Let's ride

It's Sabina's idea. To ride Tornado. She insists that about three lead ropes need to be attached - two to act as the reins, and one for mama. She grabs the mane and tries to jump on like a red indian. I give her a gentle shove. We're off. "To the gate" she says. "How about through the paddock, to the top of the hill", I suggest. "Yes, to see the Ba's" (the sheep). Tornado powers up the hill, and Sabina sits there, solid as a rock, proud as pie. The "Ba's" are there, their huge rounded horns, and their, well, sheepish faces, staring at us. Sabina is thrilled.

We go through the gates and into the state forest. From the track I point out our house. "There's my house!", comes the little voice, followed by "Tornado is a very good boy". The little girl is very happy, and only my third gentle suggestion about turning back is accepted. At the turn around Sabina jumps off and decides to lead Tornado. She runs forwards a bit, then slows right down. The rope drags on the ground half the time. Sabina is in danger of tripping, and Tornado may well get wrapped in it. What a mess. Even Tornado gets a bit frustrated. I stop the whole show, and do some minor explaining. Just gently. The outcome is that I lead Tornado (with the three lead ropes), and Sabina walks along holding my hand.

Back at the farm, Sabina wants to let him go. She takes him into the paddock, and he's so keen to get back to his horsey friends, he pretty much trots off. Headstall and leadrope still attached. Oops. We catch him and get the gear off. Of course, the said headstall and asoorted lead ropes are now going back into the house, to be applied to indoor horse. Just turn a blind eye to the dirt.