Brushes

Sparky was totally unaware that he had company, so when Faith speaks, he jumps, turning around quickly. What she said brought a little color to his face, though he can't help but smile. He didn't think anyone had said they thought he had a nice voice before... and for some reason, knowing Faith liked it felt good.

He chuckles softly and goes back to brushing Twilight's coat. "Well... the horses don't seem to mind when I talk to them. I guess learning how to calm an animal with your voice teaches you how to be calm and quiet."

As if proving it, Twilight's head hangs a little as she starts to fall asleep. Sparky grins and scratches her neck. She was the horse that he was going to have Faith interact with this morning, but someone had already put her out in the pasture.

Turning to Faith, he waves her over. "Come here. This little girl is the one you'll get to ride tomorrow."

Bringing Faith to Twilight's head, he motions her to mimic him, letting the mare smell their palms. She nickers softly and nuzzles into Faith's arm, looking for attention.

Sparky still smiles, allowing Twilight to get used to Faith while moving back down to her withers to continue brushing. Keeping an eye on Faith, it's a few moments before he gestures to her to move closer. "Here. Let me show you how to brush her. She'll like you more for it."

Situating Faith in front of him between him and the horse, he puts her right hand through the leather strap on the brush, and her left through the strap on the curry. With his arms around her, he lays his hands on top of hers to guide the brushes, demonstrating the movement and pressure.

"Brush her down, one, two, three..." His hand guides hers gently, moving the bristles through the soft hair. "...then scrape, one two." He brings her arm to the other side, scraping the curry down the brush to clean out the dust. In doing so, his own arm is wrapped a little tighter around her than intended, and for a moment, he pauses, swallowing hard. His chin is just about where her shoulder is, his face enveloped in the sweet scent of her hair.

His voice comes as a whisper as he forces himself to move the brushes back again. "...and repeat."