Hoofbeats

Teaser: Hotch finds his way to Pine Hollow and meets one of the horses. Set after "LDSK." Criminal Minds/Saddle Club crossover Horse's POV

Chapter One: First Encounter

All I pay my psychiatrist is the cost of feed and hay, and he'll listen to me any day. Author Unknown

The first time I saw him I threw up my head, eying him nervously. A tall, grim man in my stable. Max led him right up to me and I whinnied, displeased with this stranger. I kept an ear trained on him, wary of the dark, haunted eyes.

"This is Karen. She's a bit older but she's still got spirit. Excellent with new riders. You'll be riding her today Mr. Hotchner. My stable hand Red O'Malley will show you how to tack her up. After the lesson he'll show you how to groom her. My policy is: You ride, you look after the horse. Feel free to ask for help. I'd rather a rider ask for help instead of dealing with a major problem. Any questions?"

"No."

I gave a tiny snort, displaying disapproval. I did not want this man on my back. He had the look of someone who'd seen far too much evil. I didn't have much of a choice though. Red came and tacked me up, explaining everything to 'Mr. Hotchner.' I had heard Red's lecture before and ignored it in favor of studying my rider. He paid attention, asking a question here and there. Red approved of him, that much was obvious because Red warned the man that some of the riders might try a practical joke. I whickered, thinking of Stevie Lake's last joke on that snob Veronica. That feud aside, Pine Hollow is a stable rich in tradition. Every rider touches the lucky horseshoe before a ride and every rider (except a certain snob) looks after their horse. Unfortunately, another tradition is that every new rider is pranked by veteran riders. Usually it's Stevie and the prank is harmless but one new rider got pranked by the resident snob and nearly got hurt. I tilted my head as a shrill voice rang out. Speak of the snob…

"Red! Danny isn't ready!"

My rider looked surprised. "I thought riders had to tack up themselves."

"That's Veronica DiAngelo. She doesn't obey that particular rule and it's a sore point with everyone in the stable."

Talk about an understatement, I thought.

"I'll be right back, Mr. Hotchner," Red added as he slipped out.

I was not happy, no sirree. Alone with a stranger I didn't trust. If my mother hadn't taught me that nipping is not allowed, I might have nipped the man. I tilted my ear toward him and watched, ready to whinny for help.

"Karen, right?"

I whickered, trying to be civil.

"I've never ridden a horse before."

Oh, really, what a surprise.

"My wife talked me into this. Said I needed to get out and do something after this last case."

I was interested in spite of myself. I'd had an officer ride me a few times, always jabbering away about his job. I swung my head over, offering to listen. He hesitated and I realized he was just as wary of me as I was of him. I nudged his arm and blew out a little. He reached out and ran his hand down my head to my muzzle. I cocked an ear, hearing Veronica's high notes. When my rider spoke again his voice was soft.

"This last case was hard. Ended in a hostage situation."

It didn't sound good but I heard no more. Red came back, grumbling about Veronica. I don't know why Red and Max put up with that girl, honestly. Red slipped my bridle on and showed 'Mr. Hotchner' how to lead me out. I was still wary but decided to give the man a chance. It was just an introductory lesson after all.

Feeling down? Saddle up. Author Unknown

A/N: It's a Oneshot but I'll do a sequel if enough people like it. (Note: No longer a one-shot) Karen is mine (I wish in real life too) Everything else is Saddle Club or Criminal Minds. Story is all Hotch. Please Read and Review. BTW: If Hotch seems a little out of character that's because he's talking to an animal. Most people will open up more to an animal than another human. Animals don't judge.