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Feathered Thief - 1st Place!

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Description

Edelweiss is certainly getting around a bit, huh? Love this boy so much <3 And clearly Hampus needs a new hat :')
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Stables: Witveld-Stables 
Country: Sweden
Horse: WS Too Late for Edelweiss 
Rider: Hampus Larsson (aged 30)
Show: AQHR Grand Opening Show
Class: Dressage 

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Previous: Wasted Here | Next: Rentmaker 2000

Story:

Edelweiss was nervous as always getting into the trailer. It was as if the horse knew he was going far away to be gawped at like an exhibit as he flaunted his grace and style. He wasn't hard to handle, or difficult at all, but he stomped his legs and whined until Hampus went in after him and scratched him under the chin. "You'll be fine, you big wuss." The stallion closed his eyes, dozing off from the scratching. His legs stopped moving and his breathing slowed. Hampus smiled, he'd gotten to know his big soft stallion incredibly well, he knew his weaknesses and fears, but worked on them relentlessly. He wasn't going to let anything get in the way of Edelweiss' potential which was already showing to be significant. Hampus pulled a bag of treats from his satchel and Edelweiss perked back up again. "Here's a carrot for your nerves and expect several more if you can keep calm until we get there."

Edelweiss' nerves began to creep back up on him just before starting his performance. With firm rubs and pats on the neck from his rider, he started to simmer down again and entered the arena. Despite the time, Edelweiss proved to be alert and focused, showing an admirable display of movements. Hampus was concentrating hard on the rhythm of the music with the movements of his mount, and only too late noticed the commotion from the far side of the arena. It had become warm and someone had opened the back door to let some cool night air in. Unfortunately, the air was not the only thing of the night let in through the door. A barn owl, attracted by the warmth and confused by the light had swooped in and was flapping wildly around the arena. After a moment of chaos, it made a beeline for Edelweiss and Hampus, equally still concentrating on an extended walk. The owl caught Edelweiss's eye, and his body shuddered suddenly. Hampus felt a sinking stab in his stomach anticipating the worst. Being kicked off a terrified 17.2hh horse was hardly what he had hoped would end his evening. He gripped the reins tighter, closed his eyes, squeezed his legs and hoped the sand beneath him was soft. The blow never came. Hampus felt a whooshing sensation over his head, and so he opened his eyes to see the owl take off with his top hat. He slumped a bit and began to slip to the side, not realising that his brave boy Edelweiss was still powering on, trying his best to walk elegantly with a tense and terrified human on his back. Hampus regained position and finished the course.

A few days later at a cafe, still in Columbia, Hampus read a local paper. Within it was an article about the recent dressage event. The headline and caption made him choke on his coffee. "HOOT DUNNIT? To all those who dare enter dressage, we would like to warn you that despite the best efforts of everyone involved, the so called Feathered Thief who struck earlier in the week is still at large. His stolen goods have not been recovered and we have had several reports to suggest that he is a serial offender. We would like to recommend that equine folk with fancy gear stay vigilant".

(557 words)


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Pose Ref: Dressage Cup_127
15 ish hours
Photoshop CS5.5 and PT SAI

Textures used: 
horse stables stock
Wood Planks - D632

Image size
3710x3200px 12.3 MB
Comments12
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Janntly's avatar
"HOOT DUNNIT" :lmao:
I totally lost it right there after reading through the story, well Hampus at least you are famous for something right? :'D Maybe he should get a hat with a chin strap next time, or just tape the hat down to his head lol!! Weiss is such a trooper for powering through even with the appearance of the asshole owl <3
I don't blame Hampus for being tense though because falling off a 17.2 hand horse doesn't sound like the most comfortable experience. :stare:

You did such a magnificent job on the background and perspective! :love:
I just love how you made everything look so natural and blended, and the border effect around the piece is such a wonderful addition that really adds to the mysterious, alluring mood. C:
and of course your two boys are looking stunning as ever, Weiss with his gorgeous muscling and highlights on his coat as he extends, and his handsome rider who looks quite astonished at what just happened- his face literally screams "did that just effin' happen?" x'DD