Flieg!

Claire had promised Rowan to help him work through his fear. Today, they would begin. She had even arranged a small Jorvik starter pony for the occasion.

Claire: “Alright, Rowan, this is Bumble. He belongs to Wesley’s daughter and from now on he’s your personal therapist.”

Rowan: “You’re kidding, Claire! He’s way too big … no, just joking. The giant and I will manage.”

Rowan started by lunging Bumble.

Rowan: “He’s behaving perfectly. And for a pony, he’s got nice gaits. Maybe we should call it a day?”

Claire: “Absolutely not! Bumble whispered to me earlier that he insists on carrying you around the round pen today.”

After lunging, Rowan mounted the pony.

Claire: “Come on, up you go. No excuses!”

Rowan: “Hey, don’t rush me. And by the way, this is the finest rider’s backside in all of Jorvik.”

At first, Rowan was hesitant — even though he was used to much bigger horses. But after working with Bumble on the ground, he gathered the courage to get on. Within just a few steps, Claire noticed him relaxing. At the walk on the lunge line, everything went smoothly. His rider’s mind had apparently switched off the fear center. Rowan focused on the pony, gave clear aids, and rode like he always had. For today, that was enough. His joy was obvious.

Gillian: “How did it go? I watched a bit from up top. Rowan seemed pretty relaxed.”

Claire: “It went really well. Once he was in the saddle, there was no sign of fear. Tomorrow we’ll go up to the arena. By the way, have you heard from Josh?”

Josh had called when he arrived in Geneva — that was two weeks ago. Since then, nothing. He was probably busy… although a tiny phone call would have been possible. The good thing was: two weeks had already passed. I was busy myself anyway — after winter, there were plenty of repairs to handle, and I had taken over Josh’s daily stable duties. The next day, Claire and Rowan went to the arena.

Claire: “How does it feel? Ready for some trot?”

Rowan: “If you insist on keeping me on my toes — fine.”

They trotted several laps. With every stride, Rowan regained more confidence.

Rowan: “Yeehaaw!!! And now canter! Claire, I’m so happy!”

Claire laughed.

Claire: “Me too, Rowan! And tomorrow — we jump!”

She had set up a small jump in the arena. For the horses they usually rode, it would have been tiny — but for Bumble, it was a solid height. Rowan cantered a circle, then guided Bumble toward the obstacle. Not only he, but Claire as well held her breath. Would he really do it? “YES!!!” With that triumphant shout, Rowan jumped cleanly over the fence.

Claire: “You did it, Rowan!!!”

She was overwhelmed — tears filled her eyes. Finally, Rowan had conquered his fear. He too was speechless for a moment. He was simply happy. The next day, Claire drove out to the estate. Rowan had already saddled Ghost and was waiting with him in the jumping arena. He looked relaxed — though Claire could sense a flicker of tension.

Claire: “You’re ready, Rowan. Now fly over that course!”

And Rowan flew with Ghost over the course as if the accident had never happened. Rowan loved jumping. And he loved Claire.