Ready to Run

Writers: Chelle, Len, Paula
Date Posted: 20th June 2011

Characters: Aivorn, Sarban, Pergall
Description: The two of them discuss the preparations for the races.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 2, day 18 of Turn 6
Notes: Mentioned: Corowal

With only a month left before Emerald Falls' next big gather, which
would include runner races, Aivorn, Sarban and his best jockey were
going through the hold's runners, to see which one would take part in
the race. After they knew which runners would race, they would concentrate
on training them.

"So, Iron Dawn. He's still young, but I think he's ready to race in
his maiden," the master beastcrafter said and stroked the young colt's
neck.

Pergall, the jockey, looked over his shoulder and nodded. "He should
be now. That second maiden should fit him well, I think he needs a
bit of distance." The race he was thinking of would suit the sleek
animal better than the mad dash that would be the first maiden race of
the day. "How about Hidden Cove? She should fit the 5th race, it's
over two miles..she'd like the distance too." He glanced over to the
bay filly half asleep in her stall.

"If we found her a rider who's lightweight enough. She doesn't do well
with a heavy jockey," Aivorn replied to Pergall.

Sarban's eyes ran over the Hold's stock. The breeders were separated from
the rest. Corowal enjoyed his runners, that was for sure. Now was the time
to prove their quality and their worth, as well as show off the Hold at its own Gather. "Iron Dawn is a good choice aye. How many runners did we decide to enter, since we have the home advantage?"

"As many as we can. The problem is, do we have enough jockeys? We have
more runners than riders," Aivorn replied to the Steward, lamenting for the
millionth time, that women weren't allowed to beastcraft. They made excellent jockeys. Average women weighed less than same sized men and some runners responded better to a woman's touch. Of course, there were also runners that needed a man's firm touch. When his daughter Aishara had been younger, he had allowed her to race, disguised as a boy (and only in small races) until she grew hips and breasts that couldn't be hidden any longer.

"Cull the young men. Most of them can ride. And the young adolescents
would be smaller even than the full grown jockeys. Maybe not in the more
dangerous races, but they can do the easier courses." He had been thinking
about that for a long time.

Aivorn nodded at the Steward's words. "Emerald Champion is kind of
obvious participant, since he is last Turn's winner, and the winner
Turn before that and before that... I think we can fit in one more
prize rosette to his stall."

"Yeah, but what about that left foreleg of his? Maybe if he runs he
should go on the turf race this time and leave the dirt running to the
younger horses." Pergall looked at the Master.

"I think we can get in condition before the race. But maybe we should
limit him to the turf only," Aivorn nodded. There was no need to
cripple a runner just for the glory of the victory.

"Now, Ivory really likes fences most and Emerald River, she could do well on short distances too. I wouldn't bet on her victory though, unless something unexpected happens."

"You never know. The winner's not announced until after the race has
been run, after all." The tiny jockey reached out and patted the grey
mare.

"Well, give me a list and I'll set up our entries. I'm also going to
start recording the other ones so I'll have a complete list in time for people to start considering bets. One of my understewards will be running the betting cages." Sarban had done that before and the man in question was plenty good at arithmetic. "Continue training and regular exercising, as well as running the courses which will need to be set up, mowed, painted, and all that. My groundsmen will start on the chore tomorrow."

Aivorn nodded. "Any idea what runners the other Lords are entering? Or when
they will be arriving?" He was the one who would have to arrange space for all the visiting runners.

"They should all be here by the day of gather setup, though some may come
a day or so before. Some of the Lords have mentioned they could bring
breeding stock for sale or trade. I'm thinking our breeding cup will
also accomplish some of that for us." He knew Corowal would be pleased.

"Good. Iron Maiden should come to heat around that time, so maybe I can have some Amber Hills or Green Valley stallions to stud her," Aivorn said
with a certain excitement.

"We trust you to manage the Hold's stock, Master Aivorn. You haven't steered us wrong yet." Sarban didn't know much about runners so he did lean on the beastcrafter overmuch.

"Aye, and I won't," Aivorn said.

"Pergall, the weavers are getting the silks ready. They need to measure all the jockeys by the end of next sevenday. You all will also be responsible for arranging your tack with the tanners since it will need to be to measure as well. If it's still serviceable, keep it but shine it up." He knew they were well aware of what they needed to do.

Hearing that reminded Aivorn that he needed a new gather tunic too.
His old one was starting to look bit, well, old, as his daughter had
pointed out last time he wore it.

"Will do sir. And what about that Merald boy? You think he's ready
to ride? He'd be good on some of the young fillies, being so small
and all." Pergall nodded, thinking of the young appentice boy.

"We can put him into a test. See if he does well with Bird Song. She's
easy on an unexperienced rider," Aivorn said.

"Allright, keep me posted on everything. Otherwise, we have our deadlines
and I'll start on things I can do." Sarban headed out of the stables.

"I'll keep you posted," Aivorn called after him and turned back to the
runners. "Now, let's see if Maiden needs to be reshod."

Last updated on the August 3rd 2011

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