Spring Forward Invitational '22

"Easy Natters..."

The large stallion jittered in place, flicking his tail in impatience.

"Yes, I know ye want to go. We need to wait for the signal." He turned his head and tried to nip at her toes, narrowly missing. Whether by his choice or her dodge wasn't entirely clear. "Ai, none of that now..."

Huffing, he stamped his foot and gave a tiny crow-hop. Thankfully, the assistant gave them the go-ahead before he could do much more, and she cued him forward. Bounding in at a powerful canter, she guided him around the jumps to let him get a good look at the course.

"Next up, Morag riding Nathair."

The bell rang before their usual choice of dubstep came on, and she settled into the saddle, pointing his nose at the first jump. The first three were skimmed over, just like he had done so many times in his favorite cross country courses.

At the turn was where things fell apart.

She could feel the shift under her, and took in an extra inch of the reins. "Easy, easy, easy, NAT-!!!"

Ignoring her admonishments, he gave an extra bounce before planting his hooves and launching himself skyward.

The rest of the course was cleared in much the same manner. Flagging his tail proudly, Nathair floated out of the arena to the chuckles of the audience. Her boss met her at the gate, taking the proffered helmet and holding the stallion as Morag slid to the ground and rested her forehead against the saddle skirting.

"What happened out there?"

The forehead rest turned into a couple head bonks before Morag straightened and looked over. "The big lug got bored. Guess there's a reason he's a Cross Country mount rather than Indoor Jumping. Boy's got power and speed to burn, but good land he does not like the shorter courses."

Laughing, Adelheid handed back the reins and helmet. "We'll keep that in mind when planning the rest of his career." She walked back to the gate and resumed her spot as an officiant.

Morag gave a sigh and looked back at her mount. "It's a good thing I had that leaping head, otherwise I would be halfway to getting my flying permit..." He bobbed his head, and she could swear that he was smirking at her. "Natters... Should be nutters..."