Post by BlueSails on Apr 4, 2006 4:02:35 GMT -5
Jump the Moon was his show name. He'd been Champion in the Hunter Pony divisions for two years, jumping his way to victory with a confident, cheerful 13-year-old on his back. At the barn, where he was affectionately called Jimmy, the grey Connemara pony was sweet and gentle, the perfect beginners' mount.
...But that was years ago. Now, the same girl who'd jumped him in shows long ago stood in front of him, tugging on the lead rope. She knew it wasn't the way to lead a horse (putting all your weight on the rope and trying to force him on) but this pony was different---he was just testing her, and Isa enjoyed it as much as he did.
"Come on, you big brute," she called, finally coming over to give him a pat instead. She pressed lightly on his back, waiting for a nip, and then swung her leg over to mount him bareback. The old grey pony was too lazy to do anything to her, and she rode him this way until they reached the paddock.
Isa jumped down and took off his halter, then gave the pony a hug like she used to do when she was only tall enough to reach his wither. She closed the paddock gate behind her and waved bye as she walked back down to the barns.
...But that was years ago. Now, the same girl who'd jumped him in shows long ago stood in front of him, tugging on the lead rope. She knew it wasn't the way to lead a horse (putting all your weight on the rope and trying to force him on) but this pony was different---he was just testing her, and Isa enjoyed it as much as he did.
"Come on, you big brute," she called, finally coming over to give him a pat instead. She pressed lightly on his back, waiting for a nip, and then swung her leg over to mount him bareback. The old grey pony was too lazy to do anything to her, and she rode him this way until they reached the paddock.
Isa jumped down and took off his halter, then gave the pony a hug like she used to do when she was only tall enough to reach his wither. She closed the paddock gate behind her and waved bye as she walked back down to the barns.
