Come on Naples!

The stamping of hooves. A human groan.

Oh for the love of..

Arthur was struggling with the roan. Trying to pull his horse into the arena, and failing. He stopped. Stood up straight and breathed. Counting to ten had never been so calming. Taking the reins from just under the horse's chin, Arthur walked into the ring. Naples followed, although content that for now his rider was behaving the like other riders. But Arthur was not like every other rider, and Naples was to defiant a horse to admit it had to submit to his owner. Dressed down in riding boots, jodhpurs and a checkered shirt that a cowboy would wear, Arthur mounted his horse with a grin. The gelding moved around a bit, but it didn't put Arthur off. At least the horse hadn't bolted like last time. Patting the Arab's neck, he clicked his tongue and urged the horse into a trot. They had a warm up ride on the way to the arena. Considering they went around the stables, past the paddocks, then up to the arena, Arthur thought it wasn't a bad warm up as far as he was concerned.

He rounded to the first jump. It was only one and a half feet high. Naples would clear it easily. He did. Both rider and horse soared over the jump with ease that was clear to anyone watching. The next jump was two feet. Once more, this was going to be easy for Naples, who cleared the jumped, then trotted merrily over the trotting poles laid out on the floor. It was like taking a lollie-pop from a child, but you take the child away and put a lollie-pop holder in its place. Arthur took his prized horse of the moment for a lap around the arena, to get his muscles even warmer. Then, they started toward the three foot jump. Once more, it should have been easy for the gelding. They approached well, and Naples good behavior made Arthur let down his guard. About three meters from the jump, Naples shyed to the left. Hauling Arthur with him. He collected his bearings, and sat back deep into the English saddle, holding the reins tight, cooeing Whoa, Naples, whoa.. But then it hit the rider, as the horse made for a clear spot in the arena. He was about to be thrown about like a rag doll.

Naples paused for a moment, standing still. Then lurched into it. Bucking like a mad thing, the horse tossed about in circles. Arthur, grinning like a mad man, let out a whoop of mixed joy and terror, and held on for dear life. Naples kept going, until finally, he felt his rider go flying. The horse settled down straight away once the rider had been disposed of.
Arthur hit the ground with a thud. Gasping for breath, winded, bruised, grinning and alive. He rolled over. Let out another whoop of joy, and unbutton his shirt in the vain hope that it would help him breathe. Oh.. god He murmured as Naples joyfully stood swishing his tail.
HORSE

Spluttering, giggling, Arthur tried to sit up. He achieved that and decided today would be a great day. He had not noticed the girl rushing toward him, as he was focusing on Naples. Who merely swished his tail. One hell of a horse. Arthur thought in admiration. It was pretty amazing he hadn't killed himself riding that horse. Naples spooked really easy, and was not above doing all it could to get his rider off him. Mind you, thats why Arthur bought him. For the challenge. For the adrenalin which was pumping through him. Heart beat a mile a minute, he turned his head just in time to hear the girl speak. He listened, then grinned. He liked the look of her. But then again, what girl did he not like the look of?

Well.. yeah. He said in his defense, grinning like a mad man. But it was.. one hell of.. a trip... He paused to think that sentence through, then corrected himself; I mean.. ride. Arthur had to breathe in between each three of two or so words, to make sure his brain was getting oxygen. Because there was a good chance, that Arthur would have concussed himself. Due to the fact that he wasn't wearing a helmet. Good thing he has learned (through experience) that you should try land on your hands and roll. So far it has worked. But surely his luck would one day run out. He breathed in. And could smell the perfume she wore. Arthur didn't even know if it was perfume or just her shampoo and conditioner. Whatever it was, it smelt nice. He relaxed. Yeah, I love ole Naples over there though. He's a good dressage horse. Then looked the girl in the eyes. Honest. He was like a wounded solider, as he carefully clasped her arm, and she was the nurse. Arthur felt a bit like a soldier. Well.. as close as you could get in that situation.

Arthur was happy she was happy, she seemed like a nice girl there was no doubt. Her giggle seemed harmless enough, and he figured he ought to give it a go. If I knew that a pretty lady would come to look after me every time I was bucked off, I'd let go more easily. he told her, teasing her only lightly. He thought she was a very pretty girl indeed, and figured he ought to tell her every chance he got. A smile touched his lips in a nice way. Arthur did quite like her. Oh no, the judges are more scared of him. he reassured her.

No, I'm fine really. Arthur told her and sat up by himself. No, his chest was still bare, his shirt still open from when he fumbled the buttons open in other to achieve the task of attaining more air. Not that he really thought it worked. Arthur extended a hand. I'm Arthur. No last name needed. He would tell her later if he wanted too. The roan's name is Naples. he grinned roughishly. He loved that god damned horse. So.. Want to go for a ride? he asked her grinning like a mad man.

ooc..
sorry.
Writers block and tired fingers!

Arthur pulled himself to his feet, hands doing up the buttons down his front. Smiling, like a mad man, he called back to her Yeah, don't worry. With that he walked toward Naples, who tossed his head, and walked toward his rider. A foot in the stirrups, his shirt done up, and Arthur was back in the saddle. He urged the horse into a trot, as he apparoached her. Still smiling. Ready babe? He asked her cheekily and pated the side of the horses neck. Naples seemed content now, and would not do what he was told, but would do what he wanted. Which included jumping.

ooc..
sorry!
i'm really tired...

Arthur watched Jacqui take her horse through its paces. He watched her like she was a super model, in a million dollar dress. His eyes admired her body. The way it seemed to be made of the gods. The way the wind brushed past her hair like it was merely walking past. He adored her, like he loved every fiber in a beautiful painting. Grinning, he just waited until she soared over the jump. Nice ass. He thought ruefully and grinned a more devilish grin. Nice work. He called out to her, in a teasing manner, but his smile was not malicious. Naples shifted under him, and Arthur figured he ought to give the horse another jumping round.

The beast was quiet underneath him. Although it had sensed that his rider wanted something far bigger than apples. He picked his feet up, and moved in a slow canter when the heels of his 'masters' boots touched his sides. The canter was a nice one, a proper dressage canter. Naples was a good horse, save the times he wasn't, but overall he was a good horse. Spooks a bit, but hey, that can be forgiven. Think that I'll get thrown off? Arthur called out to her. Painfully aware there was no one else in the ring. Lust dripped unthreatning from his words. Sinking into the floor of the ring with angelic rings. Like finger tips around the ring of a whine glass. Arthur wasn't being in her face about his want for her. He was just letting her know it was there.