Hope's Arrival

They needed a new rider, and that was it. It was weird for Sandra to be in charge, every decision weighing on her shoulder. The first thing the team did was making some changes in how things were done - they divided the horses into divisions so that each of them were responsible for a uniform portion of the farm. Sandra also made a contract with a nearby racing farm that Lovelyta's thoroughbreds can use the oval track, and then all the thoroughbreds along with Tom came back to Lovelyta. Now they only needed a rider to be responsible for the sporthorses and eventing, and they would be all set.

Sandra looked up as the next person entered the office, a young woman who looked like she could be a model rather than an eventer. Still, Sandra kept a smile on her face as she stood an extended a hand towards the woman.

"Alexandrah Dorell, manager of Lovelyta Ranch," she introduced herself.

"Hope Kassendale," the woman shook Sandra's hand, then sat down. Sandra took a moment longer to follow her example, almost gaping at the woman.

"Kassendale? Do you mean...?"

"Yes, from Kassendale Stud."

"I'm sorry, I, I didn't know you were coming. How can I help you?" Sandra asked, still not recovering from the first surprise. Kassendale Stud was a very rich, very flashy breeding farm in Germany, so she didn't expect anyone from the Kassendale family show up in Hungary.

"I heard you were looking for a rider, for eventing. I've been competing since I was little, and I happen to be looking for a job," Hope explained.

"But... you came very far from home," Sandra prompted.

"I did. My brothers will one day take over Kassendale, my sister is off on her own path - it's time I did the same. Ever since we sent Nacht and Rain here, I had Lovelyta in the back of my mind. If you haven't found anyone suitable yet, I'd like to apply for the job. I want to make a name for myself for my own efforts, not in the shadow of the Kassendale Stud," Hope said, wringling her hands in her lap like she expected Sandra to throw her out. However, the manager had no such intentions - Hope appearing here was a literal godsend, as she hadn't yet found anyone she would've entrusted Lovelyta's horses to. It was a miracle someone from the famous Kassendale family wanted to work for them, and she would be stupid to let that go.

"Well, when could you start your trial?" she leaned forward with a big grin on her face.