Pamela fumbled with the buckle, her tongue poking out in concentration. “It’s tricky! Why is it so twisty?” She giggled, finally securing it. “I did it! Is it right, Father?”
Raph checked the girth and tested the fit. “Perfect, Pamela. You’ve got the knack. Now, always check it twice because horses like Susy puff up their bellies to trick you. Give it one more tug. There, you’re a natural already!”
Pamela pulled again. “I believe it’s tighter now. Can I mount her next?”
“Yes, but you have to do something else before that. You’ve strapped her like a pro, and she deserves a pat for behaving.”
Pamela’s face lit up with a radiant grin as she gently stroked Susy’s muzzle. She cooed softly as she lavished the white mare with affection. Susy leaned into her touch, neighing contentedly and basking in every moment of Pamela’s adoration.
Raph allowed them some time before stepping behind her, pointing to the stirrup. “Next, you grab the pommel and put your left foot in the stirrup. Keep your weight balanced and don’t yank Susy’s mane; she won’t thank you for it.”
Pamela gripped the pommel, her foot hovering over the stirrup, but she wobbled, giggling nervously. “It’s higher than it looks! What if I fall?”
Raph’s hand steadied her elbow. “Then you’d be just like your mother! But with me here, there’s not a chance. Swing your right leg over, nice and smooth now, and pretend you’re a lady gliding into a ballroom, not a sack of potatoes.”
Her giggle warmed his heart. The bell-like sound echoed through the stables, but as she swung her leg, she overshot, nearly toppling over Susy’s other side. Raph’s heart stopped.
“Oh no!” she squealed, clutching the saddle, her bonnet slipping.
Raph caught her just in time, holding her up with all his strength. “Easy, Pamela! You’re not trying to leap off the horse. Sit up straight, shoulders back. Susy’s patient, but she’s not a circus pony.”
Pamela righted herself, her cheeks flushed with laughter. “Sorry, Father.”
“There’s no need to apologize. I just want you to be safe.”
“It’s different from up here.” She looked around, her bright smile still there. “Did you ever fall when you were learning?”
“Believe it or not, I fell more times than I care to admit, and that was not in the stables. Once, I landed in a mud puddle right in front of my father.”
The memory of his father’s disappointed look flashed through his mind.
I will never be like him.
“Let’s mount her again, slower this time.”
Pamela nodded, her voice determined. “All right, slower.”
She swung her leg off the mare’s back, and Raph helped her down. She took a deep breath and tried again.
“Like this?” She gripped the pommel, her foot finding the stirrup, and swung her leg over with a wobble but landed in the saddle perfectly. “I did it! I’m on Susy in one go!”
Raph applauded her with a smile. “Well done, Pamela! You’re a natural. Now, hold the reins gently, like you’re holding a bird. Don’t pull too hard, or Susy will bolt through the stable doors.”
“Like this? Oh, she’s moving her head! Is that good? What do I do next?” Pamela fumbled with the reins.
Raph stepped closer, adjusting her grip. “Good, but looser. Let her feel that you’re in charge, not fighting her. Remember to always sit tall. Do you think you’re ready to try walking her? Just a step or two.”
When her face lit up even more, he knew her answer already.
“Yes! I’m ready. But what if she runs?”
“She won’t run. I’m right here, and Susy’s as steady as they come. Squeeze your heels gently, barely a nudge. Go on, try.”
Pamela took a deeper breath. “All right, here goes.” She nudged Susy’s flanks, and the mare took a slow step forward, prompting a delighted squeal. “She’s moving! I’m doing it!”
Raph laughed, silently wishing Camelia were with them to witness this moment. “You were born for the saddle, Pamela. One more step, then we’ll stop for today.”
Pamela guided Susy another step with more ease, then turned towards Raph, her voice bubbling. “Can we do this again tomorrow? Please? And maybe try Chestnut soon?”
