Two Hearts, One Rhythm

I am nervous as I make my way down the path leading towards the stable.

I was told I would be picking my pony today.

The anticipation made me catch my breath as I thought of all the opportunities this new pony would grant me.

I’ve grown up riding horses. I’ve had my fair share of falling off, getting kicked, bitten, and bucked to the ground. The taste of dirt wasn’t a stranger to me.

But ever since I lost my heart pony, it felt like I lost a part of myself. I walk down this path today in hopes of finding that part of me I lost. Today I will start my life anew with a pony I know I will learn to love and together we will accomplish so much.

I felt so much excitement to see what my new horse would look like.

I wasn’t told much when I got the offer. I don’t know what my pony looks like. I was just given a name. But a name is all I need.

Stapler was her name. A mare. I’ve never ridden a mare before. I thought to myself as I greeted the stable owner.

The stable owner told me that this mare was sassy, energetic and playful. A complete opposite of my gelding I used to own. He was gentle and willing to please.

The owner chuckled softly and said, “Once you bond to a mare you will have her heart forever. They may be stubborn, but the connection you two will share goes beyond anything a gelding could do.”

I just smiled politely. It didn’t make sense to me. But I kept quiet as I was lead into the barn.

There were so many horses and ponies ranging from all sizes. There were show jumpers, others were western pleasure horses. Then there were the ponies. Perfectly soft and cuddly with a spark of attitude that makes every equestrian say, “Yeah, I’ll take the 16HH gelding.”

But I was certain that a pony will take me further than a horse would. Because which big horse can turn sharp corners in the jumping ring to cut back time? Which horse can cuddle close to you and use their fluffy hair to keep you warm during those cold winter rides?

A pony was the right choice for me. Especially being such a small woman as it is. I knew I could ride a smaller horse easily.

Stapler’s POV:

My ears twitched as I took in the familiar surroundings of my stall. I could feel everything, I could sense a change within the air. The energy was different today.

I knew I was going to a new home. I was excited to start a new life, one with someone I could trust. I couldn’t wait.

I pawed the ground with my hoof, nostrils flared and ears pinned back in anticipation. I could hear voices getting closer, nervous footfalls echoed into the barn.

I could smell the stable owner. She brought carrots again. But her scent was mixed in with something new. Something exciting.

I could smell my new rider. Her heart beat steadily in her chest. Her human words sounded quiet and soft. I couldn’t resist reaching my head over the stall to get a look at my new owner.

When our eyes met, it was like the world suddenly stopped. We both stared at each other, taking in our scents, or body language, or energy.

My ears perked at the sound of her voice when she softly spoke.

“Hey, girl.”

My ears perked up as I called to her softly in a low nicker. She seemed to like that as she giggled.

“I am here to take you home, Cinnamon.”

She called me by my barn name. She must know a lot about me already. And oh, I can’t wait to get to know her more.

Once my halter was on and I had the carrot I smelt earlier, I was ready to be lead into the arena.

Once outside, the sounds all around me become overwhelming. I snorted my discomfort and stamped my hoof. But the new girl sensed this and started talking softly in a soothing tone. I mirrored her confidence and followed her until I felt dirt under my hooves.

The arena was familiar to me. I’ve been ridden in it before. But this time it felt final. I knew I wouldn’t be seeing this place again. I swished my tail in excitement while I was attached to the lunging rope.

Once they lunged me around for a bit, I was willing to do whatever I was asked. I mean, I thought it was weird that she wanted to see me move. But humans are a weird species.

Once I stopped, she came up to me and ran her fingers through my long mane. Smiling when our eyes locked again.

I sniffed her hand when she brought it to my nose.

Her touch felt soft on my neck. Her gentle presence made me feel safe.

“I think you and I will get along just fine.”

I hear her say. And I toss my head in agreement.

Once I’m saddled and we’re making another lap in the area, I can feel her start to relax above me. When she nudges me into a canter, I get so excited that I buck joyfully.

I hear her laugh as she tries to stay on. My heart is racing with the thrill of our ride. Already I say goodbye to the life I knew when I feel this new rider on my back, our teamwork flawless as I kick up dust in the area.

The stable owner says something that I don’t understand. But the girl on my back is laughing, so I buck again, tossing my mane into the wind. I only stop when I feel the new human’s weight shift above me. I slow into a walk. But she is still laughing.

I whiney in delight as he pick up a trot. My hooves moved in time with her heart. We connect instantly. I can already feel our relationship developing into something new, something bigger than both of us combined.

When our ride is done, and she is leading me onto the trailer, I feel a sense of calm wash over me. I feel relief and excitement. Today marks the start of our friendship. Today marks the new beginning of our journey.