Description
Horse: AVS Starstruck Silvyr
Rider: Kathrynne Rothschild
Event: Imperial's Golden Hunt
Class: Drag Hunting
Registration Number: 021
Extra Image: Entering the Golden Ballroom
So incredibly proud they brought home the Bloody Ripper Award, with the following prizes:
Day 1
Imperials. The name alone was a monument within the horse world. But the idea of being here, on the actual estate grounds, was more than Kat could even put into words. Majesty. Grandeur. The stunning architecture and scenic layout of Imperial Stables left her completely breathless. It was like a magnificent dream - one that she would be okay if she never woke up from.
Kat had travelled with her dear friend Occa, and Occa’s cousin Thienna, to participate in the amazing Autumnal Event hosted in Austria. Kat and Occa brought their Australian Warmbloods to participate in the Drag Hunt. Kat knew that such a fun event, with a large number of entrants, was the perfect occasion to socialize Silvyr – her stunning, silver bay stallion – while starting to mingle with some other members of the equestrian world. She wasn’t focused on placing, but did hope that she’d make a few new friends during the experience, and maybe even a chance to meet the famous pirate hosts.
Thanks to all the efficient planning by the hosts, the arrival and settling of the horses was smooth and easy. Silvyr seemed to have no issues adjusting to life in the exquisite guest stables, and Kat had to remind him in hushed whispers that the cozy accommodations were just temporary. Silvyr didn’t seem to be listening though, as he grabbed a mouthful of hay and began munching away happily.
Seeing the horses settled, Kat allowed herself to be pulled away by Occa and Thienna, so they could explore the activities and acquaint themselves with the agenda and locations. Not that she didn’t already have Occa’s itinerary memorized, as they had gone over it time-and-time-again on the plane, but now that she was here, she just wanted to see and experience everything. And it was no surprise that Occa’s first stop for the girls was at the Outfittery (Kat could swear that her green-haired friend could survive on fashion alone – if anyone could claim that). They spent their time traversing the tents, learning about fabrics, patterns and traditional attire. When it came time for Kat to purchase a dirndl, for the upcoming Jägerball, she followed her friend’s lead, and ordered a custom-fitted dress to support the local seamstresses/tailors.
Then the girls took some time to sit and relax as they watched the Mounted Archery tournament. Kat paid attention to how in-tune each rider was with their horses, and how they were able to move (and fire their arrows) as an extension of one another. She was mesmerized by a pretty cremello Ober named Queenie, fell in love with a flaxen roan Ober named Saba, absolutely astounded by Ida & Naluca’s performance, and found herself cheering insanely loudly for Jorge & Babieca’s demonstration. She hoped she would have a chance to speak with some of the participants, and learn their secrets and tips for such a specialized discipline… and maybe convince a few of them to take a photo of themselves and their horses with her.
But she wasn’t left to her thoughts for long, before Thienna was dragging Kat and Occa along to the evening’s Carriage Ride event. Kat and Occa thought it would be fun to sit bundled up in the carriage, and be given an escorted tour of the stunning stable’s grounds. But Thienna left the girls in the back, so she could sit up front and converse with the driver – learning all about driving a fine hunting carriage and practicing her skills. Meanwhile, the sun began to set and the carriage’s lanterns were lit – creating a magical atmosphere as Kat looked out onto Imperial’s nightly splendor.
Day 2
Kat started the morning by checking on Silvyr, making sure he was well cared for and in good spirits. She gave him a light massage, feeling his muscles and making sure there were no tender spots. She wanted him in perfect condition for the Drag Hunt this afternoon. They had been practicing some light cross-country type training back home, in preparation for this event. But truth-be-told, she wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Neither of them had ever participated in a Hunt, and Kat wanted to make sure that they were starting off on the best foot possible. She stroked the firmly-bristled brush across his back, finishing a light grooming as he nibbled the last bits of hay from his breakfast, and then turned to sniff her pockets for goodies.
They had only been working together for a short time, and already Kat felt a deep connection with him. Their first show had gone so much better than she had even hoped for, and now she was thrilled that they could participate together with Occa, and her beautiful mare Kim. Occa’s mare was just a bit older than Silvyr, and definitely calmer than Kat’s stallion. But Kat thought he was doing well for a 5-year-old stallion who was just coming into his own. Silvyr seemed to enjoy Kim’s company, and although the girls hadn’t officially discussed anything, Kat couldn’t help but wonder what kind of remarkable foal those two could produce.
As if knowing she was thinking about them, her friends greeted her at the stable door – also having finished checking in on their horses. Kat cheerfully greeted Occa and Thienna, and then headed out of the stables to brunch with her friends, as they heard Thienna’s fiery Arabian stallion snort with impatience. Thienna confirmed he was more than “ready” for the next day’s Cross-Country Event.
The girls enjoyed a nice slow start to their day, but as the afternoon began to draw nearer, Kat felt a tiny little knot in her stomach begin to grow. What if she made a fool of herself out there in front of so many renowned horsemen? What if Silvyr misbehaved? What if she pushed him too hard? What if they weren’t ready for this? She had tied a green – or “inexperienced” – ribbon in his tail, but hoped that there wouldn’t be any issues. Kat wished she could be as cool and calm as Occa was, at least on the outside.
The girls returned to the guest barns around 2pm to get the horses saddled up. Silvyr and Kim were both eager to stretch their legs, and seemed to feed off the girls’ excitement. Thienna was there to lend a hand and hang out – as she was only an observer for this event. The adorable blonde wished them both good luck, and then went back to the main seating where she would watch and wait with the rest of the unmounted guests.
As the girls met up with the gathering group of riders, they noticed a special beverage was being shared with everyone. Someone offered Kat a glass, and she drank the provided Sturm – which turned out to be a fine, matured grape juice. As she swallowed the sparkling beverage down, she looked over at Occa who noted it wasn’t all that bad. Kat had less of a developed palate than her refined friend, but even she had to admit she was pleasantly surprised by the flavor. It left a certain warmth in her belly, and she figured it just might help take the edge off as she joined the chaos that was about to ensue.
Within a short period of time, all the riders were mounted and she found herself sitting in the saddle on a wary – but intrigued – Silvyr, as she listened to the instructions that the field master was shouting out to the group. Trying to pay attention as best she could, Kat couldn’t help but note all the familiar horse and rider faces she recognized. There were so many people here that she would love for a chance to get to meet and speak with. But she refocused herself, remembering that safety and keeping her mind on this ride were the most important thing she could do right now.
The field master led the group out across the turf, releasing the hounds. All of the horses seemed relieved to be finally moving (as the pent-up energy of their riders turned into focus on the field before them). Kat was happy to be starting further back in the pack of riders, so she could watch how other pairs handled the terrain and get a feel for how this was going to go. But despite her nerves and uncertainty, she was already having the time of her life and could feel a smile slowly starting to spread across her face. Silvyr was surefooted, and took no notice of the baying hounds, as he cantered forward to catch up with Kim. He moved alongside the pretty grey mare, as Occa looked over with a wink, and the girls threw themselves into the experience wholeheartedly.
They rode up steep hills, down forested valleys, jumping fallen logs and bush-like foliage, all while following the field master and the happy hounds. The clouds in the sky created a stunning palette, as the sun drew lower across the horizon. Colors of Fall surrounded them on every side. Kat kept Silvyr close to Occa and Kim, but occasionally they would surge ahead or fall just behind their friends. Kat was amazed at how many other riders she passed whom were willing to share a quick greeting or a warm smile. For this one magical moment, she felt as if she had developed a kinship with all of the other equestrians.
The hounds began to escalate in their intensity, as the field master followed their lead. Surely, they were close to finding the elusive Golden Fox. Hmmm, Kat pondered, was that a nickname Anya ever used for him? Kat began to search the nearby foliage, keeping her eyes open for the Admiral. Although she had never expected to be the one to capture him, she didn’t want to miss any opportunities because she did not even try…
_____
With Damon discovered and the Hunt drawing to an end, Kat wanted to make sure that Silvyr would get back and get a thorough grooming and rub-down, and then a nice hot shower for herself to help relax her muscles, before getting all dressed up for the Evening Event: the Jägerball. She was looking forward for a chance to show off her new dress, learn all about some Austrian culture, and for a chance to mingle with all of the equestrians in attendance. As the outdoor festivities concluded, the indoor festivities (and her night) were just about to begin…
Word Count: 1742
Dude, what was I thinking?!? I've never done an entry of this magnitude this before. I know others have drawn even more characters, but this was a biggie for me.
Like... how does one even... with proportions/perspectives... and interactions... and whatnot?
This was definitely outside my comfort zone, but I'm happy to say that it was a good experiment for me to attempt (and learn from some mistakes). There's still so much I want to tweak, but if I don't get at least a couple hours of sleep before my next couple work days, I'm gonna be in so much trouble!
Thank you abosz007 for hosting an event that was insanely inspiring and also the-death-of-me, all wrapped up into one, LOL.
I wish I would have had time to draw an extra for every single 'side-event' (especially Falconry, I was really looking forward to that) and find the time to RP with more dA members. If RL could have just let up a little bit (I know it's crazy for all of us right now) I would have had so much fun practicing and getting to collab with everyone attending. The Carriage Rides, Dog Introductions (Alpesi Terelő), multiple Jägerball opportunities and the Awards Ceremonies seem like they'd be a blast, too. I love how well planned out so many aspects of the Golden Hunt were, and all the fantastic mood/inspiration boards to help aid our entries to look more authentic. I hope to be able to find more time for RP's and character development with future shows. Thanks so much to Imperial Stables and Copac Union for hosting this incredible event.
I'd like to extend a huge THANK YOU to monymay14 , KimEnLie and Emii-M for letting me steal their characters for cameos <333
I'm sorry if I messed anyone up (I'm still learning human anatomy... well, heck, all anatomy) .
Pose references (horse/rider left-to-right):
- Occa/Kim: 3DE Cross Country Stock Into the Water
- Kat/Silvyr: Cross country 06
- Kai/Punk: Cross Country Stock-127
- Hiro Dean/Helles: Bay Dutch Warmblood Gelding Riding Bareback
- Alexa/Holly: Bay Eventing Horse Cross Country
Dog refs: Adobe stock, Dog 1936 and my sister's (hound-mix) dog photos
Background ref/inspiration: Provided by Event host
Characters belong to their owners:
Occa & Kim © monymay14
Kat & Silvyr © ReQuay
Kai & Punk © KimEnLie
Alexa , Hiro, Holly , Helles © Emii-M
Hounds are NPC
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year <333