If Only (Belanov Farm)

Valentin went about his daily chores normally. He was dressed in his mud boots, slacks, sweat stained collared white shirt, and suspenders, He leaned on a pitchfork tiredly. He had been working since 5 o'clock that morning and it was now noon. He was worn out.

Shaska trotted over to her master delightedly and whinneied at him impatiently.

"Shas i know i knw you're bored but i gotta finish up my chores okay girl?" Valentin said laughing a little patting the large creature on the flank. He then sighed "If i ever get em done..."

Veronika walked up to Valentine. She had decided to follow him one day and see where he was going. She was in boots, jeans, and a flannel shirt. She walked up and leaned casually on the fence. "Hey Valentin, what's up?" she said with a cheeky grin. "Need some help there?" She patted the horse as it came over. "Hey boy. Or is it girl?" She looked at Valentin for the answer.

"She's a girl, her name is Shaska' Valentin said, not startling slightly when randomly spoke to him. "I feel bad...she wants to play, and I really can't." He sighed "There is just too much work to be done" He said to the horse as if it were an impatient child. In response, Shaska snorted indignantly and trotted over by Veronika, causing a sigh from Valentin.

"Vero have you ever ridden before?"

Verokina [atted the horse's nose. "Hey Shaska, good girl." She shook her head. "Nope, but I can learn real fast." She put her foot on the fence post and vaulted up, then pushed up and out to come up and over Shaska's back. She sat tall and twisted her hands in the horse's mane. Veronika wasn't concerned in the least that she was learning bareback riding when she couldn't even ride with a saddle. Her balance was always good. "Where shall I take her then?"

Valentin pointed tiredly over to a fenced in area behind the barn

"Over there'd be your best bet. You being a beginner and all. All flat land and Shas knows it like its instinct" He ran a hand through his hair "I'll be back soon to take over, just keep her busy for now thanks.."

Veronika turned Shaska easily. Twisting in her seat, she gave a jaunty salute. "Aye aye, captain." Turning back around, she nudged the bay into a gentle trot, gradually increasing the pace until it was a gallop. She slowed down closer to the barn and worked on turning with out falling off or slipping. Within an hour, she was riding extremely well for a beginner, especially on bareback. She patted Shaska's neck. "Good girl, thanks for not dumping me."