Lust Meets Wrath

First Horse Skills

Lena was sitting on the porch in the rocking chair, watching over Havu and Striker.

Havu now two years old was learning how to raise a horse. Sort of. More like bond and care for it. Rosie was a year and half old. Brushing her hide and cleaning her hooves was important.  Striker was using Bombproof as his example. While Havu brushed Rosie and pet her. Ametrine watching closely and snorting softly. 

Havu was very careful and whispered to Rosie when she worked on the hooves with some help. Striker smiled some, watching his daughter. Havu spent time bonding with Rosie. 

Now we all know horses usually develop fairly fast... but given that Nightmares don't have an age limit they tend to develop a little slower than living world horses. Rosie hadn't grown a whole lot, but then she wouldn't be full size until she was at least six years old.  She wouldn't be ready to mate until sixteen. 

Havu often spent most days while Striker and Lena were doing chores with Rosie in the field. Bombproof and Ametrine nearby, Astrila checking on her when not herding the bees. Rosie enjoyed her company, they sometimes played games and raced. Other times Havu was just caring for her, brushing or rubdowns or hoof cleaning. Feeding was also in Havu's court. Since Nightmares tended to be mostly carnivores they went though meat  a lot. 

Striker decided one day to take her riding on Bombproof.  Bombproof was not a gentle horse by any means however he did listen to Striker over all else. Striker raised him, taught him. So when he felt little Havu climbing in the saddle with Striker he didn't balk at it. When he gave her the reins he waited. 

Havu bit her lip. "Daddy are you sure?"

"Mhm, now urge him on like Ah showed ya before."

She nodded and loosened her grip, giving him a little kick with her legs. Bombproof walked forward and nickered. She smiled and wagged her tail. 

"Bombproof knows ya and is used to being ridden. When Rosie starts out, she won't know any of that. So ya gotta be patient." Striker smiled at her. 

Havu smiled back and rumbled. "Ah can't wait."

"Ah know." He chuckled. 

Lena smiled and took up on Ametrine's back. The Nightmare snorting and then trotting alongside them. Rosie trotting beside her mother. 

"Now if ya want him to go faster ya gotta get closer to him, lean into him and make yourself small. Less resistance while he runs." Striker smiled. 

Havu nodded and leaned in close. Striker did the same. Bombproof started to gallop faster and let out a happy screechwhinny. 

Lena leaned in on Ametrine and she kept pace, Rosie right beside them. 

"Rosie will learn this kinda thing when she is ready to be ridden." Striker smiled and nuzzled his daughter. She giggled some. "Ya think so daddy?" She asked. "Ah know so lil' sugarcube." He assured her. 

Lena smiled and wagged her tail. Ametrine keeping pace with Rosie beside them. 

"Alright kiddo hold on tight, you wanna feel how fast Bombproof can go?" He asked curling his tail around her, she curled her own around him as much as she could. 

"How fast?" She asked.

"Striker, don't be reckless dear." Lena looked to him. The look of a woman who trusted her husband but didn't want her only child harmed. 

"Ah've got her dearest heart." He winked then looked to Havu. "Bombproof is real fast, hold on tight." Havu clung to the horse. "Bombproof..." Striker looked up. The horse nickered and listened. "Let 'er buck!" Bombproof took off like a bullet from a gun, leaped the fence and took off running into the woods. 

Lena stayed behind, trotting Ametrine and Rosie around the pasture. 

A good half an hour passed before Bombproof came back. Havu leaned back and the Hellhorse slowed down, coming into the pasture at an even trot. 

>>>>

After the horses were all stripped free of gear they were let loose and they played together. 

Havu smiled and wagged her tail. "So cute."

Striker smiled and nodded some. "They can be."

With the first little lessons wrapped up, the three imps went inside for dinner.