After several more circuits, we walk faster.
I am finally starting to move with Charlie’s big body when, suddenly, we begin to trot again.
Harry remains in the middle controlling us with precision. He uses the long black stick and fine leather whip to gently tap Charlie’s rump. He controls us with ease, and I am unsure how I’m supposed to feel. Or what to think.
“Come on, Charlie, good boy.”
Harry nudges Charlie along and gently encourages him.
He is far from whipping the horse, but the hunk in black, with a black whip, has not gone unnoticed.
I will forever have him, his glare, his black gloves, his tall black boots, and his Ray-Bans burnt into my mind.
I have not been controlled before; it is confusing and hot at the same time. Not that I would do anything for him. Well,not exactly.
Charlie continues, and soon, he picks up speed. We next begin to canter, and I hold on tight. “Woah!” I say gasping nervously.
“Stay mounted,” Harry commands me without emotion. “And heels down and elbows in!”
“Scared!” I say, teeth clenched.
“The unknown will naturally create fear. That is, until you learn to enjoy it.”
I hold on, trying to breathe. “You just made that up!”
Harry laughs loudly. “You got me there. But it does not make it untrue.”
I am not doing well, and it feels unnatural.
“Samantha.”
“What?”
“You need to relax. You need to feel the speed of the horse and feel its motion. Then you need to match it. Move your body with his, like in a dance.”
I try, but it doesn’t work. “I can’t!” I yell.
“Move as one, Samantha, and feel it.”
“Can’t!”
“Do as I command.”
“Hard,” I say, terrified and now annoyed.
“You did the night of the storm, Samantha. Then you felt the rhythm.”
I inhale and get a wicked flashback. To him behind me, then me on him.
“Work with him, Sam. Feel, do not think.”
I do, and I think of us that night. Suddenly, I find the rhythm easier.
After a few more cycles, I settle in, and we have flow. I am one with Charlie, and our bodies work together.
“That’s it. Let him control you.”
“Again, not relevant.”
