Chapter 26 #2
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 strap a 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.”
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?”
“Tomorrow you will ride Suzy, yes, but Chestnut will come when you’re ready.”
“I cannot wait!”
Raph admired her for a moment. “You’ve got your mother’s spirit, Pamela. She’d be proud.”
“You think so?”
“I know so, Pamela.”
“I cannot wait for you to tell me more about her. That means more to me than horse riding. Although this is quite wonderful too!”
Raph’s throat tightened, his thoughts drifting to Camelia and how she pushed him to tell Pamela the truth. She made him see her in a new light and want to share every story about her mother.
But an old promise held him back.
“I cannot wait as well, Pamela,” he said honestly. “Now, dismount the same way you got up, but backward. I’ll catch you if you wobble.”
Pamela giggled, swinging her leg over with exaggerated care, but her foot caught, and she tipped forward, laughing as Raph caught her.
“I’m hopeless!” she snorted.
Raph steadied her on the ground. “Hardly. You’re just learning, and you’re doing fine. Tomorrow, we’ll try again. Deal?”
“Deal. Thank you… for everything.”
“Camelia deserves all the thanks.”
“I’ll thank her, Father.”
Raph’s heart swelled. “Be sure to tell her how you conquered Susy, too. She’ll want you to share every detail.”
He silently promised to reveal the truth, even if it meant shattering a lifelong vow that he swore to keep.