Brook & Jenna Walker, Ladybird

It was a beautiful day- the perfect day for a little outdoor fun. In this case, horse riding. There wasn't a single cloud in the vast blue sky, and there wasn't a sign of one in any direction you could turn. They had picked a great day to move in, 'they' being two girls named Brook and Jenna Walker, of the newest of the newcomers to the Valley. They were identical in every way, except their clothing, and also the exception that Jenna was a bit taller than Brook. Either way, the two had been standing next to a tall wooden fence, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their equine friend that they only owned for about two months before moving here with their older sister. Maybe they got here a bit early. They had taken to sitting on the top pole of the fence.

A few minutes later, a small truck toting along an equally sized horse trailer pulled up outside one of the large corral barns. The two girls, exchanging excited glances, hopped off the fence as the ramp was lowered and the living creature inside was walked out into the bright sunshine.

The horse, a 16 hand Irish Sport Horse mare, took one look at the sun and shook her head, sending her soft and neatly-trimmed mane fluttering about. Soon though, Brook had taken the lead and was bringing their horse inside the stable, to one of the first stalls. The stall already had a small nameplate which read 'Ladybird.' The horse was lead into the stall as Jenna trailed in after the two. The mare was showered with affection at that moment, especially when the girls each took out a brush from seemingly nowhere and began to comb her bright chestnut coat down, effectively ridding it of the small layer of dust that had formed. Later, maybe they would take her out for a ride.

Kayla and Bethany Anderson

Kayla Anderson, the older of the two sisters stood leaning against the fence of one of the paddocks. Inside the paddock was a breathtaking bay Thoroughbred stallion. She was watching her sister interact with the beautiful yet high strung gelding. She herself was more into the stockier breeds such as Quarter Horses and Paints, since she thought them to be best for the western events that she competed in. Though, her sister was more in to show jumping, eventing, and endurance… That was the reason for this stallion. They had decided to begin breeding Anglo-Arabs along with their current line of Quarter Horses and Paints.

The girl noticed when the girls entered the area, sitting on the fence in a paddock that was only a couple over from where Kayla and her sister were. She gave the girls a nod and a friendly smile if they looked her direction. Then she also noticed when the trailer pulled in, at first she had heard only the truck and thought it was maybe Luke bringing their trailer to take this new horse home. When she turned, though, she noticed that neither the truck nor the trailer was familiar. The two other girls met the trailer and she assumed it was their horse.

Curiosity caused her to watch as the beautiful Irish Sport Horse was unloaded. Again, the mare was not her type of horse, but she could recognize her beauty and potential. After all, having been around horses her whole life she tended to look at them in an aspect of their qualities and faults first, using a buyer’s eye. Though, she did not think that the mare was for sale nor was she interested in buying her…

After the girls took the mare inside, though, she did wait a few moments before following them in. Her main objective was to get a hose and a bucket to give the stallion some water. She knew that the temperature was not really hot, but the gelding had been running around the paddock expelling the energy he had pent up from being in the trailer. Once inside she looked to the girls and gave them a smile once more, deciding to stop and say hi.

Hey! Beautiful horse you have there! I’m Kayla Anderson.

There was a strong southern sound to her vocals and a friendly smile on her lips. She raised a hand to adjust her cowboy hat as she waited to see if the girls would respond. As she did so, she glanced around for the previously mentioned bucket and hose.

Bethany Anderson had talked her sister into adding more on to the stables, enough to house her own line of horses that were used for things other than western events. And this stallion was to be one of her foundations. She had already acquired a very pretty Thoroughbred mare, two Arabian stallions, and three Arabian mares. These would be the beginnings of her Arabian and Anglo-Arab lines. She was currently in the paddock with the stallion, since he had calmed some and was now moving a little slower and less wildly. She clicked her tongue to the stallion, to get his attention, but stood still. She believed that a first sign of trust would be the stallion approaching her rather than the other way around. So, she remained still, allowing the horse to inspect her from afar as long as he needed to.

It took a while, but eventually the stallion got curious enough to approach her. Once he did a smile crossed her kissers and she slowly lifted a hand to him, allowing him to take in her scent before she slowly moved to stroke his forehead. A sugar cube was pulled from her pocket and held out to the stallion. He took it greedily and then she moved away, seeing if he would follow. He did, this was a major step. She was quite surprised, actually, since a lot of retired racers were much more difficult to gain their trust. He was nothing like the people he had previously been owned by described him to be. They said he was wild and crazy. Though, she was sure that they had not exactly taken any time to bond with the horse, a lot of racing barns did not after all.

Now, she reached the fence and she lifted her slender frame to sit on the top rail. The stallion tossed his head and stood close to her. Bethany stroked his forehead as she looked around for her sister, sure she would be back soon.

Brook & Jenna Walker, Ladybird

The twins continued to brush down Ladybird, both using small strokes to effectively rid her coat of that nasty layer of dust. It must have formed on the ride over, since last they had seen the mare, she had a gleam like no other. Since her arrival, it was quite apparent that her once vibrant coat was no longer a rich chestnut hue but now a chestnut coat with a dull pastel brown, which easily overrode the richness and gave it some odd appearance up close. She just looked plain dusty.

Brook began to whistle lightly and roughly as she worked, brushing away at the front end of the mare like a dog setting itself on a bone. She would try the neck area, and after a thorough inspection, would work her way down to the mare's fore legs, where she hastily put herself to work to scrape off a bit of mud that was somehow still there from whenever-- all with her hand. She then proceeded to quickly wipe the dirt on her jeans. Jenna had taken the back end, and was now also working on the legs. The two were nearly finished when Jenna looked up-- her being closest to the stall entrance, and saw the other girl. She appeared older than them, but about their sister's age, perhaps. Jenna stood up, a smile on her face, and enthusiastically patted on her legs to get rid of a bit of dirt on her hands.

The first thing Jenna noticed was the southern sound of the other girl's voice as she began speaking. It was a lovely sound, Jenna would have to admit, before wondering if this girl was from around here. She did recall seeing her outside with another girl and horse earlier. She also wondered if the beautiful horse she saw with them was hers. She had always had a special place for those sleek ones. "Thank you!" Jenna seemed to chirp, always delighted when another complimented their horse. "Her name is Ladybird. I am Jenna Walker, and that is my sister, Brook." she said, pointing as she introduced her sister for her, as Brook was still getting the last traces of dust from the mare's coat. "Was that horse outside yours?" she then asked, curious. She thought he was gorgeous.

Ladybird had been enjoying the brush down immensely, and even grew slightly agitated when Jenna stopped brushing. She turned her large head, swinging it around to set her big dark eyes on the girl, and nearly knocking into Brook's head in the process. A deep snort was given, as though demanding Jenna to continue, but the girl only placed her hand on the mare's face and turned her attention back to the girl who had identified herself as Kayla Anderson.

Kayla and Bethany Anderson

Kayla smiled as one of the girls stopped brushing the horse long enough to acknowledge her as she spoke, introducing herself and complimenting the horse. A friendly smile was on Kayla's kissers. This smile was one that came easily for this girl since she was always a friendly person and was rarely seen without a smile. The young girl thanked her for the compliment about the horse and then went on to introduce the chestnut mare as well as herself and her twin.

Well it nice to meet y'all

That southern accent of course was still there as she spoke to them this time. This was something that was not likely to go away, even since she had moved so far away from home to this place. She nodded her head to Brook, so the girl would know that she meant her as well. She did not want to leave anyone out. The girl asked then if the horse outside was hers and she smiled.

Yeah, he belongs to me and my sister Bethany. We just bought him, actually. We have a large farm outside of the city and just decided to start breeding Arabians and Anglo-Arabs along with our current lines of Quarter horses, Paints, and my brother's Mustangs.

She loved talking about her horses and her ranch, though she hoped that she did not bore the girl with her chatter. Though, just for good measure she added on another statement.

I'm sure Bethany has him calmed down by now, she is great with the ones people don't think can be tamed... If y'all want to come see him you're more than welcome

There was that friendly smile still as she waited to see what the girls would decide...

Brook & Jenna Walker

As Ladybird continued to stand there, she propped one hind leg up, resting the tip of her hoof against the straw-bedded floor. It was obvious that she wasn't getting anything from Jenna, so she snorted, swinging her head back around and away from the girl's hand which had been placed on her face. I don't want that, she seemed to say as she gave a snort. At least Brook was still petting her, as she stood and also turned her attention to Kayla. A small smile was given in Kayla's direction at the nod. Brook continued to rub her dusty palm along the mare's face.

Both girls listened intently, particularly when horses were mentioned. The two could never become bored with such a topic. They were impressed to hear of the stable that the other sisters owned and ran. Arabian horses were especially always appealing to them, but never before had they come in contact with a live Arabian.

"We would love to go see him," Jenna replied almost immediately to the offer for both of them. The dusty brush that had somehow found its way out of her hand and then back into it was tossed down into a small bucket that had been sitting by the stall door. Brook was then doing the same, and soon both of them were ready for their little trek to see the other horse.

Ladybird, sighing heavily, stuck her nose into the feed bin on the wall before discovering some fresh feed and then taking large greedy mouthfuls.

Kayla and Bethany Anderson

Kayla watched the mare as she looked rather agitated with the lack of attention that she was receiving. Kayla lifted a hand up for the mare to smell and if she did so them the girl would scratch her cheek for a moment while waiting for the girls' reply. Almost immediately, though, Jenna replied. She said that she would love to go see the stallion and Kayla smiled at this.

Ok, just let me grab him a bucket of water and then we can go see him.

She moved away towards the tack room where she found a bucket. A water hose was hung on the wall and she used it to fill the bucket before turning off the water and returning to the girls. She walked out of the building and motioned for the girls to follow. Once outside she saw her younger sister sitting on the fence stroking the once wild acting Thoroughbred as if he were a big puppy. Leave it to Bethany.

Hey, Bethany, this is Jenna and Brook Walker. They wanted to come see Risk here.

She introduced the girls to her sister as well as mentioning the blond's name so that the girls would catch it as well.

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Bethany heard someone moving behind her and saw the Thoroughbred turn his head to see who was coming. She also turned so that she could see the three who were coming near them. A friendly smile crossed her lips as they reached where she sat on the fence that contained the stallion.

Nice to meet y'all! This here is Risky Business.

She motioned to the Thoroughbred who was looking to the new younger girls with curiosity now. He moved nearer to the fence so that he was in easy reach of the younger girls as well as Kayla and Bethany.

We just bought him, he spent the first three years of his life at a racing stable but was injured about a year ago and lost his edge... So, we got him pretty cheap.

In this blond's book it was always good when they could find an amazing horse for cheap. And Risk was an amazing horse from what she had seen so far. His conformation was good and he had great movement. She could not wait to begin his training and to see what kind of foals he might sire.

Brook & Jenna Walker

Seeing a hand reaching in her direction, Ladybird lifted her head quickly from her feed and reached her own long nose toward it. Her large nostrils flared as she took in this new humans scent. She then saw the hand go for her cheek, where she felt it brush against her coat. A small snort was given, but she stayed put until the girl left her, which was when Ladybird stuck her nose back into her feed bin and went back to eating noisily.

"Sounds good," Jenna said when Kayla wanted to get him a bucket of water. The twins stood there in the stall entrance, and there was a bit of hushed chatter between them, but then they went to work. They may as well get a couple things settled. Brook made to grab Ladybird's lilac halter to take it off, and the mare noticed. Her ears flickered back for a brief moment, causing Brook to tsk and shake her head. "Lady, you must behave yourself." she stated, as she unclipped the matching lead from the halter and then slid the halter off from around the mare's head. Snorting again, she went back to what little was now left of her oats. Brook took the gear and settled them on a hook on the outside of the door. Meanwhile, Jenna had taken the small bucket of grooming supplies and locked them in a small locker in another room off the stable. She quickly returned, and by then it was time for them to head out to see the horse.

They followed right after Kayla, doing well not to show all of their eagerness at once. They reached the other girl, Kayla's sister, in seemingly no time and the girls were now offering smiles to Bethany. "Hello," they both replied. There was a pause as both girls took a moment to sweep their eyes over the Thoroughbred before them. "He's beautiful." Brook finally said as she reached a hand out to let the stallion sniff once he was close enough. "How was he injured?" Jenna asked, watching Brook.

Kayla and Bethany Anderson

Once Kayla made it to the paddock where her sister was she hung the bucket over one of the fence posts by the handle so that the stallion could drink if he had the desire to do so. She then fell back, taking out her phone. She looked at the time and realized that Matt was late. He was not normally late so she wondered if something was wrong… So, she sent him a text asking where he was while leaning on the fence.

Bethany continued to sit on the fence, impressed that the stallion was behaving so well. He had a pretty good temperament for a Thoroughbred, but that did not mean that he lacked spunk. No, he could be hot headed; she had seen that as soon as he had arrived. But, he calmed down relatively quickly and had no trust issues. One of the girls, Jenna, stated that he was beautiful and Bethany nodded looking over the horse with admiration. Yes, he was a beautiful animal.

Thanks, we didn’t know he would be this pretty when we agreed to see him.

In honesty the pictures they had seen on the internet had done him no justice at all. In person he was a very handsome boy… In the pictures he had seemed dull and lifeless. He placed his muzzle in the girl, Brook’s, hand as she offered it to him and inhaled her scent. His head was then tossed as a whinny was issued in a way of greeting before he lowered his head to nudge at the girl. Bethany then heard the question of how he was injured and she frowned before repeating the story she had been told.

From what we have been told, he had been running in a race and one of the other horses cut him off and caused him to lose his footing. He sprained his right front leg. They kept him since the vet said he would make a full recovery. Though, he never did as well in the races as he had before the accident so they put him up for sale.

She told the girls the whole story. They seemed interested after all…

Brook & Jenna Walker

Brook continued to stand there, watching to see the stallion's reaction to her hand and scent. She could tell that this horse was very lively and full of spunk. She often enjoyed a lively horse. When he placed his muzzle in her hand, she could feel the soft, warm velveteen nose as it touched against her cool palm. Smiling as he whinnied his greeting, she was sent back a couple steps when he unexpectedly nudged her with his head. She reached out to rub her hand across his warm neck.

Jenna listened to the story, as she was actually quite interested in it. She loved to hear such stories, where a horse would make a complete recovery. They were quite inspiring. It seemed a little sad to her that he could no longer race, but he appeared to have a great home right here. "Wow," she replied, "Well it's a good thing you got him-- he has a great home." she said, as she leaned over the fence, placing her elbows upon the top rail.

Kayla and Bethany Anderson

Kayla had gotten a text back from Matt saying he would be a little late since he was out looking for Cara, his Rottweiler puppy who had run off once again. So, they might be here for a while. This brunette was not really worried about it, though. If they really got tired of waiting, Luke was always just a phone call away as well. So, she just sent him a message to call when he was on his way then put her phone in her pocket.

Well, Matt is going to be late, Cara ran off again and he is looking for her...

She spoke mainly to Bethany, filling her in on the information. Though, she was in no way trying to be rude to the girls.

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Bethany watched the stallion's reaction to the younger girl. He showed his lively side but tossing his head in the air when he greeted her. Aside from that, he behaved perfectly, though maybe a little pushily. After his story had been told she heard the girl's response and she smiled.

Yes, he does... You girls will have to come see the ranch sometime! We are expecting a bunch of foals any day now.

She was super excited for the foals to arrive. This would be her first Arabian and Anglo-Arab foals. She was really curious to see how they would turn out.

Brook & Jenna Walker

Brook continued to stand there, watching the stallion. Sometimes she just seemed to do better with animals than people-- excluding canines of any kind, save for some of the smaller ones, but that was another story. She was glad that the horse was behaving himself, because it made her feel more at ease of the situation. She was also listening to the conversation that mostly seemed to be between Bethany and Brook. "Visiting your ranch sounds great!" she spoke, still mostly consumed with stroking the horse in front of her.

"Yes, that sounds like a great idea!" Jenna immediately agreed. Foals were always fun. "Foals are wonderful." she stated, as she pictured a bunch of little baby horses running about in a pasture, alongside their mothers. She remembered meeting an old friend's foal once. It had been the cutest thing. At first, it couldn't even balance itself on its spindly legs. "When would we be able to visit?" she then asked, wondering how their older sister would take to driving them places all the time. She imagined that she would take her new 'duty' pretty well. After all, she usually did.

Kayla and Bethany Anderson

Bethany's smile grew ever so slightly when the girls both agreed that they would love to come and see the ranch some time. Jenna had gone on to say that foals were wonderful and she had to agree with her on that.

Yes, they are wonderful... I can't wait for them to arrive!

In this aspect, she might seem a little child like. Though, she did not care at all. She was just super excited to see the foals and how they would turn out. Also she could not wait to begin being able to socialize with the young animals. Then Jenna asked her when they would be able to visit and Bethany just continued to grin.

Any time you want to! There is almost always someone there. I'm sure the horses would love some extra attention.

She continued to smile as she waited for the girl's reactions. She would give them her cell phone number so that they could just call any time they wanted to come over.

Jenna & Brook Walker

Brook gave the stallion one last pat before turning and meeting the other two in their conversation. Both girls were now leaning back against the fencing as a cool breeze drifted through and brushed their hair back. It felt as though they didn't have a single care in the world at that moment. Their stable also sounded as though it was bustling with activity. They were both quite excited to visit and see the horses.

"Well, we'll have to get our sister to drive us over sometime, then." Jenna stated, regarding the fact that the two couldn't drive themselves anywhere. And unfortunately, it was probably a little too far to just hit the trail and walk. "It sounds quite exciting," she then added, also very much looking forward to seeing the near-future foals.

Kayla and Bethany Anderson

Matt had grinned at the response that the girl gave him, saying that if they wouldn't be a bother then they would be delighted to come for dinner. Of course, he was sure that his sisters would not mind in the least since they loved having company and would look at the opportunity as one to make new friends. And the girls would never pass that up.

It's no problem! We'll just have to swing by the ranch and pick up the trailer then we'll head to the corral.

He headed towards the truck that he had driven over here and opened the door for Paige. He was always taught to treat women with respect and in his book that meant opening doors for them. The pup was still in his arms as he then went around to his own side. The truck was started up as soon as his door was shut and he made sure she was in. Cara was placed on the middle seat and then he drove off in the direction of the stable.

It didn't take too long before they reached the stable and he spoke.

Here we are. I'm just going to go put Cara in the house then I'll be back.

He grabbed the pup and hurried to the smaller house that was a little ways from the main house. He lived on the same property as the girls, but he had his own house there. It did not take him long before he returned and hopped back into the truck. He backed it up to the trailer then got out to hook it up.

Ok, all set.

Then they drove towards the corral. Once there he saw Kayla and Bethany standing by the paddock with a stunning Thoroughbred stallion and also two younger girls. He got out and waited for Paige to follow.

Sorry I'm late, girls...

________________________________________

Bethany smiled to the girls as Jenna said that they would have to have their sister drive them over sometime. The idea sounded good to her. After all, they loved to have company at the ranch.

Sounds good.

Then she heard the familiar truck pulling up and turned to see Matt getting out with a woman. She shot them both a smile and then spoke to Matt.

It's about time! Who is your friend, big brother?

She spoke in a joking manner in a way she often teased him. Though, it was all in good humor, she was in no way being mean and anyone could tell that she offered a smile to the girl now.

I'm Bethany Anderson and that's Kayla.

Paige, Brook & Jenna Walker

Paige noticed how well mannered and respectful Matt was as he opened the door for her, allowing her to step up inside the truck and then sit down. "Thanks," she said, as she situated herself and her small handbag that she was now tucking beside her. She sat there looking out the window at the passing scenery and trying to remember where everything was. It could be tricky getting to know a new place, but luckily, she had pretty good memory when it came to these things. It wasn't long before they reached their first destination, the ranch, and he put the puppy in the house and hitched the trailer up to his truck. Then they were on their way once again, to the corral. She also saw the four girls standing by the stunning horse, although she wasn't really one for equines. Then she noticed something funny. Two of those girls looked like her sisters-- exactly like them. Then it registered. Those were her sisters!

Jenna and Brook also heard the truck as it pulled the trailer up, although they couldn't see the occupants and had no idea that it was the other girls' brother's. However, they had gotten Paige's text earlier and were expecting her. Their eyes both lit up in recognition as they immediately realized, when the older girl got out of the truck, that she was their sister. "Paige?" the two seemed to question as she and Matt came up.

"Hello, I'm Paige Walker." she said as she walked up to the little group. "Well," Paige began, a little surprised to see that all of their sisters had already met, "I see you've already met my sisters." she said, speaking to Bethany and Kayla. She had a warm smile on her face. "Quite a small world we have here. Your brother was giving me a ride here since we were both headed in the same direction," she briefly explained.

Matt, Kayla, & Bethany Anderson

Matt laughed in a good natured manner as his sister joked with him about his friend. Though, he did not have to answer when Bethany went on to introduce herself. Paige had replied and then said that his own sisters had already met her sisters and he grinned.

It is a small world, but of course, as I told you, those two are always up for meeting new people so this doesn't surprise me at all.

He spoke truthfully and with those same southern tones that he always did. Just by the way the three of them talked it would be obvious they were from the same part of the country. Then he remembered that he had not yet told the girls about him inviting the three of them over for dinner.

Oh, I almost forgot. Paige and her sisters will be joining us for dinner.

It was not posed as a question since he knew that they wouldn't mind in the least.

________________________________________

Bethany held a hand out to shake the other girl's hand as did Kayla. It was Kayla who spoke up this time, though. It's nice to meet you, Paige! She used those same happy tones that Bethany had. No one would be able to say that there was any way they were not being truly friendly. Bethany then looked to the two younger girls with a big smile on her face.

Well it looks like you'll get to see the ranch sooner than you thought! Kayla walked around to the back of the trailer and let the ramp down before moving back to the fence and hooking the lead rope to the stallion's halter and leading him to the trailer. Once he was securely inside she shut the ramp and walked back to the group. Ok, we're all set!

Paige, Brook & Jenna Walker

Paige also reached out to shake Bethany's hand, and then Kayla's, nodding. "It's nice to meet you as well," she stated, smiling warmly. She thought that these people were incredibly generous, having them over for dinner and all. By the way Matt had spoken, he knew that his sisters would not mind them being over for dinner, either. And by the looks of it, Paige's own sisters didn't mind at all.

Brook and Jenna's smiles widened when they heard the great news. Not only would they not have to endure Paige's so-so cooking, but they would also be able to go to the ranch now and see the horses. "Awesome!" Jenna said, followed by Brook's "Yeah!" of agreement.

"We are also ready!" Paige declared, after she and her sisters had exchanged a few words over Ladybird, who was safely put away in her stall. They were ready to head out.