.:Well How About That:.

[Maxine Porter]

Gripping Dancer's reigns tightly in my hands, I stopped abruptly to look around the field. Snow had just fallen the night before. My second day here at Catalpa and judging by where I stood now, I didn't want to waste anytime. I was afraid that if I sat around, I'd start to think too much for my own good. Taking in the cold air, I almost choked, it was so cold. Coughing, Dancer bumped me harshly on the back. Almost toppling over, I regained my balance and whipped around to face the midnight thoroughbred. My black hair whipped me in the face and I spit it out of my mouth. The scene was embarrassing, especially when I was trying to show Dancer how mad I was. What was that for, huh!?! I glared at him, my neck straining to look up into is eyes. You were practically having a panic attack right in front of me. What do you expect me to do? Watch you fall over and choke to death.

[/b] His voice penetrated my mind, and unlike the first time he spoke to me, it felt nice to have some sort of familiarity in my life here at Catalpa.

My glare lightened up and I patted his head hastily and then walked to his side. This should be much easier to do with a horse you could communicate rather then one you couldn't. The training course was huge and I figured since classes hadn't really started I'd break in Dancer. I made sure to tighten his maroon saddle, which matched my sweater by the way, and I grasped the stud. Are you sure you don't want to use the stand?[/i] Dancer asked, practically bursting out in laughter. Well if you don't move, I think I'll be fine! I retorted, my knees shaking uncontrollably. Huffing loudly, I put a determined face on, lifted my left foot into the saddle piece, and with all my might I lifted myself over. For a split second I thought I was doing good, until the floor came crashing hard at me. Oof! The wind was knocked out of me and I took a second to reflect on my mistake. Wow, I really do suck! I kicked myself mentally.

Dancer made a full body turn until he faced me, a smile creeping up on his muzzle. Lifting my hand to his mouth, I moaned Don't you say a word horse!. I struggled to get up, but when I finally sat up I looked around to see if my stunt had been noticed. Phew! I mumbled and grabbed hold of Dancer's muzzle as he lifted me up. Are you going to try that again, Cowgirl? Or do you want me to ride you? haha[/i] Dancer chuckled but then gestured for me to try again. Sighing deeply, I took my time. Again I strapped my foot in and then lifted myself up slowly. I slipped slightly but then I felt a horse head pushing me up. I hadn't noticed how tall Dancer was until I had finally made it up there. He was kind enough to help me up and I thought that maybe this breaking thing was going to be easier then I thought.

Again, I gripped Dancer's reigns and bumped my heels slightly into his sides. I felt a bit uncomfortable being so high and his movements from side-to-side as he walked didn't help. I could only imagine when we started to canter. Dancer walked steadily through the snow covered field, his hooves sinking slightly in the snow. How ya doin' up there, kid? Dancer spoke mentally and started to pick up his steps, puffs of air escaping his flared nostrils. I almost lost my balance and I gripped onto his neck. Trying not to squeal, I responded I'm alright I guess...heh never mind, I'm Scared beyond compare. I laughed but kicked my heels for him not to stop. I was scared but the feeling was so invigorating, I needed to continue. Giggling, I looked around and wondered if anyone else would come out here and ride. Probably being way more experienced then me.

[/blockquote]

[Emily Sanders]

It was going to be my first time ever riding a talking horse. Strangely sounding but yeah, I was going to ride Susan today. She seems so calm, and everything. Why not try her out?

Okay Suzie, I'm gonna ride you now. I told her while I led her through the snow over to the arena. I opened the gate and walked in, then locked it behind her.

Don't hurt me. I've never really been ridden before. Suzie warned me. I stroked her neck and reassured her that I'd be good.

I noticed that I wasn't alone and waved politely to who I recognized at Maxine Porter and her horse Dancer. I led Susan over to the mounting block and checked her girth before talking her through the mounting.

Once I was happily on her back, I asked her to walk. She protested a little, letting me know she was scared. But she'd be fine. I knew how to ride, and she knew too.

Little Suzie just needs to get back into the swing of things. I told myself as I asked her to trot.

Susan had a beautiful flowing trot. I decided to sit this one because of its smoothness. Anyway, I just wanted to get a feel for her movements. I could work on my own riding stature later.

I felt like a princess when I finally asked her to canter. We wove easily around Maxine and Dancer. Her canter was like riding a rocking horse, it was so smooth. She moved fantastically.

How are you? I asked Maxine after I slowed Susan back down to a nice plodding walk.
ooc; hope its OK that I join in here.

[Lily Robinson]

Snow had fallen the night before, and I plodded through it happily. It was actually kind of nice here, even though the cold wetness was starting to seep in through my shoes. Once I was up on Saffron's back I would be completely fine, and wouldn't have to worry about the cold. Saffron, beside, me, snorted frustratedly. I could tell she didn't like the cold, and I was right, because two seconds after she started scolding me. Why are you so happy when I'm freezing here? I petted her mane quietly. At least I'm not freezing to death. I retorted.

At the training course, I quickly sighted two seniors. Great, I muttered sarcastically, rolling my eyes. There were practically no girls my age at this stupid riding academy. It was much better back home at the ranch, but my parents just had to dump me here, didn't they? I was starting to get a little bit angry, Saffron saw my clenched fists and nudged me quickly. Hey, nobody ever liked me in my life either. I laughed and climbed onto her back, feeling very refreshed.

Saffron's walk was only a little bit bumpy, but I enjoyed it a lot. Back when I was five with Sleet I had though being on a horse was like being on a roller coaster. I grinned to myself. Saffron, seeing me do this, twitched her tail indignantly. What if YOU were walking around with ME on YOUR back instead.

[/b] She grumbled. I shifted once, giggling. I didn't know why I felt so happy, even though the snow that had gotten into my shoes and melted and my poor feet were becoming sooo cold. You're always, grumpy Saffron. Saffron stiffened for one minute. Am not. I was happily ungrumpy in my warm stable before you came in, screaming with excitement, and dragged me out here. You are soooo lucky we are whisper partners. I thought I would get someone that was less loud and rowdy.

I also noticed that the two girls appeared to be talking. I didn't know who the heck they were, and I didn't want to meet them either. They probably thought they were so much better than me just because they were older. I dug my heels, into Saffron's sides, unconsciously really hard, mostly because of anger again, and before I knew it, Saffron was up and away. She had gone for about a minute when I finally got enough air to choke out, Stop. So embarrassing, especially with older girls around. I was supposed to be experienced with horses. I had grown up on a horse ranch, for goodness's sake! But Saffron seemed to find it amusing, she lifted her head and chuckled. Hehe, you told me to.[/b] she snickered. I gripped her rein tightly. Ohh, after I'm done with you, you won't want to embarrass me like that.

I embarrassed you? Even better.[/b] I rolled y eyes, hissing at her to stop and wishing that those seniors didn't see me. [/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Maxine Porter]

Hugging onto Dancer's neck tightly, afraid I might fall off again, I felt his huge body beneath me vibrate with laughter. Stop laughing you dumb equestrian I spoke with a laughter on the edge of my voice. I'll go a little slower until you get comfortable. And then we can try to canter, what do you say about that? Dancer's voice boomed deep in my mind, tickled even, and I took in a deep breath to calm my nerves. Sure... I whispered, it getting swept away by the passing cold air. I knew Dancer heard me though because he snorted with excitement. I did the same.

I was actually starting to get the hang of it, pretty good for a city girl who hasn't been on a horse since she was five. Straightening up and feeling a little more confident, I felt Dancer's body tense a bit under me. A little more focused on the surroundings now, I asked Dancer what was bothering him. He spoke subtly We've got company. Two mares and their riders. I looked around and saw what Dancer was talking about. A young girl around my age was riding skillfully on her appaloosa, I felt a little envious. My competitive nature kicked in and I nudged on Dancer's flanks for him to speed up and he knew what I wanted. He snorted at my nature, but he straightened up as well.

Me and Dancer had much more in common then I thought, and I laughed. Let's recover from that mishap of you falling on your butt. he said teasingly but with a straight face. As the girl came closer, I recognized her to be Emily, she was in the front office at the same time I was signing in. Her horse galloped smoothly around Dancer and me and then slowed to a walk. Dancer wan't one to take kindly to others who were better or, in his case dealing with me, lucky. He snorted at the new comer and I smiled kindly when Emily spoke. She simply asked how I was doing and I dipped my head and responded as needed. I'm alright. Just trying to break this crazy stallion. I teased Dancer and he whinnied in annoyance.

If anything I'm breaking you. Or I can if you really want me to. Dancer huffed aggravated, but I dug my heel into he flank and he pulled back quite a bit. Calming him down with a few pats I whispered We'll settle this later and then turned my gaze back on Emily. Then out of nowhere, Dancer bucked onto his hind legs and whinnied loudly. Gasping loudly, I gripped onto his reigns and hopped I didn't fall off. I didn't understand why he did it, until I saw a golden horse speed past us, looking very amused for embarrassing her rider. Whoa! Come on Dancer. Giddy up! I shouted and nudged his flanks, and he obeyed without complaint. He was just as curious to see what was up.

I actually stayed stable on his back as he cantered down the field and a glimmer of pride shown slightly on my face. We came up close to the golden horse and her young rider. I yelled out, amusement clearly in my voice. Hey is everything alright? I yelled over the roaring wind brushing past us. Dancer was clearly proud of me and my sudden riding skill, and amused at the situation just like I was. Well well, talk about girls' gone wild.

[Lily Robinson]

I wasn't so much tired as I was surprised. Jupiter, my horse at the ranch, he used to this alll the time. Just for fun. I heard one of the seniors shouting to see if I was alright. I quickly turned and said in the most serious voice I could, Yeah, Im' alright. Then I scolded Saffron under my breath, but the palomino just rolled her eyes and glanced behind me. She had finally realized that she was embarrassing herself, too. So she snickered to me, Sorry. If you don't want to embarrass us, next time, though, then don't tell me to sprint. I glanced backwards quickly again. I felt like saying, Don't mind me. but that would make me look scared. So I just pretended to pat Saffron when I actually pinched her, but no one could tell. Saffron grunted and turned to look at me.

What? I whispered irritably. Saffron snorted again and told me, I'll listen to you JUST FOR TODAY. Deal?

[/b] I gave a sad sigh. Saffron, you're always trying to make bets. I glanced back, hoping that the two seniors were just talking, having fun by themselves, forgetting about me. Saffron grinned. Those two...PEOPLE are older than you, aren't they? And youu got embarrassed in front of them. I rolled my eyes. Yeah, didn't we already establish that? Saffron glared straight at me and started walking. Faster! I can see you're getting bored you know. [/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Maxine Porter]

Pulling on Dancer's reigns lightly, I leaned my weight to the left so he could turn around a bit. Riding him was getting a bit easier, but I could still feel my body aching, especially my rump. Ow, ow, ow I thought grudgingly with every cantering motion of Dancer's body. His coat was in great contrast with snow beneath us, his hoof marks imprinting deep into the snow. "You're going to be sore tomorrow kid, and the next day, and the next day. You're getting better though, for a kid" He brayed in teasing laughter. The young girl with the frantic horse replied back to my amused question but more serious then I expected. Yeah, Im' alright.

[/i] She turned her horse around skillfully and walk over.

Dancer was quite the charmer and you could clearly tell by the way he straitened up his body as the mare and he rider came trotting over. "I'm sure as heck glad there's no stallis around..."[/i] (Stallis=Stallions in Dancer terms) Dancer' whinnied lowly. "What? Are you afraid of a little competition?" I laughed, again amused but by my horse this time around. "Shoot! I forgot the kid on back can hear me"[/i] He scuffed his hooves on the powdered ground. The young girl made her way over, her horse picking up speed as to escape boredom. She was young, more then I, but unlike other people my age I didn't see her as inferior. I usually made better friends with younger kids anyway.

"So your horse isn't one of the self-preserved ones I see." I laughed once she came a bit closer and slowed down. I nudged Dancer's side so we could probably walk and talk. It would be way more fun and before I couldn't imagine myself on horseback, but now I couldn't get enough. He trotted further on a bit until The girl and her horse were almost parallel to us. I looked around quick to see what had happened to Emily, I had left her behind to chase after the freshman that I hadn't noticed what happened to her. She had seemed to have left on her own adventure with her horse.

I turned back to the young girl and nodded in greeting, too afraid to offer a shake of hands because letting go of the reigns would only mean my unstable tumble to the ground. "The name's Maxine Porter. But you can call me Max for short. I spoke gingerly, not trying to give off arrogant vibes, which I was unaware I had. Dancer Neighed in protest of the non-mention of his name and I sighed with irritation, "and this big mass of horse is Dancer." Dancer eared his head up and down and turned his gaze onto the mare. "Well no thanks for that, MAX! You might as well have called me mule....big." he whinnied in annoyance.

[/blockquote]

[Lily Robinson]

I blinked, surprised, when the other girl answered back. I hadn't realized that anyone older would want to talk to me. But she seemed like she wanted to make some friends, so I guessed she was new, like me. When I thought of that, I felt a whole lot better. At least I wasn't the only one who didn't know a thing about Catalpa.

"So your horse isn't one of the self-preserved ones I see."

The senior said it laughingly, and it made me want to laugh, too. Yeah, I guess you could say that. I giggled. Saffron shook her head indignantly. I'm better than her big hunk of a stallion. she growled. I tried talking to her through my mind. Saffron, you always think you're so much better than everyone else. Saffron's ear perked up with surprise. She had noticed that I didn't talk out loud to her. Yeah. Because I AM better than everyone else.

[/i]

I noticed that Senior #1 had made her horse parallel to mine, probably because she wanted to walk and talk. Senior #2 didn't seem to mind that Senior #1 hadn't talked to her, she was so wrapped up in her own little world. So I guess this senior wants to make friends with me. That'll be nice. My first human friend at Catalpa.

"The name's Maxine Porter. But you can call me Max for short. And this big mass of horse is Dancer."

I gave another giggle; Dancer seemed to be very indignant that at first Maxine hadn't mentioned and then she had called him a 'big mass of horse'. I quickly introduced myself. I'm Lily Robinson, and I patted Saffron's neck. This is Saffron. Saffron gave a snort. Huh! He is a big hunk of a horse! Even his owner says so. I could call you a big hunk of a horse. I told her laughingly inside my head. Saffron's head shot up. You wouldn't dare! I patted her and reassured her that I wouldn't, then glanced up at Maxine agin. So, do you have any pets? I mean, other than Dancer, of course. I asked, trying to make conversation. [/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Maxine Porter]

(((OOC:: Horses can sort of communicate with eachother but only with there riders around and the riders can only hear their horses side of the conversation, ok =D)))

I looked at Lily as her eyes filled with some sort of knowledge I couldn't explain. I knew she was communicating with her horse and so I nodded, smiled and kept my gaze straight ahead as Dancer cantered on. I shuddered a bit at the rush of cold air that tried to make it's way into my bundled up clothing, but I shook it off and concentrated on Dancer beneath me. This was a great experience and I silently thanked my parents for the opportunity, even if I didn't want to admit it out loud. Being here gave me hope that making friends would be way more easier then back home.

After all we all had a common interest, our horses and the mystery that shrouded this academy. I looked around at the large field before us. The fence rode along the edges of the snow covered field. I could see the large brick outline of Catalpa along the white horizon, surrounded by pale trees. I was pulled out of my landscaping tour when Lily questioned me to make conversation.

So, do you have any pets? I mean, other than Dancer, of course.

[/i]

I nodded and smiled remembering the small little furball still in my dorm, "Yeah," I started, "I have an orange tabby kitten named Poppuri. She's probably messing with my roommates cat as we speak." I laughed. Poppuri was very fond of Rachel's cat Japedo and would bother him nonstop to get the attention she wanted. I looked up at Lily, my blue eyes questioning, "How about you, any pets?" I wondered if she had a horse before she came here to Catalpa. I never owned a horse in my life and after receiving Dancer, I realized what a waste of a life I had lived.

Suddenly Dancer pulled his black ears back and pulled up his head. "Whats wrong Dance?" I asked aloud, not worrying about Lily next to me. After all she had a talking horse too. Dancer's gaze pierced through the mare and I figured she had said something to offend the stallion earlier. I could only wonder if the horses at Catalpa could understand or hear each others thoughts too. "The mare insulted me"[/i] His voice was hard and stern. 'Don't you say anything to her, Dancer!' I scorned through my thoughts and I knew he heard me because he whinnied angrily.

Scuffing his hoof against the powdered ground, Dancer neighed a high octave. Sorry kid, but my pride is at stake here!" His voice still hard but with a hint of amusement. Probably from the thought of his next insult. Turning his head to face Saffron, I could hear his part of the upcoming conversation and I could only imagine what Saffron would say in response, I snickered and thought of the conversation that this would lead me and Lily to laugh about. Dancer brayed at the golden mare and started his attack. Well your hind quarters aren't exactly the slimmest MARE![/i] He neighed. At least I'm proportioned well.[/i] I heard his second part to his assult. I nudged his side to cease and he shook his massive head and flicked his tail in revenge.

'You're horrible I thought and Dancer merely neighed in pure amused agreement.

[/blockquote]

[Lily Robinson]

OOC:: lol I didn't know that xD

My hands were clutching Saffron's reins to tightly that it was keeping the inside of my hands warm; the outside was freezing. However, the snow was melting from the moderately hot sun burning down; the snow was sparkling icily. Saffron's hooves were muddy and slushy; she let out a snort of disgust at the muddy slush dripping from her hoof when she glanced down. I was pretty comfortable on Saffron, except when she did a "surprise" full-speed circle because she was bored. I quietly reminded her that she had promised to listen to me today and only today. Hmph. It's more fun embarrassing you.

[/b] she grumbled. I felt like yelling at her but I remained quiet.

I listened when Max answered my question. Her cat, Poppuri, seemed to be very lively. I smiled. I have a lazy Siamese furball named Starr. I laughed, She usually just sits by the window. The only thing she does is sleep, eat, and clean herself. I still loved Starr, though, even though she could be pretty boring sometimes. I hadn't brought Starr out here; she had been asleep, plus she never got along well with the horses. They frightened her; seeing this, Starr would probably let out one of those loud, ear-splitting yowls and jump six feet in the air.

Now, Max's stallion Dancer was becoming a little angry. I could tell as he pulled his black ears back. Max asked what was wrong, but I immediately knew. And I was angry. You let Dancer hear what you were saying?[/b] I exploded insime my head. Saffron sounded pleased as she answered. Yup. I rolled my eyes; Max and I could probably share what our horses had said, that is, if Saffron didn't tell me. And then we would laugh. I felt relieved that I was finally getting a friend here. Saffron stood up tall and quietly waited for the insult.

When it came, Saffron only smirked. She didn't seem to be bothered at all by what Dancer was saying. In fact, she seemed to quite like picking fights. She answered back, taking her time, And look who's talking. I wondered what Dancer had said, and I asked Saffron. Oh, he just I was fat. But look at HIM. She said it in a rather too loud voice. I whispered fiercely. Shut UP! Do you ENJOY picking fights?[/i] She nodded proudly. Yeah. In that little farm, I used to do it all the time. And then the horses would have a tantrum. It was HILARIOUS.[/b] I can imagine. I thought silently. Well, don't pick fights with horses anymore, okay? I told her. It was a question, but it sounded more like a command.

Saffron sighed, but didn't answer. You have to listen to me. I reminded her. Saffron muttered almost inaudibly, Fine.[/i][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Emily Sanders]

I adjusted my pony tail and asked Susan to trot. Maxine and Lily were talking at one end of the arena and I didn't want to get in there way. Besides, I'd come on a mission. To ride. To ride Susan and to learn more about my new mare.

Do I absolutely have to trot? Those horses are enjoying their own conversations! Susan complained as she plodded along at a half trot-half walk.

"Uhhh, fine. Come on." I sighed and trotted Susan over to Lily, Maxine, Saffron, and Dancer. I slumped back in the saddle as Susan pulled the reins out of my reach. She snuffed into Saffron's nostrils and then blew into Dancer's. She waited for any reactions.

"I hope you don't mind me butting in, Susan was getting a little annoyed with riding," I said warily. I didn't want the two girls to automatically dislike me because I butted into their conversations. Any other place it would sound weird, but at Catalpa I could just say, "The horse told me to do it!"

I studied Maxine's face for any sign of annoyance, turbulence, or welcome. I couldn't really find anything beneath her fair skin and bright blue eyes.

My brown eyes shifted to Lily's face. Both girls didn't seem to register the fact that a new face had appeared. I shuffled in my saddle a little before toying with Susan's mane.

Ouch! That hurt! Please don't pull so hard, Suzie begged.

"Sorry," I muttered. I dropped her mane from my gloved hands and began to let my eyes wander around the arena.

This is awkward isn't it? Susan's voice sounded as desperate as mine had when I'd first arrived into the little group.

[Maxine Porter]

OOC Sorry gals =C I've been busy but I'm here now.

I giggled at Dancer's irritated disposition and patted his neck to calm him down. His words of venom seemed to have little to no effect on Saffron's self-conscience. If anything she seemed as giddy and proud as ever. Shivering at the nip of frost that shifted over the training area, I listened to Lily intently as I rubbed my hands together. "You should have brought her with you, Starr I mean. She could have made the transition a bit more easier for you. Thats why I brought Poppuri. For comforts' sake." I laughed a bit then stopped, afraid to let my remaining heat out.

Dancer whinnied and thrashed his head, probably only to show his masculinity. 'Mares... he muttered. I nudged his flank with the heel of my converse. 'Relax buddy, mare or not I still know you're a stallion' I teased through my thoughts. 'Why even waste my time. This mare swears she's pure gold but I know she's only filled with cr-'

[/i] The stallion muttered before I cleared my thought to stop him. At this point I doubt Saffron heard his statement but then again I doubt Dancer even cared anymore. I knew deep down inside he was just a stuffed animal in need of some cuddling, but this mare wasn't doing the best job of bringing the "stuffed animal" part of him out.

"So Lily what brought you all the way out here to Catalpa, I mean we're in the middle of Vermont for crying out loud." I questioned as I begged Dancer to continue to trot on a bit slower. Still irritated he continued onward without complain. I waited for her answer when Emily came out of no where with her Appaloosa mare trotting between me and lily. "You gotta be kidding me! Not another mare! Kill me know!' Dancer brayed and stomped on the snowy ground. "Shhhh!" I muttered harshly.

I turned to Emily, still surprised she came out of nowhere, and smiled welcomingly. My lips were probably red from the cold and contrasting with my skin, but I continued on. "No problem, we saw you over there and we didn't want to disturb you. I was just asking Lily what made her come here to Catalpa." I shuffled in Dancer's saddle, he wasn't making it easy to ride him today and I guessed it was from the constant threat at this moment of mares questioning his masculinity.

[/blockquote]

[Lily Robinson]

I was literally freezing when Maxine started talking to me again. Not that she took a long time, its just that it was really cold. Saffron, who was trying not to show that she was cold, lifting her leg out of the deep snow and shook all the slush off. I patted her once. Why can't we go inside? she muttered, shaking her head. I ignored her, and listened to Maxine. Yeah. Starr wouldn't have really liked it here, though. She hates meeting new pople or animals. Plus, if I forgot to clip her claws she would probably either destroy the room or attack my room-mate. I grinned. We never got her declawed.

I had no problem telling Maxine what brought me here. Oh, well I grew up on a ranch where there were always some kind of visitors. I had a horse named Sleet when I was four, and another one named Jupiter right before I left. He was kind of old, but really crazy. I nodded. He's probably dead now, though. Anyway, I was about to go to high school with all my friends when they heard about Catalpa and decided to send me here. I gave a short laugh. What about you?

Just then, the other senior and her horse rode toward us. Her horse seemed kind of shy and nervous. Saffron growled, Softie.

[/i] I scolded her quickly. If her horse is soft, then YOU'RE hard and cold-hearted.[/i] I reprimanded. Saffron didn't seem to take any notice about what I had said. I listened to what the other senior said.

"I hope you don't mind me butting in, Susan was getting a little annoyed with riding,"

Maxdine replied before I could say anything. After she finished speaking, I smiled. It's perfectly fine. I reassured her. Saffron snorted in disgust. She even has a soft NAME![/i] I silenced her quickly. Do you have to make enemies with every horse you meet?[/i] I demanded. Well, I could use some friends, but...[/i] I quickly cut Saffron off. If you want a friend, BE a friend,[/i] I told her, repeating what I had learned in kindergarten. And what she should have learned what she was kindergarten-aged. [/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Emily Sanders]

Susan's warm voice laughed unnervingly. I patted her neck in case she needed any reassurance with the two new horses and their riders. But she laughed before my pat would even need to come into play. She was so so relaxed with the horses. I couldn't hear the palomino's side of the conversation, but Susan was talking to her like she was some kind of baby.

Don't worry doll. I don't mean any harm. My mare was cut off abruptly by Lily's horse and my eyes narrowed with the deafness I felt. If only I was able to hear the other horse's words.

No need to grow angry. Susan's voice was sharp, like she was the teacher of a noisy and obnoxious group of teenagers. I tapped my heel to her side in a bit of a scolding manner. Who knew what the heck the other horse was "saying" but there was no reason for Susan to talk like that. Especially if she wanted to be liked by the other equines.

"Sorry if Susan isn't being very nice to your horse," I apologized to Lily even though it wasn't my fault. A mare has her moods.

Susan was quiet after that. I could tell she was biting her lip though. She probably had so much to explain to the horse.