Closed How To Not Fall Off (Kyber)

[Samuel Longwell]

Samuel Thoughts Others OOCJust wanted to say that reins doesn't have a g in it. You spelt it like that a few times so I just thought I'd let you know! Reigns is something different. “It would hurt Billy,” the knight said simply, “Just like it would hurt you if someone pulled you hard backwards via a piece of metal in your mouth. Sometimes with the more spirited horses like Dan over here you get into a bit of a wrestling match but you should never pull back harshly unless it is an absolute emergency.” The knight watched his student carefully, trying to see if the squire was using his body in the way he had been instructed. Samuel couldn't really tell, it could be quite a subtle change. Billy was also so well trained that he would slow with very little urging, so the fact that Michael managed to halt the horse did not help Samuel work it out. The knight had a spark of inspiration as Michael called out to him, he knew how he could explain the process a little better. “The easiest way to resist Billy's motion when you want to stop involves applying pressure in the right part of the saddle.” the knight said, “If you clench your stomach muscles and bring your shoulders back you should get the required result. This is important to practice, riding with no hands is an important skill. But you can do that during the next exercise, now we need to get onto turning.” Samuel walked slowly over to where the gelding had halted, considering how best to teach the squire the next technique. He disapproved of lying, but most students overly relied on the reins when there was in fact no need for them when turning. However, they could be an effective way to turn the horse so Samuel didn't want to say they couldn't be used. Reaching Michael, he decided on a compromise. “While you're in motion, move one leg back.” he explained, “This is the direction you will turn. Then with the other leg apply pressure, like you did with both legs to move forward. Your mount will then turn away from the leg applying pressure. The longer you apply pressure for the further you'll turn. You can also pull back gently with one side of your reins to turn in that direction. Let's try the first method for now, it's more difficult but far more useful. So now start riding around slowly, but I don't want to see any tension in the reins while turning. In fact you can let go of them, it'll help improve your balance.”

[Michael Kyber]

OOCThanks for the heads up.

You could ride with out hands? Michael had not known that. In his mind horses worked, if that was the correct term, by pointing their head in the direction you wanted them to go with the reins and telling them to go forward. But clearly he was mistaken. Michael was just now beginning to realize that horses were smarter than he normally gave animals credit for.

Especially Billy. Billy was awesome.

At Ser Longwell's instructions Michael let go of the reins, unconsciously tensing up a little at the feeling of loosing a bit of control. Deciding to try a left turn, Michael moved his left leg back and put a bit more pressure onto Billy's side with his right leg. Now that he was starting to get a feel for what was a good amount of pressure to use when commanding a horse Michael's first attempt, though a little awkward, was successful, and Billy began turning to the left. Once he'd brought Billy round in a full circle Michael reversed the positions of his legs and had Billy walk in another circle to the right. Both maneuvers took quite a while to complete, as from his position on the saddle Michael struggled make it clear to the horse that he wanted to turn faster, but eventually Billy was back in his original position, and a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth made it clear that Michael was pleased with his own progress.

"I think I'm beginning to get the hang of this." He muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

[Samuel Longwell]

Samuel Thoughts Others Samuel noted the understandable tension that entered the squire's body as he let go of the reins. The knight worried that he might have been too hasty asking the squire to let go, but his fears were unfounded. Michael seemed to have no major problem keeping his balance. The fact that Billy was a docile mount certainly helped, which was precisely why Samuel had picked him out. The older man smiled, he was glad that his planning had worked out. “Aye,” the knight replied, “I think you are too. Do a little more riding around with no hands while I go and get Dan, then it'll be time for the last lesson for today. I'll be right back, pay attention to my pace when I ride back.” Samuel jogged over to where Dan was tied to the fence. The great stallion was munching on the grass and seemed a little put out when the knight distracted him from his meal. Murmuring softly, Samuel rubbed the Tiaden's flank, then pulled himself into the saddle. A gentle squeeze from the knight's legs set Dan into motion, then as Samuel continued to apply pressure his mount broke into a trot. The knight took a roundabout route towards the squire, so that Michael would be able to see the gait in action. Rider and mount moved round the track at a brisk pace, over twice as fast as the relaxed walking pace that Billy and Michael moved at. Samuel did his best to bounce along to the motion, which was good for Dan's back as well as stopping the knight from being jolted up and down. Drawing alongside his student and halting the warhorse, Samuel grinned at the younger man. “Now we're going to talk about gaits,” Samuel explained, “which you can think of as the different speeds for a horse. First of all is the walk, which is what you're doing now. Increasing in speed you have the trot, the canter, and finally the gallop. These are the important ones, possibly there are others but these all have solid uses. You're too inexperienced for the last two, but trotting is something you should work on. If you want to get somewhere in good time, a trot is what you want. A horse can trot for hours, but they tire quickly in the two faster gaits. To trot you simply repeat the instruction to start moving while your own mount is already moving. Once Billy speeds up, stop the pressure with your legs. Then you need to try to rise up and down in time with him as he's trotting. Give it a go, it's not something you'll master straight away but it's important to start early. I'll ride along behind to support you if you need it.”

[Michael Kyber]

As Samuel went to fetch his horse Michael continued to do some turns with Billy without using his hands. Though his turns were getting better and better to say that he was improving wasn't quite fair; Billy was the one doing all the work after all, he was just learning to instruct him properly. When Samuel came back atop his horse Michael payed attention as instructed, taking note of how much stronger Sam's horse seemed to be.

"That's a powerful looking horse you have there." He said with a hint of awe in his tone. "What breed did you say it was, a Tiaden? I've never heard of that breed before."

After listening to and taking in Ser Longwell's lecture on the different classes of gaits, Michael took his cue to begin and gently applied a bit of pressure to both of Billy's sides to get him to start off in a walk, keeping his hands off the reins still so he could focus on using his legs. After a few seconds of walking to prepare himself Michael put a bit of pressure on Billy's sides again, and suddenly found himself feeling quite unstable again as Billy sped up and began to bounce him up and down with his pace. Gods it was hard to not imagine himself slipping off the saddle at times like this.

As Samuel had instructed though Michael tried to rise and fall with the rhythm of Billy's steps, but found himself largely unsuccessful. Instead of synchronizing with it Michael found himself pushed up by Billy's pace, and all the jolting around he was getting was proving to be very uncomfortable for his pelvis.

He looked over to Samuel, trying to see how he was matching the pace of his horse. On a horse like his it was easy to imagine how getting bumped around by it could be very painful, so how was he dealing with all the force.

"This is starting to get a little uncomfortable." He said with a flinch as his legs began to protest at the treatment they were receiving.

[Samuel Longwell]

Samuel Thoughts Others OOCI think another post each and we'll be done? I've enjoyed threading with you, maybe we could do another thread together next season? “Aye lad,” Samuel replied, “Dan's a Tiaden warhorse. They are pretty much just ridden by the knights. If all goes well you'll be riding one eventually.” The knight was impressed by the younger man's attentiveness. Michael was clearly eager to learn, which made the whole experience much more pleasant for the pair of them. As the squire pushed Billy into a walk, the knight followed suit. Samuel held his reins firmly, keeping enough tension to keep his spirited mount in check. Looking over to the squire, Samuel noticed that the younger man was not holding onto his reins. That just wouldn't do. “You're going to want to take hold of your reins for the trot.” Samuel advised, a cautioning note in his voice. He hoped he hadn't unconsciously implied that it would be beneficial for Michael to try a new gait without use of the reins. But that couldn't be helped now. When Billy broke into a trot, Samuel once more squeezed with his legs and the huge warhorse picked up the pace to match that of the smaller mount. The knight raised himself out of his seat slightly, his own body rising and falling in time with Dan's. The Tiaden's muscles rippled under his dark coat, seemingly unconcerned with the weight of the load on his back. The sight filled Samuel with respect for the strength of the beast below him and he once again wondered how quickly the pair would be able to go if they truly let loose. Samuel chuckled quietly to himself at the squire's words. The knight thought back to his own time learning to ride. His patron had made him ride until he could barely stand from the pain in his legs and backside. Not wanting to inflict the same fate on his student, the knight decided it was time to call it a day. “Let's stop there Michael,” Samuel called, halting his mount. “If we spend much more time on this you're going to have a pretty horrible day tomorrow. Come with me and I'll show you where we need to return the horses to.” With these words the knight dismounted and started to lead Dan to the stables.

[Michael Kyber]

OOCSounds good to me. And yes I'd like that
Thank you for threading with me, it's been fun.

Michael breathed a small sigh of relief when Ser Longwell mentioned that he should in fact be holding on to the reins for the new gait. Even if it didn't help his stability at all it gave Michael something do to with his hands, and gave him a feeling of being more in control in this unfamiliar situation. He took the reins as Billy broke into his trot, but for the most part allowed the horse to continue in whatever direction he liked.

As they continued to trot Michael found himself starting to get better at rising in time with Billy, but not well enough to reduce the growing ache in his legs. He smiled in relief when Samuel announced that they should stop and call it a day.

As he dismounted from his horse, Michael suddenly discovered how stiff his inner legs had become. It was like his legs were cramped in their riding position, and he winced in pain as he brought them back together normally again. As Samuel led the way back to the stables Michael followed with a slightly awkward looking walk.

Back at the stable Michael handed Billy's reins back to one of the stablehands and gave Billy a pat as they took him away to his pen. He then turned to Samuel and gave him a quick bow. "Thank you for the lesson today Ser Longwell, I appreciate it. It's been an honor learning from you."

[Samuel Longwell]

Samuel Thoughts Others Samuel glanced back at the squire and grinned at the squire's bow-legged shuffle, Samuel knew that feeling all too well. Thankfully his muscles had gotten used to the exertion of riding, so he would only start to feel similar pain after half a day of riding. “That'll get easier lad,” Samuel said sympathetically, “regular practice will toughen your muscles up for riding.” The knight knew this wouldn't be the most helpful advice right now, but at least it would prevent the squire from getting so disheartened about the pain. Too many squires struggled with the intensity of the training in the first few weeks and gave up, not being able to comprehend keeping it up. Upon arrival at the stables Samuel called to two of the grooms nearby to take the horses off the two men. Samuel stroked Dan's neck gently, smiling in amusement as the horse huffed at him indifferently. The great warhorse was slowly warming up to him but the Tiaden still wasn't the most affectionate mount. The knight, however, could no longer imagine riding any other horse. “Make sure Billy gets plenty of food tonight,” Samuel instructed the stable-hands, “he's been working hard today.” Turning back to Michael, Samuel smiled at his student's words. He had enjoyed giving the lesson, the squire's enthusiasm to learn had made the lesson pleasantly straightforward. “You're very welcome Michael,” the knight said, “it's been a pleasure teaching you. Keep it up and you'll be a fine rider in no time. I'll talk to your patron and maybe arrange for you to patrol with me at some point. Get you used to what you've signed up for eh? I look forward to seeing your progress” With these words Samuel nodded to the squire and set off to his apartment.

[Samuel Longwell]

Grading Complete Please edit your grade request thread so that it's obvious that it's been graded. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions/problems with your grade. Name: Samuel XP Award: Horsemanship 1 Observation 5 Socialisation 2 Teaching 5 Philosophy 1 Riding: Horse 2 Lore: Michael Kyber: Ser Mortmer's Squire Philosophy: We're not just about violence Michael Kyber: Asks intelligent questions Teaching: Sometimes it's difficult to explain ideas Dan: A strong companion Rewards: Shield Points: +2 Training a squire Name: Michael XP Award: Observation 4 Socialisation 3 Horsemanship 2 Philosophy 1 Riding: Horse 5 Endurance 1 Lore: Zavian breed: Dependable and versatile Don't approach a new horse from behind Ser Longwell: Grizzled-but-nice vibe Billy: A likeable Zavian Horsemanship: Putting on a saddle Riding: Simple commands Billy is awesome Tiaden breed: The knights' warhorses Tiaden breed: Huge powerful beasts Rewards: Shield Points: +3 Training Notes: I enjoyed writing this with you, let me know if you think I've missed anything.