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Description
Connor and Sagadir are training for the WS event

First of the extra images... AND the first footage of the newly built indoor arena at Zdarloch Stables (it has already become rather popular, among both two- and fourlegged individuals)
It also provides a distraction-free environment for Sagadir's training. This boy is easily distracted by his surroundings usually, heh.

I tried some more cell shading this time; not entiiiirely sure how that works with the dapples but eeeee. It was fun to try ^^

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Story
The footing whirled up great, dusty clouds of particles that caught the light of the afternoon sun and danced in the air like tiny planets in a strange and foreign solar system, as Sagadir once again transitioned into a canter. Connor tugged lightly on the inside rein, bending the stallion slightly inwards, encouraging him to carry himself further while still staying soft in the bridle. Sagadir snorted and stretched his nose forward and down, but Connor kept his arms and elbows pliable.
You can balance yourself, young man, he thought as the stallion snorted again. I can't do it for you..
And sure enough, Sagadir complied. He carried himself forward in the canter, smooth and supple as a dancer.
Connor was relieved - for younger horses canter was often the gait that took more schooling than any other. They often lack the strength to hold themselves in a rhythmic quality canter - and this was especially an issue with Zlesdin horses who would instead often resolve to some bastard variant of ambling rather than a full canter. Sagadir was -and had always been- an exception to that general rule, however. The young stallion had showcased a fairly balanced canter even from the start and he was a fast learner... provided he concentrated, that is. Keeping the stallion focused was the real challenge here.
There was still two months to the prestiged Elite Dressage Event at Wilkenburg Stables, but there was much to do in the meantime. Sagadir was younger than most of the other horses at the show, and thus he could not yet boast an array of high-level moves. So for now it was all about getting the groundwork impeccable, at least. Today: transition training.
Another downward transition and Sagadir complied and descended into a powerful trot. Not a lot of respite before being asked to canter again, this time in the other direction and opposite lead. By now Sagadir was sharp to the upwards and downwards transitions and moved easily back and forth between the gaits.
I sure hope he'll be as compliant at the show, Connor thought to himself.
Word count: 352

----
In image
Connor Goldenweizer and ZS Sagadir
For the WS Elite Dressage Event
Ground texture: own
Ref for horse: own

Description
Connor and Sagadir are training for the WS event

First of the extra images... AND the first footage of the newly built indoor arena at Zdarloch Stables (it has already become rather popular, among both two- and fourlegged individuals)
It also provides a distraction-free environment for Sagadir's training. This boy is easily distracted by his surroundings usually, heh.

I tried some more cell shading this time; not entiiiirely sure how that works with the dapples but eeeee. It was fun to try ^^

----

Story
The footing whirled up great, dusty clouds of particles that caught the light of the afternoon sun and danced in the air like tiny planets in a strange and foreign solar system, as Sagadir once again transitioned into a canter. Connor tugged lightly on the inside rein, bending the stallion slightly inwards, encouraging him to carry himself further while still staying soft in the bridle. Sagadir snorted and stretched his nose forward and down, but Connor kept his arms and elbows pliable.
You can balance yourself, young man, he thought as the stallion snorted again. I can't do it for you..
And sure enough, Sagadir complied. He carried himself forward in the canter, smooth and supple as a dancer.
Connor was relieved - for younger horses canter was often the gait that took more schooling than any other. They often lack the strength to hold themselves in a rhythmic quality canter - and this was especially an issue with Zlesdin horses who would instead often resolve to some bastard variant of ambling rather than a full canter. Sagadir was -and had always been- an exception to that general rule, however. The young stallion had showcased a fairly balanced canter even from the start and he was a fast learner... provided he concentrated, that is. Keeping the stallion focused was the real challenge here.
There was still two months to the prestiged Elite Dressage Event at Wilkenburg Stables, but there was much to do in the meantime. Sagadir was younger than most of the other horses at the show, and thus he could not yet boast an array of high-level moves. So for now it was all about getting the groundwork impeccable, at least. Today: transition training.
Another downward transition and Sagadir complied and descended into a powerful trot. Not a lot of respite before being asked to canter again, this time in the other direction and opposite lead. By now Sagadir was sharp to the upwards and downwards transitions and moved easily back and forth between the gaits.
I sure hope he'll be as compliant at the show, Connor thought to himself.
Word count: 352

----
In image
Connor Goldenweizer and ZS Sagadir
For the WS Elite Dressage Event
Ground texture: own
Ref for horse: own