Back in the saddle

It’s been months since I have sat astride a horse. Even longer since Floss has had anyone ride her. Yet here we are. She is saddled and bridled and I am wearing my boots and helmet. She has a nervous energy as I lead her through the gate and across the paddock. I walk beside her, our ears level. Hers flick around. Mine don’t, but I’m listening. I’m listening to her feet hit the ground, listening for the steady rhythm of it. I look back and watch her footfalls. Her back feet are landing slightly behind the hoof print left by her front feet. In horse talk, she’s stepping short. At a walk, her back feet should hit the ground at worst where her front feet were, ideally a little further forward. Floss is stepping short because she’s stiff. I keep walking beside her, letting her muscles warm and loosen without the weight of me on her back.