Raph nodded. “Tomorrow, then. And we’ll talk more about your mother, if you want. She’d be proud of you, Pamela.”
I’m proud of you.
Pamela’s smile grew. “I’d like to know more about her. Thank you for this and for being here.”
Raph’s heart swelled. His thoughts returned to Camelia and her relentless push to break his walls.
“Go on, Pamela.” He cleared his throat and stood up. “Let’s get that mare ready.”
“Truly, Father?” Pamela gaped.
“Yes. What was her name again? Savannah?”
“Her name is Susy,” she said through a fit of giggles.
Raph’s smile grew as he watched her approach the white mare, her eyes alight with barely contained joy. She reached out, her small hand gently stroking the mare’s forehead, then circled the beast with deliberate care. Her fingers trailed lightly along themare’s sleek shoulder and back; it was a reverent touch that spoke of her growing confidence.
“When will I be ready to ride Chestnut?” She glanced at the sleek stallion who stood proudly in his stall.
“Not today, Pamela..”
Pamela’s face fell; disappointment was etched in her youthful features.
Raph cursed himself inwardly. “Don’t look so glum, Pamela. We’re starting today, just not with a gallop.”
“You’ll teach me yourself?” she asked with hopeful eyes.
Raph nodded. “Yes, as we agreed. I’ll teach you myself because I want to make sure you learn right.”
Pamela turned to Susy and gently patted her. “It’s like she’s waiting already.”
The white mare nickered softly in response.
“How do I start? Do I just… climb up?”
Raph chuckled. “Just climb up? Not quite, Pamela. Mounting is an art. But before you mount, you need to know how to strapa saddle properly,” he said firmly. “A loose saddle means a fall, and I’m not having that.”
“Is that hard? Susy won’t mind, will she?”
“Susy will be all right, but she expects you to get it right. Watch closely.” He lifted the saddle from the rack, its leather gleaming, and placed it gently on Susy’s back, adjusting it over the blanket. “First, you set it here, just behind her shoulders. Feel the fit. If it’s too far back, it’ll slide.”
Pamela nodded. “That looks easy enough. But it does look heavy. What if I struggle to put it on?”
“Don’t doubt yourself. I’ll have none of that. You’re stronger than you think, Pamela. All you have to do is try.” He stepped aside, gesturing to the saddle. “Lift it by the pommel and cantle, here and here.” He pointed as he instructed. “And place it as I did. Go on, Susy’s waiting.”
Pamela’s hands trembled as she gripped the saddle, and her face scrunched up with effort when she hoisted it, wobbling slightly.
“It’s… heavier than it looks!” she gasped, managing to set it on Susy’s back, though it sat crooked. “Oh no, it’s not right, is it?”
Raph’s hand steadied the saddle, and he spoke calmly. “Not bad for a first try. Slide it forward, just a bit.” She obeyed. “There. Now, the girth. This strap goes under her belly, through the buckle.”
He knelt, pulling the girth strap and threading it through the buckle, his movements sure.
“Pull it snug but not too tight, because Susy needs to breathe.”
“Snug? Like this?” She knelt beside him and tugged the strap. Her hands were clumsy but determined, and Susy snorted softly. “Did I hurt her?”
Raph’s laugh was low and reassuring. “No, she’s just saying hello. Tug a bit harder until you feel the tension.” She followed his steps attentively. “Good. Now, loop it through the buckle again, like tying a ribbon but stronger.”
