like at the ranch.

The foreman was one of the few employees missing from the barn, having been out tending to the cattle.

After lunch in the employee building, you waited for him in the barn aisle as instructed, glancing at your watch every so often. The lesson had been set for one o'clock and it was ten minutes past.

He was worth the wait though.

He strolled into the barn with his mount moments later, the beautiful golden buckskin gelding following behind obediently, and you caught your breath.

Most horsemen didn't catch your attention. More often than not the horse was a lot prettier than their rider, but the foreman was handsome, and that was an understatement. Dark brown hair covered by a black cowboy hat, matching dark eyes, a mustache that fit his face perfectly, a strong jawline, curved nose, and an air of confidence to him, he was worthy of the front cover of every western magazine out there as far as you were concerned.

You couldn't help but feel disappointed he was technically one of your bosses. You didn't like mixing business and pleasure, but... damn... maybe if he didn't mind it, you could make an exception.

You shook your head at that thought. You haven't even said one fucking word to him yet. Down girl.

He said your name and it sounded like honey on his lips. You chewed yours. You really needed to chill, but it wasn't your fault his voice sounded sinful.

"That's me," you managed to say, lamely raising a hand up.

"Sorry about the wait, darlin'," he continued. "One of the calves got into trouble with the fencing."

"Are they alright?" you asked, genuinely concerned. You loved all animals, or at least, all the furry ones.

He nodded. "Yeah, he'll be just fine."

He held out his right hand. "The name's Jack Daniels."

You shook his hand firmly and repeated yours. "So, is this the horse I'm riding?" You nodded at his mount.

Jack shook his head. "Nope. Ace here is a one rider kind of horse. He don't like strangers. But I'm going to have you help me untack and groom him so I can show you the saddle and how to secure the cinch."

It turned out the cinch was like the girth on the English saddle, a strap that ran under the horse's belly to secure the saddle to their back. The cinch wasn't so simple to adjust as a girth was. The strap was longer and needed to be wrapped just right around the ring it looped through multiple times to fit proper.

You picked it up fast though, only needing Jack to show you twice to get it.

When you'd done up the cinch correctly three times in a row Jack let you untack Ace completely and had you carry the saddle back to the tack room. The saddle was probably three times as heavy as an English saddle, mostly due to the extra lift of the seat and the saddle horn. You managed to carry the saddle for the whole two minute walk to the tack room but it was a struggle, not that you'd have admitted it.

Once the tack was cleaned and put away you returned to Jack's side in Ace's stall. He was in the middle of brushing him with a soft brush and you joined in without a word, working on the horse's opposite side.

After Ace was completely groomed you both stepped out of the stall.

"Follow me to your horse of the day," Jack ordered, walking over to a stall at the back of the barn. You did as told and peered over the stall door.

A pretty little black and white mare was on the other side, too busy chewing her afternoon hay to pay attention to you and Jack.

"This here's Puzzle," he informed you. "She's an old gal. Nearly thirty. We don't ride her much anymore, but she's a great beginner horse. She'll be as patient as a lamb with you."

Were lambs patient? you wondered. Was that term even a thing?

Jack patted the saddle and bridle that were hanging over her door. "Had Bettie, one of the stable hands, get this for us this morning. I want you to groom Puzzle and saddle her up all on your own. Think you can do that?"

"No problem," you declared, setting to work.

It really wasn't a problem, though you did fumble on the cinch for a second before your short-term memory kicked in. Most else was pretty straight forward and Jack gave you an approving nod when you were finished.

"Great," he said, "Now she's all set to go, lead her out to the corral and we'll get going on the main part of this lesson."

You nodded and walked out of the stall with Puzzle close beside you. She was a cute thing. You were a bit sad she was too old to be assigned as your mount. Whichever horse you got would be at least a decade younger and more energetic. While those were the horses you were used to, you'd felt like you and Puzzle were already connecting.

Once you slipped into the outdoor corral, a round fenced in pen used for training horses, you settled the reins of the bridle over Puzzle's neck and the saddle horn before glancing to Jack for further instruction.

"Hop on," Jack commanded. "We'll get everything adjusted after."

You nodded and swung up into the saddle easily.

"How do the stirrups feel?" Jack inquired.

You tilted your heels down. "A little long. But they're supposed to be, right? Western isn't so tight?"

"It should still feel comfortable," Jack replied.

"It does."

"Good. Tighten that cinch one more time. Puzzle likes to stick out her gut when the saddle goes on."

You bent and reached to untie the cinch and tightened it, but when it came to securing it back you struggled due to the angle.

"Just takes practice," Jack assured you when you admitted you couldn't figure it out. "Here, let me help."

He approached Puzzle and tapped on your lower leg with a few fingers to signal to you to pull it back, still in the stirrup so he could get access to the cinch.

You did that and watched as he tugged on it once more before finishing the job.

When he was done, he grabbed your left lower leg, guiding it back into place, and the prolonged warm touch of his palm pressed against your jeans sent a spark through you.

What you would give for him to touch you in other places.

Jack stepped away to climb the fence and straddle it and you barely held your composure. Fuck, this job was going to be difficult, and it wasn't because of the new riding style you had to learn.

"Hold the reins with one hand centered over her neck," Jack instructed as he perched on the top railing.

You grabbed the reins and slid your fingers over into the correct position.

"Good, now take her around at a walk for a few turns and then a jog after," Jack said. "A jog's like a slow trot, for you, city girl," he added.

A decade ago teenage you would've stuck out your tongue at him, but mature you simply gave him another nod and followed his orders.

Jack was quiet as you put Puzzle through her paces, until she started jogging and you started pushing yourself up and down out of the saddle with her stride.

"What're doin' darlin'?" Jack questioned, frowning. "You sit in the saddle."

"Oh." You blushed as you sat down and slowed Puzzle. His confusion somehow had made you embarrassed about it. "It's posting. Do you not do that in Western?"

"Nope," Jack answered. "That saddle ain't made for that."

"Okay," you nearly squeaked.

You nudged Puzzle with your heels, encouraging her back into a jog and completed your task sitting down the whole time. You found that the jog was more tolerable to sit than a trot. Riding a trotting horse like that could be rough at times.

You stopped in the center of the round pen when you were done.

"How was that?" you asked almost shyly.

Jack gave you a small smile. "Excellent for your first time. It's obvious how many years you've ridden."

"Thanks."

"I think you're ready for a test run on the trail."

"On Puzzle?" you questioned.

Jack shook his head. "Like I said, she's too old. Gonna have to bring her back to her stall and get two fresh horses saddled up. Shouldn't take too long between the two of us."

You nodded and jumped off Puzzle. "Let's get to it then."

An hour later you and Jack were out on the plains of the surrounding Montana landscape, enjoying an easy stroll under the warm afternoon sun on two new mounts.

His was a solid chestnut mare named Trix, and yours was a black mare with a star marking named Karma.

As you moved over the landscape Jack pointed things out to you. The trailheads, the river that bordered the ranch, the cattle in the distance. Everything you'd need to know and would eventually know by the back of your hand.

The sun was beginning to fall westerly when he finished showing you around.

"You will not be alone the first few weeks you guide trail rides so we don't have to worry about checking those out today," Jack told you. "So I figure it's time to turn around."

You nodded and pulled the reins towards east, towards where the ranch house and barn were located. Jack did the same.

"Let's lope for part of the way," Jack decided.

You knew it was another test. "Sure."

He picked up the pace first and you sent Karma after him and Trix, making sure to keep enough distance between the horses as you caught up to them so not to cause them to bump into each other.

He observed you from the corner of his eye, a ghost of a smile on his pouty looking lips.

You tried not to get distracted by it, telling yourself he was only looking because he wanted to see how you were in the saddle at faster speeds, even though you sensed there was something more to it.

You were the first to slow your horse, and when Jack had Trix back at a walk beside you, he raised his eyebrows.

"Is that the best you got?"

You blinked at him, confused. "What do you mean?"

He grinned at you and you realized then that Jack Daniels was a bit of a menace.

He gestured at a fallen log several yards away. "I heard about your jumping skills. Show me?"

You didn't know if Karma had any history jumping, but the log looked harmless, just thick enough to force the mare to jump it instead of walk over it. "Sure."

You kicked the mare and she immediately shot into a lope, headed straight for the log. You focused, got yourself into position as best as you could in the bulky western saddle, and the next thing you knew you were flying over the obstacle. The rush of adrenaline as you did was amazing as always.

After Karma landed on the other side you could hear Jack clapping.

You turned her back towards him as you both settled into a walk again.

"You two make a fine team," Jack said. "Think I'll tell Dusty to assign you to her."

You grinned. "That would be great." You still were kinda stuck on Puzzle, but you really liked Karma too.

You patted her neck and turned her to face the house once more. "Race you back, full gallop."

Jack smiled. "You're on."

After you and Jack had settled your horses back into their stalls, he turned to you for a final time that night.

"Any questions before I go?"

You shrugged. "Not really. Just...how was I today?"

He flashed you a charming smile. "You impressed me darlin'. Not that I have any right to be. You obviously know your way around horses and jumping them is not the easiest."

"Why did you test me then?" you inquired.

"Cause you could've lied on your resume," Jack replied.

True enough. But you had ribbons to prove it back home.

"See you around," he finally said, and you could've sworn he gave you a quick once over. When he smirked you were certain he had.

So you weren't the only one interested. This was a mutual thing. Your heart fluttered. There was a chance.

"See you around, cowboy," you returned smoothly.

He beamed at you, delighted that you had used a nickname for him and tipped his head. "Night darlin’."

And with that he left the barn, and left you to watch him go, eyes trained on the shape of his ass in his tight blue jeans.

You hummed appreciatively. This summer is going to be fantastic.

xxx

Tagged: harriedandharassed

xxx

Main Masterlist

xxx

#Jack Daniels Fanfic #Jack Daniels #Pedro Pascal Character Fanfic #pedrostories1k #f!reader #X Reader #Fanfic AU #Fanfiction #Mine

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horsegamergirl · 21 days ago

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The Cool Criollo!

A new friend has arrived to South Hoof!

The Criollo!

Are you looking for a companion to join you when doing endless ranch chores? Or maybe you want a training partner that suits both western- and english-style competitions? If so, the Criollo will be your perfect match! This versatile breed, originally from South America, can take on any task while delighting you with a gentle, curious, and playful personality. Once your Criollo has reached level 7, it will perform a special trick if you click Space while standing still, the Double Spin. It will also do a special gait if you click Shift+W when in walk, the Pace!

You’ll find the seven beautiful horses at South Hoof Farm, available from player level 7 for 950 Star Coins. One of the coats is also available in Moorland from player level 1!

New Sets and Saddles!

Along with the Criollo comes two new sets! You can now dress for the occasion with two Gaucho inspired outfits. Celebrate the spirit of the open range with the Shadow Pampas and Gaucho Grandeur set, which you’ll find in the tack and clothes shops on South Hoof Farm.

The sets feature the all new Recado saddle - a traditional saddle used by the Gauchos on their Criollos! The Recado saddle can currently only be worn by the Criollo.

Updates to Settings!

We’ve given our settings window a little glow-up! Besides organizing our buttons for easier navigation, all the settings you choose to enable will also save between sessions. Now, if you want, you can stay a wild horse forever. Yeehaw! The only settings that will reset after relogging are the “Time of Day” and “Hide User Interface” options.

Bonus Trail Points!

We hope you’ve not wandered too far from the Trail of Wanderlust! If you need some help staying on track, we’re once again having bonus points active - from 09:00 your server time on Wednesday the 15th of January, to 09:00 your server time on Tuesday the 21st of January, you will receive 30 bonus points on activities, and 2 bonus points on gatherables. Have fun collecting rewards!

Coming NEXT WEEK!

Moorland is the place to be!

#sso #star stable online #star stable #ssoblr #sso update #sso game update #sso news #this time I'm actually early in posting the update. they posted it this late. on instagram they mentioned technical problems in the morning

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cass-windfeild · 3 months ago

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So, I've been using only my Halloween themed tack sets on my horses lately, and today was PhoenixHeart's turn.

.... SSO.... What the hell do you mean the American Quarter Horse can't wear the rope halter, hackamore, the western show bridles, new leg wraps, or the new western saddle pad. 🙃

Why is it that one of the most popular breeds of horse used in WESTERN riding, can't wear 90% of the WESTERN tack in the game????

Not to mention the medieval bridle, horned bridle, Iberian saddle, or ANY of the newer english bridles, saddle pads, or saddles.

#I know that they arnt the quickest to fit the tack to some of the older models but.... seriously???#an american quarter horse that cant wear most of the western tack????#I know this is probably old news but I haven't ridden any of my quarter horses in a long while and they all have assigned tack sets #star stable online #star stable #sso

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insipid-drivel · 9 months ago

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Hi, hey, hello! I just wanted to say I saw your Basic Horse Info post and it made me SO happy. I've been riding since I was 2 (English, competitive hunter/jumper) and spent three years working alongside an equine vet. I always get so bothered when people handle horses incorrectly in media. I just wanted to shoot you a message and say thanks for taking the time to do that, and that it's super hella rad that you have barrel racing experience! I have ridden western a tiny bit myself, but nothing close to the skill it takes to run barrels. I'd love to get back into riding on my own terms someday (money pending) and dig more into that discipline. The agility on the flat is super cool to me! I am always down to talk shop about horses and riding and all that, so if you ever want a horsey chat pal, I'd love to be that person! Anyway have a wonderful day!

Thanks for reaching out! I seriously envy your ability to handle English riding rofl, I would always end up slipping off the saddle or just freaking out in general because I didn't feel like there was enough under my butt to keep me stable with English tack! Plus, I just... suck at dressage. I tried a little dressage, and my riding instructor would literally bow her head and pinch between her eyes at how terrible my posture was, how bad I was at remembering where to turn my head, etc.

I choose to blame learning to ride in my early teens rather than a very young age. Or just being a big baby, which is just as likely. My mom, who's worked with horses since she was a child, wanted to raise me in the saddle, but our finances never really worked out to where we could pull that off.

The funny thing is that I only got into barrel racing because it was the sport that my instructing horse practiced before his owner retired him from competing and trained him as a teaching horse. Once my ass was sitting on Western style tack, things kinda just clicked for me, and after a few months my teacher was running out of stuff for me to learn from the "general riding" category and busted out her old set of barrels one day just to give me something more to do! She didn't actually mean to get me hooked on it, but I don't think she should've ever blamed herself. I blame my horse, Chip, for getting me into barrel racing.

He was a sour old grump (he was about 14 when I started learning; your classic chestnut and white painted Quarterhorse), healthy, but had to retire from racing after he'd badly strained one of the tendons in his back legs and the vet warned he'd probably tear it if he had to keep competing seriously. He could still run the barrels from time to time for fun, but continuing to professionally compete would've lamed him permanently. He generally had the demeanor of a bitter athlete forced to retire before his career could really take off, and kind of... forgot he was supposed to be going easy on me when he saw the barrels. I had only just barely begun learning the rhythm for galloping and was still very, very nervous about it (I wasn't even that good at switching leads yet), but Chip did NOT care, took off at the barrels, and I suddenly found myself at a full gallop on his back, wide-eyed, and flying around those barrels.

After that? I couldn't stop barrel racing. My instructor started making the barrels a regular part of my riding instructions. That feeling of flying around those breakneck turns - the freedom and feeling of the gods of Life and Death flipping a coin on your odds of survival at the same time - woke something up in me, and I was racing casually with him and getting ready to try competition riding on a new horse when I started developing problems with my gallbladder that took me out of the saddle for good :( That's when I discovered a love for working as a stable hand, since it kept me with the horses and at the barn.

However, about 6 years ago, I had my gallbladder removed, my health has been getting better, and I now live in an area rife with horse ranches. The closest store to my house is literally a tack and garden supply shop. My doctor has been nudging me to get more exercise, and I'm really beginning to miss the smell of alfalfa flakes...

Feel free to visit my DMs/askbox again! I love reading the tags on that post and seeing other horse stories in the comments and tags, so it's awesome to hear from people directly about them :)

#asks

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