Human Interest

"So-o-o-o Christine and Ella slept together last night. I guess she wanted to get more than just a story out of this weekend. H-m-m-m-m, Christine and Ella.....Jillian and Mistress Lilith.....I wonder who else is having fun around here."

"Now Irish, I don't know how you figured out about Jillian and Lilith but that is not for publication."

"But Mistress Cyndi, 'Enquiring minds want to know'," she giggled and headed out the door.

.....................

At first it seemed a lot colder than 40^o but five minutes into the run they had both warmed up and were running at an even pace with each other. Irish was the first to speak and her words were almost visible as her humid breath condensed in the cool air of the morning. "Aren't you worried about snakes, like Mistress Ella?"

"There's nothing to worry about at this temperature, Irish. The snakes and Gila monsters don't come out from their dens until it's at least 65^o out. That's one of the reasons I like running in the morning. There's the consignment stable up ahead. Let's go inside."

Passing through the doorway, Cyndi hit the light switch on the right and Irish had to cover her eyes for a moment. They had been running in the shadow of the canyon wall and it took a minute for her eyes to adjust. It seemed chilly in this stable and she commented on it to Cyndi.

"Yes, it is chilly in here right now. We don't run the furnace very much in here when there aren't any trainees. We only keep it warm enough to keep the pipes from freezing."

Irish was taking it all in as they walked. "Where is all of the tack?"

"It's all hanging right in the stalls."

"But..."

"Yes, I know it doesn't look the same as yours but let me show you," said Cyndi grabbing a handful of straps off a hook. "This is the bridle and bit that these trainees use. There are no feathers or fancy voice converters. These are just used to relay commands through tugs on the reins and keep conversations to a minimum. Hanging the bridle back on its hook, Cyndi grabbed another tangle of straps. Put your arms out to the sides and I'll show you how the body harnesses are different."

Irish held her arms out as Cyndi flipped a string of straps and rings over her head and began buckling them down over her running suit. The shoulder straps ended in the first ring in front and another pair of straps was buckled around her body above her breasts. Dropping down from there was another ring with straps that went just below her breasts and around to the back and then one more strap dropping to a ring at waist level with another set of straps which Cyndi buckled behind. Finally, from the waist ring a single long strap hung down which Cyndi pulled up between Irish's legs and gave a tug before buckling it.

"That last strap is tightened to the degree that the trainee is being compliant or stubborn, if you catch my drift. This big, stiff pad you feel resting on your hips and up your back is where carts, wagons or even plows are attached. Fold your arms behind your back, Irish, and grab opposite elbows with your palms."

No sooner had Irish complied than Cyndi slipped a leather arm binder bag over them and pulled the straps over her shoulders, criss-crossed them and buckled them in the back. Coming back in front of Irish, she began again. "Most of these trainees have been abused in some way or other and even though their crimes weren't violent, many of them will lash out at others if provoked. There is no way of predicting what might trigger their anger so all of them have their arms bound when they are not in their stalls to protect them from each other and themselves. That is why everything has to be attached to the pad in the back of the harness as they can't use their hands to hold anything. They all understand and have consented to this type of restraint. It is very comfortable and it really doesn't interfere with their learning the postures, poses and gaits they will need to please their owners. It also makes it easier for their trainers to handle them.......like you, for example."

No sooner had the words escaped her lips than she grabbed the Irish's crotch strap and pulled her to herself, planting a big, long, wet kiss on her lips. Irish was only momentarily startled then eagerly returned the passion, tongue and all. Cyndi gently pushed her back and said, "Mistress Lilith said you were a good kisser and I just had to find out for myself. She was right. Now let's get you out of this stuff and finish our run."

Cyndi flipped off the lights as they exited and pulled the stable door closed. The temperature outside had already risen 10^o as they resumed their run and Cyndi knew it would be another hot one. As they jogged back, Cyndi pointed out a long building on the other side of the corrals in which all of the sulkies and chariots were kept. It also has a workshop on the second floor where custom leather and metal goods are made and stored when not in use.

Arriving back in her stall, Irish quickly stripped off her sweats and running shoes and stuffed them in her bag. Cyndi reconnected her chain and picked up the bag. "I'll put this back in your room. We wouldn't want Mistress Ella wondering what we have been up to," she whispered as she turned to leave.

"Mistress Cyndi, before you go, may I ask one more question?"

"Of course, dear, what is it?"

"I have kind of worried about being chained in here at night. What if there was a fire?"

"Oh, I am so sorry; sometimes our trainers get distracted and don't explain everything they should. That's a very valid question but nothing you should feel nervous about. The plate holding your chain and the chain for the pony in the stall behind you is held in place by a powerful electromagnet like the ones used on security card door locks. The hasp on your stall door is also held by an electromagnet. In any emergency, the power to these magnets is shut off so you can get out quickly. Just pick up your chain and head for the closest exit."

"Thank you, Mistress Cyndi. It appears you have thought of everything for our safety here."

"We have tried to anticipate as much as possible but you can never be too prepared. By the way, in case you weren't told, there is a first aid station in the west wing of the lodge and both Mistress Lilith and I are registered nurses. Christine has already taken some video in there for your story. See you later, dear."

Irish breathed a sigh of relief that the light was green and ducked quickly in to the bathroom. A couple minutes later she came out to be greeted by the sounds of yawns, footsteps and jingling bells as others were waking up. In the distance, the breakfast bell was being rung. "Time to get ready," she muttered to herself.

Chapter 7: The Proud Pampered Pony Pleases

The squeaking of the dinner cart wheels was music to her ears as Irish stood at 'parade rest' as she was hungry as well as horny. Mistress Ella entered first dressed in her usual western outfit complete with her ten gallon hat, ornate red and black cowgirl boots and reliable 357 at her side. Christine, following close behind was dressed in full English-style riding gear, highly polished, black leather boots and all. "Very good, Irish Rose, you even managed to get your ponyboots and cuffs on all by yourself. That's great. Maybe we can be the first ones in line this morning."

Irish pawed the floor with her left foot and Mistress Ella gave her permission to speak. "Christine, you look amazing. Where did you get that outfit?"

"Thank you, Irish. I thought I'd get in on the fun a little too. Cyndi loaned it to me. It turns out we are exactly the same size and I thought it would be a good contrast, Western versus English Styles."

"First in line for what, Mistress Ella?" queried Irish.

"Today is picture day, Irish. This is one of the highlights of the weekend for many of the attendees. We have a professional, fetish photographer here today and everyone gets to be photographed in full attire. They can get prints made as a memento of the event and they get the digital copies to use on their websites or Facebook pages. They always do the photography first thing Saturday and Sunday morning before it gets too hot and everyone is all wilted and sweaty. I was just saying that since you are already so far dressed, we could be one of the first in line and then get back to training."

"How long of a line could it be?"

"Well, both stables at this end of the canyon are full, so that makes 64 ponies, plus anyone who drives in for the events rather than book rooms here. There could be more than 80 in all. Come sit, dear and eat your breakfast. It's not as fancy as last night's meal but I think it will do. Mistress Cyndi said it was going to be another hot one so eat lightly, you don't want to get cramps."

"Thank you, Mistress Ella, granola and English muffins are fine....and this coffee is to die for."

"It had better be good at $50 a pound. Fortunately, one of the growers is a member of our community and he sends us a shipment from Jamaica every couple of months. He and his ponygirl wife are already here."

Irish wolfed down her breakfast but took time for a second cup of coffee while Ella and Christine talked about the next phase of Irish's training. "Green light, oh good," thought Irish and ran to brush her teeth and use the john once more. Emerging she grabbed her head gear and locked it on tightly then picked up her brush and fluffed up her ponytail. Next she picked up the chastity belt and walked over to Mistress Ella.

"What? You actually want to wear that chastity belt again?"

Irish nodded and whinnied in response.

"What about your bikini top? Aren't you going to wear that?"

Irish shook her head no and stamped her hoof on the floor.

"Well, what a brazen little hussy you have become. I'm afraid I have created a monster, Christine."

Christine laughed and began lacing and buckling the body harness while Ella lubed the probes on the chastity belt and locked them in place. When Christine finished, Irish reached up and adjusted her position so that her nipples popped out over the semi-cups of the corset. She held her head up proudly, threw her shoulders back and went "N-n-n-g-g-g-h-h...n-n-g-h...n-n-n-g-g-h....n-g-h!" which one can only assume was her attempt to say, "Eat your heart out." Everyone had a good laugh as Ella clipped a leash on Irish's collar, unlocked her chain and headed out to the photo shoot.

.....................

Their timing was almost perfect as there were only three groups ahead of them and the photographer was just finishing with the first. The second Master said something to the photographer, slipped him a $100 bill and walked away. The photographer stepped away from the seamless backdrop paper, picked up a portable flash and followed the couple over to their cart in front of the red and tan sandstone canyon wall. The Master sat in the cart and his ponygirl wife, clothed in black leather from head to toe, picked up the handles. They smiled as the photographer took several shots then he returned to the set and called for the next group.

"We're next," said Mistress Ella. "That was Mr. and Mrs. Andersen from England that were just photographed. He wanted to be shot with the canyon as a background so he could prove to his friends back home that they had actually made the trip all the way here. There will probably be more who will ask the same favor. Others will prefer the seamless backdrop as it makes a sharper image for posting on the web."

"Next!"

Ella and Irish walked onto the make-shift set. Ella had Irish turn towards her and grabbed her leash about 10" from her neck and lifted slightly. "Don't smile for this one, just stare into my eyes," said Mistress Ella and flash went the studio lights. Ella spun Irish around drawing her close, placed her hand on Irish's hip and instructed her to turn her head towards the camera. Another flash and time for another pose. "Irish, just stand here by yourself....turn your body so you are half facing the camera...that's it.....now, turn your head and look at me not the camera....it's okay to smile this time." Flash, flash. "Christine, you need to have a picture with Irish also. Get up here! Irish, kneel down and turn slightly so that I can see your metal horseshoes. Great! Christine stand so that your right leg is behind Irish. I want her head about even with your belt. Here hold my riding crop and let your left hand hang at your side with it and grab her leash with your right hand and pull it up slightly. Now look each other in the eyes. Perfect!" Flash...Flash...Flash.

"Next!" Unnoticed by Irish, Christine slipped the photographer a $100 and a quick wink and off they went to the next phase of Irish's training.

..................

"Irish, I am really pleased with how quickly you were able to adapt to pulling a cart and taking non-verbal instruction that I think you will do fine in the Derby tomorrow without any further practice. Let's see how quickly you can learn some of the basic gaits a good ponygirl needs. Mistress Lilith and Twilight Girl are giving a class this morning and she said you could join in if you want to."

"N-n-n-n-g-g-h-h-h," agreed Irish and nodded. She wiggled and jingled excitedly as she couldn't wait to see Twilight in her full pony regalia at last.

"I can't shoot any video during the class so Cyndi is going to give me a tour of the vendors' tent," said Christine. "I'm sure their companies will welcome any kind of free publicity they can get. Have fun."

Others were just beginning to arrive in the corral and the owners were milling about renewing old acquaintances or making new ones when Ella and Irish came through the gate. Everyone hushed and turned their eyes to follow Irish as she passed. "Swat!" went Ella's quirt on Irish's butt. "Keep your eyes straight ahead Irish. I know they are staring at you but if you look back it might embarrass them."

"N-n-g-g-h?" Irish looked at Ella with a confused look as if to say, "What did I do wrong now?"

Ella laughed and replied, "Oh, you're doing fine, Irish. I just couldn't resist swatting that cute butt of yours. How about one more?"

Irish did a quarter of a turn and stuck out her butt towards Mistress Ella then pulled it back just in time to miss the second swat.

"Oh, so you want to play, huh," joked Ella as she secretly pushed the button on the remote in her pocket. Buzz-z-z-T!

"N-n-n,,," which must have meant 'Ooops" in ponyese as her eyes popped wide open. The tingling stopped as quickly as it started and Irish looked imploringly at Ella then gently nuzzled her shoulder with her cheek.

"Oh, so now you love your trainer. Well, it's too late to kiss and make up now, class is about to start."

Everyone turned at the sound of ponyboots clip-clopping across the makeshift stage in the center of the ring and then a whistle blew and the ponygirl stopped. Irish had to look twice and still wasn't sure if this stunning creature was Twilight or not.

"Good morning, everyone. For those of you who are new here, I am Mistress Lilith and this is my demonstration pony, Twilight Girl. Say good morning, Twilight."

"N-n-n-g-g-h N-n-n-n-g-g-g-h-h," said Twilight happily.

"As you can see, Twilight is dressed in full, show pony attire. She is wearing a full head-to-toe, latex body suit, thigh length ponyboots, a traditional English pony corset, collar and cuffs, a feathered tiara bridle with our patented voice converter and a set of hand hooves as well. Now the style you have chosen to wear today is perfectly fine for this class but I see that not all of the ponies have hand hooves and you will need them. Masters and mistresses, if you will, please come and get a pair of hooves for your pony from this box here on the stage we will begin. Don't worry, these truly are 'one size fits all'"

The taking of the hooves was done in a surprisingly orderly manner and without any chit-chat so Lilith resumed. "All of you had to learn the 'parade rest' position whether you wanted to be a work pony, a show pony or a racing pony. Now Twilight is going to demonstrate the 'show pony' rest position. Go ahead, Twilight, show them."

Twilight didn't move an inch which brought a concerned murmur from some of the owners.

"She didn't move, did she? The moment she stopped moving Twilight immediately assumed the rest position without being told. I don't even have to turn around and I can tell you exactly how she is standing. I want each of you to mimic her position as best as you can while I talk you through it. Here we go. Feet together, not shoulder width apart.....back straight....shoulders back...chest out....elbows bent with front hooves even with your shoulders.... head up proudly looking straight ahead. How are we doing? 12 out of 12. Fantastic. Now let's complete the pre-show pose just like you were in front of the judges as some of you may wish to complete in the novice division this afternoon. Let me get Twilight and we will demonstrate."

Lilith walked to the back of the stage where Twilight was standing, stepped to her left, picked up her reins and clicked her tongue. With that they moved forward in unison until Lilith blew her whistle and two steps later they stopped. Twilight took her stance as before and Lilith began again, "She's magnificent, isn't she? She won the Show Pony Grand Championship last year so she will be an honorary judge this year."

Twilight blushed slightly as Lilith stroked her pony tail.

"Since riders always get on a horse from the left side, that's where you all need to be standing." Three newbies quickly switched sides. "Notice how my feet are also together with my hands at my sides, reins in my right hand and whistle in my left. Don't worry if you don't have a whistle, I'll blow mine to signal when to stop for today. My head is up and looking forward but the rest of my body is more relaxed than my pony. It's okay for your pony to look proud but you don't want to appear to be arrogant in front of the judges so relax a little and smile. Okay, when I blow the whistle start walking towards the stage until I blow it again, take two more steps as stop in unison."

Tweet! The second tweet brought everyone to a stop but......

"Back up and let's try it again." By the fourth time, Lilith figured that's as good as it was going to get for today and decided to move on to the gaits.

"I have some good news and some bad news," Mistress Lilith resumed, "There are 16 different gaits. That's the bad news. The good news is that novices only have to master 6 of them. Let's start with the 'Spanish Walk' and then maybe prancing. Everyone please turn to the right. We will be circling the ring counterclockwise today. Now watch as Twilight and I demonstrate and then you follow behind."

As the lesson went on, there were more and more frequent breaks for water as the desert heat began to make everyone sweat profusely. The water misters around the corral helped to cool one off if they were standing still but breaks were never long enough to really enjoy the sprays. No seemed to mind though as everyone was learning something new and Twilight and Lilith had a way of hamming up a demonstration that brought laughter whenever things got a little tense.

"I've saved the most fun gait for last. This one is a prance with exaggerated hand movements. When you lift your left knee, I want you to lift your left front hoof even with your ear and vice versa on the right. When the right goes up, the left should come down even with your chest. Around here we call it the Clydesdale Clip-clop. It's almost lunch time so picture yourselves as majestic Clydesdales pulling the Studweiser beer wagon to the picnic." She blew her whistle and immediately the Studweiser theme song began playing over the ring's loudspeakers and she and Twilight took off around the ring. Everyone started laughing or whinnying at the sight and joined in. "Now keep in time with the music and don't spill the beer."