Patrick has already helped me a lot. He has taught me to be more assertive, and he has brought me into contact with some genuinely caring people. We go out onto the trails, and I work him out through walk-trot and trot-canter transitions more for my benefit than his, though he has been at rest for quite some time too. On one deserted straight stretch I went up into two-point and twisted his mane into my fists and let... him... go. Three-beat canter moving into four-beat gallop. His heavy breathing with each stride. I pull him back and sit deep into the saddle. He's excited and prances and snorts and I'm smiling for the first time in so long.

I'm smiling. And I lead Wesley around the arena while Jen beams from up on his back. He's a wonderful horse, quick and bright, and he goes willingly for me. Everyone is surprised at his good behavior. He's been nothing but good for me. I want to think I understand horses better than others, but it's not true. I have a hard time working with truly naughty horses. It's the ones that are scared, the ones that don't understand what is wanted of them, that I have success with. If a horse is willing then I can work with it. If the horse has become frustrated and is no longer willing then I am stumped.

Do you have your own horse? The girls always ask.