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Description

Man i just love a good backlit image... and shading a nice grey.
SO this was entirely self indulgent but also helps progress Greg's career.

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Greg had been working towards this all show season. All the early mornings and long weekends at the stable working and training had been to reach this goal of earning his way into the Championship. His school work may have suffered a bit thanks to the hours, but he was managing to pass. And, after all, it was only year 10. Its not like it was that important to his career as a rider.... right? His mum had been less keen for him to miss a week of schooling to drive up for the event, but she had relented after he had agreed that he would study the whole drive and would make sure he got his work done before the show began. It was 90% done. That was enough for now. Greg was sure he would be able to focus better on the remaining work once the show was done and he wasn't dealing with the nerves. Besides, Soma had done even less work than he had.

Thankfully there was one thing he knew he didn't have to worry about. His lesson horse over the last years, and competition mount this season was an old hat at this showing business. He had travelled and competed at events all over multiple states, and although he had not competed in a Championship at this height before, they had been managing to do well through the qualifying shows. He was one of the older and smaller horses in the class, but Greg had absolute trust that Garry would look after him.

Ryan and Cavan watched them warm up for their round with a very different view.

"He is fast outgrowing that horse." Ryan rubbed his jaw as he kept his eyes on his student.

Nodding his agreement, Cavan couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for the kid. "If he agrees to it, we should take it slow, get him doing training work on both horses for a while to help him adjust and make it less of a wrench."

"Agreed." Ryan was glad Cavan had shared his evaluation. Harley had been the one with the idea originally, but after she had left and he had been doing so much with the Olympics lead up that he had been sharing the coaching role with Cavan. They hadn't wanted to swap things up mid season for Greg after all of the trainer swapping, but it had become achingly clear that Greg was progressing beyond the small geldings abilities. He needed more horse if he wanted to continue to climb the levels. The grey was a good youth horse, but as they rode around with the other competitors, it was very clear that his heart wasn't in competing at this level.

"Walter is older, but is in great condition and still eager and has the power to compete at the higher level." Ryan was murmuring softly to himself as he went over the benefits for the umpteenth time.

Cavan slung his arm companionably over the smaller mans shoulder. "And he is sensible for a stallion." Cavan looked down at his best friend and squeezed him lightly, wanting to reassure him. "We will see how they work together, but i think its likely the best match for both at this stage in their careers. If it doesn't work out we can reevaluate, and look at other options for Greg."

Cavan knew how much Ryan put into developing the riders and horses under his charge. It was a great strength, but he was also aware how it made him anxious. They didn't really have another ideal horse for the young rider, all the others were either too wild or not at the right competition level for Greg to step onto smoothly. If things didn't work out, he had been thinking they might have to look at purchasing a suitable horse. It would be expensive, but he was certain that it would be invaluable in developing their young riders into future competitors for the horses they bred. But he hadn't wanted to load those concerns onto Ryan's shoulders. That was something he and Neaghe would discuss after they got home from the event.

It was a cool and crisp morning, not as cold as it was back at the stud at this time of year. Nothing really compared to the Antarctic winds coming off the southern ocean, but it was cool enough that most of the mainlanders were rugged up. The sun had risen and was determinedly peeking through the looming clouds in order to light up the SIEC facilities. Ryan patted Cavan's hand and walked forward as Greg trotted over to where they waited, eager for some last minute advice before they were called up for their round.

Cavan smiled at the pair, Greg clearly was battling off the preshow jitters while Garry took the moment to close his eyes for a quick nap in a way that only a riding school pony could manage in such an atmosphere. His phone buzzed in his pocket and looking away he glanced down to see a text from Soma. 'Leavin stables. Horses fine. Gettin chips on the way'. Cavan rolled his eyes at the kids eagerness for hot chips for breakfast, but didn't doubt his ability to find them. Quickly typing his reply 'Greg is on in 5, don't get lost' he tucked the phone away and made his way over to join the last of the conversation.

"Remember, you will have to ride him bold to make the strides or he will chip in some and throw off your distances." Ryan paused his pep talk to play with the greys ears. "The most important thing is to have a safe and fun round. You did amazing to get here and you have the skill and talent for this." He smiled up at the the gangly youth. "Look after each other, and just enjoy getting to compete in your first Championship."

"Thanks Ry" Greg swallowed and nervously fiddled with the reins. He knew he should be relaxing and enjoying things. He was at an international event Jumping in a Championship. It was something he had dreamed about since he started competing. But he just couldn't help the anxious fizz in his gut. He didn't want to let anyone down. But there was a lot of pressure given that he could see people looking at them. Having an Olympian there cheering him on was definitely not something that he had expected for his first big event.

NEXT TO THE RING GREGORY TALBOT ON GARRAWI

His gut clenched as his name crackled through the speaker. Gathering up his rains he let Ryan check the girth one last time before they started the walk to the competition arena. It wasn't in the big arena, thank goodness, but with the banked spectator area it definitely felt like a stadium as he heard them clapping for the riders ahead of him.

Soma called out as he ran towards them, waving the small cup of chips in his hand that were drowning with sauce. Greg's nerves making him feel suddenly nauseous at the mere thought of eating. He resisted to roll his eyes at the other guys super chilled attitude as he chatted quite happily away about the cute girl at the food truck. It was frustrating, and Greg was always left with the bitter taste of envy at Soma's confidence. They had thankfully been getting a long a bit better, but Soma seemed to just be naturally good at everything and it grated.

Ryan reached over and patted Greg's knee as they made it to the gate, bringing the youngsters focus back. "Remember. Have fun. Be safe. Don't let Garry fall asleep out there." Ryan's smiled widened as he teased him, and Greg rolled his eyes. It was an actual risk knowing the gelding. He took a deep breath and gripped the reins as the gate opened and he was ushered into the Arena.

1,331 wc

-----

Sydney International Showjumping Festival

Rider: Gregory Talbot
Age: 16yo
Stable: KhanCohban Farm
Country: Australia

Horse: KhC Garrawi *
Age: 17yo Gelding

Class: Sydney Youth Championship (1.30m)
Previous Experience: Going Places
Shown on the way to fence 9

Referencing
4 stills used from a super tiny grainy streamed showjumping class to help get the shading and posing looking right
Provided images used of the SIEC facilities to get it looking right(ish).
No refs used for lighting.
Composition with the Eucalypt on the side was inspired by Showjumping 166

Description

Man i just love a good backlit image... and shading a nice grey.
SO this was entirely self indulgent but also helps progress Greg's career.

-----

Greg had been working towards this all show season. All the early mornings and long weekends at the stable working and training had been to reach this goal of earning his way into the Championship. His school work may have suffered a bit thanks to the hours, but he was managing to pass. And, after all, it was only year 10. Its not like it was that important to his career as a rider.... right? His mum had been less keen for him to miss a week of schooling to drive up for the event, but she had relented after he had agreed that he would study the whole drive and would make sure he got his work done before the show began. It was 90% done. That was enough for now. Greg was sure he would be able to focus better on the remaining work once the show was done and he wasn't dealing with the nerves. Besides, Soma had done even less work than he had.

Thankfully there was one thing he knew he didn't have to worry about. His lesson horse over the last years, and competition mount this season was an old hat at this showing business. He had travelled and competed at events all over multiple states, and although he had not competed in a Championship at this height before, they had been managing to do well through the qualifying shows. He was one of the older and smaller horses in the class, but Greg had absolute trust that Garry would look after him.

Ryan and Cavan watched them warm up for their round with a very different view.

"He is fast outgrowing that horse." Ryan rubbed his jaw as he kept his eyes on his student.

Nodding his agreement, Cavan couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for the kid. "If he agrees to it, we should take it slow, get him doing training work on both horses for a while to help him adjust and make it less of a wrench."

"Agreed." Ryan was glad Cavan had shared his evaluation. Harley had been the one with the idea originally, but after she had left and he had been doing so much with the Olympics lead up that he had been sharing the coaching role with Cavan. They hadn't wanted to swap things up mid season for Greg after all of the trainer swapping, but it had become achingly clear that Greg was progressing beyond the small geldings abilities. He needed more horse if he wanted to continue to climb the levels. The grey was a good youth horse, but as they rode around with the other competitors, it was very clear that his heart wasn't in competing at this level.

"Walter is older, but is in great condition and still eager and has the power to compete at the higher level." Ryan was murmuring softly to himself as he went over the benefits for the umpteenth time.

Cavan slung his arm companionably over the smaller mans shoulder. "And he is sensible for a stallion." Cavan looked down at his best friend and squeezed him lightly, wanting to reassure him. "We will see how they work together, but i think its likely the best match for both at this stage in their careers. If it doesn't work out we can reevaluate, and look at other options for Greg."

Cavan knew how much Ryan put into developing the riders and horses under his charge. It was a great strength, but he was also aware how it made him anxious. They didn't really have another ideal horse for the young rider, all the others were either too wild or not at the right competition level for Greg to step onto smoothly. If things didn't work out, he had been thinking they might have to look at purchasing a suitable horse. It would be expensive, but he was certain that it would be invaluable in developing their young riders into future competitors for the horses they bred. But he hadn't wanted to load those concerns onto Ryan's shoulders. That was something he and Neaghe would discuss after they got home from the event.

It was a cool and crisp morning, not as cold as it was back at the stud at this time of year. Nothing really compared to the Antarctic winds coming off the southern ocean, but it was cool enough that most of the mainlanders were rugged up. The sun had risen and was determinedly peeking through the looming clouds in order to light up the SIEC facilities. Ryan patted Cavan's hand and walked forward as Greg trotted over to where they waited, eager for some last minute advice before they were called up for their round.

Cavan smiled at the pair, Greg clearly was battling off the preshow jitters while Garry took the moment to close his eyes for a quick nap in a way that only a riding school pony could manage in such an atmosphere. His phone buzzed in his pocket and looking away he glanced down to see a text from Soma. 'Leavin stables. Horses fine. Gettin chips on the way'. Cavan rolled his eyes at the kids eagerness for hot chips for breakfast, but didn't doubt his ability to find them. Quickly typing his reply 'Greg is on in 5, don't get lost' he tucked the phone away and made his way over to join the last of the conversation.

"Remember, you will have to ride him bold to make the strides or he will chip in some and throw off your distances." Ryan paused his pep talk to play with the greys ears. "The most important thing is to have a safe and fun round. You did amazing to get here and you have the skill and talent for this." He smiled up at the the gangly youth. "Look after each other, and just enjoy getting to compete in your first Championship."

"Thanks Ry" Greg swallowed and nervously fiddled with the reins. He knew he should be relaxing and enjoying things. He was at an international event Jumping in a Championship. It was something he had dreamed about since he started competing. But he just couldn't help the anxious fizz in his gut. He didn't want to let anyone down. But there was a lot of pressure given that he could see people looking at them. Having an Olympian there cheering him on was definitely not something that he had expected for his first big event.

NEXT TO THE RING GREGORY TALBOT ON GARRAWI

His gut clenched as his name crackled through the speaker. Gathering up his rains he let Ryan check the girth one last time before they started the walk to the competition arena. It wasn't in the big arena, thank goodness, but with the banked spectator area it definitely felt like a stadium as he heard them clapping for the riders ahead of him.

Soma called out as he ran towards them, waving the small cup of chips in his hand that were drowning with sauce. Greg's nerves making him feel suddenly nauseous at the mere thought of eating. He resisted to roll his eyes at the other guys super chilled attitude as he chatted quite happily away about the cute girl at the food truck. It was frustrating, and Greg was always left with the bitter taste of envy at Soma's confidence. They had thankfully been getting a long a bit better, but Soma seemed to just be naturally good at everything and it grated.

Ryan reached over and patted Greg's knee as they made it to the gate, bringing the youngsters focus back. "Remember. Have fun. Be safe. Don't let Garry fall asleep out there." Ryan's smiled widened as he teased him, and Greg rolled his eyes. It was an actual risk knowing the gelding. He took a deep breath and gripped the reins as the gate opened and he was ushered into the Arena.

1,331 wc

-----

Sydney International Showjumping Festival

Rider: Gregory Talbot
Age: 16yo
Stable: KhanCohban Farm
Country: Australia

Horse: KhC Garrawi *
Age: 17yo Gelding

Class: Sydney Youth Championship (1.30m)
Previous Experience: Going Places
Shown on the way to fence 9

Referencing
4 stills used from a super tiny grainy streamed showjumping class to help get the shading and posing looking right
Provided images used of the SIEC facilities to get it looking right(ish).
No refs used for lighting.
Composition with the Eucalypt on the side was inspired by Showjumping 166