Loving Spirit

again later. If all else fails we’ll have to scrap the show tomorrow and spend the next few weeks working on it. We could sedate him and get him in, then hopefully make him see there’s nothing to be frightened of – feed him in there, take him for short journeys. But we can’t sedate him for a show, he wouldn’t be able to compete.’
    Ellie felt a stab of disappointment as she stroked Picasso’s damp neck. She’d been really looking forward to the next day. Please go in, please , she silently urged the pony. It wasn’t just the show, though. After all, she knew there would be many other shows to go to in the future. It was just that sedating him and forcing him in there while he couldn’t resist felt so wrong.
    ‘Let’s try once more,’ Stuart said, patting his neck.
    ‘Good luck with it.’ Saying goodbye to Stuart and Joe, Ellie led Spirit away up the lane.
    Spirit walked out eagerly, his ears pricked, eyes inquisitive. His mane and forelock were long and silky now, and although his legs were still scarred he was slowly starting to build up muscle. He looked so much better.
    She let him pause to rub his face on a fence post. On either side of the lane there were fields of sheep with small lambs, and the sun was fighting through the white clouds. There wasn’t much warmth in its rays, but it was very welcome after the bleak January and February. Looking around, Ellie could see daffodils pushing upwards and the green buds on the trees. She had a feeling of the landscape thawing, life breaking out on the barren slopes.
    Putting her arm over Spirit’s withers, she felt content – happy to be where she was. She remembered what Stuart had said about riding Spirit. If she stepped up on the first plank of the fence she would be able to get on …
    But should she?
    Deep down, she knew she should wait until she was back at the yard with a saddle and people around in the safety of the school. It was madness to try and get on Spirit’s back now, but it also felt right, and she was learning to trust her instincts.
    Standing up on the fence, Ellie leant her weight over Spirit’s back. His ears twitched, but he didn’t move.
    ‘Can I get on you?’ she asked, feeling somehow that it was right to ask his permission.
    He stayed still. She hesitated. She was sure he was OK with it. Putting her trust in him, she moved her right leg over his hindquarters and slowly sat up. Spirit tensed.
    ‘It’s OK,’ she murmured, trying to stay relaxed. She knew if she tensed up too, then he would think there was something to be afraid of. She breathed out, letting her energy flow down through him. His back felt warm underneath her. ‘There, Spirit. Good boy.’ Her fingers stroked his neck and mane.
    She continued murmuring to him until she felt him lower his head and relax. Should she get off, make that do?
    Spirit made the decision for her. Turning from the fence, he started to walk down the lane. Ellie quickly gathered up the reins, but kept her hands as light as possible. She could remember the way his mouth had been hurt in the past. She let her legs hang down loosely. She’d ridden Abbey many times bareback, usually when she was feeling too lazy to tack her up properly. Spirit had a long, smooth stride. He walked out, his ears pricked, and she had the feeling he was happy to be ridden.
    At the end of the driveway there was a road, and on the far side of the road a small wood with a bridlepath through it. Spirit pulled eagerly at the bit and Ellie let him cross. As his hooves fell on the soft grass and soil of the woods, he broke into a jog.
    Ellie released his head slightly and the next moment he had plunged forward. ‘Steady, boy,’ she gasped, tightening her hold on the reins as the speed took her by surprise. He slowed down to a steadier pace. Ellie had to hold on to his mane to stop herself being swept backwards. Exhilaration rushed through her. She was cantering Spirit! He felt amazing – smooth and in control. A bird flew up and he shied, but Ellie moved with him and they cantered on.
    At last she drew him back to a trot and then a walk. Eyes shining, she threw her arms round his neck and hugged him tightly before they continued on.
    Ellie was still bubbling with happiness as they headed for home. This was just the start. She’d find a saddle that fitted him and then she’d be able to start riding him properly. She couldn’t wait to tell Joe. They’d be able to go for rides together. Maybe even jump.