PINPOINTS OF LOVE

TRUST

black. Although his presence was confidently commanding, he had a softness in his eyes that instantly gave Mia a sense of relief.

“He’s gorgeous,” Mia breathed as Joan led Cielo into the barn and hooked his halter onto two short ropes that strung from each side of the rustic corridor. “I’m a bit nervous,” she blurted. “It’s been almost ten years since I last rode.” She had explained everything when she’d called a few days earlier, but couldn’t help mentioning it again.

“You’ve got nothing to worry about,” Joan reassured her. “Cielo is one of our most mellow. Do you want to start getting him ready?”

“Sure.” Mia remembered the process as if she’d groomed Lily just yesterday. First, the rubber curry comb. Then, the stiff bristled brush followed by a swift swish of the softer one. Her muscle memory wasn’t letting her down. She picked Cielo’s patterned hooves with ease before whisking over his mane and tail. Mia took her time, wanting them to get used to each other, to get comfortable.

Joan lugged Cielo’s tack from the back room and laid it against one of the empty stalls. First, Mia picked up the leather bridle. She gently slipped it on, working it effortlessly into Cielo’s powerful jaw and buckling the brass strap against his smooth cheek.

“Good boy,” she told him, patting his silky muzzle.

Mia placed the saddle pad onto Cielo’s curved back, lining it up perfectly with the highest point of his withers. Next, she grabbed the worn-in, soot-black saddle and laid it lightly on top. Tightening the girth had always been her least favourite part about saddling up, and she was almost relieved to find out that, even after all of this time, that had remained the same.

“All set?” Joan asked.

“I think so.”

“Alright, everything looks good to me. Let’s head to the ring. You can walk him, if you want.”

Mia unhooked the clips, grasping his lead tightly in her clenched hand. Her nerves were beginning to rear their ugly heads again. Her heart thumped as they made their way towards the exit, Cielo’s shoes making their standard clip-clop vibration on the cement floor.

Outside, ponies neighed and birds chirped. The clear, cerulean sky was punctuated by only a few fluffy clouds, sailing along overhead. The breeze was pleasant and the sun, bright and warm. The barn cat followed along behind them, skillfully weaving its way around Cielo’s heavy hooves.

Joan swung open the metal gate of the riding ring and Cielo led Mia inside. They reached a wooden mounting block. “Ready?” asked Joan.

“Ready as I’m going to be,” Mia responded, even though she wasn’t quite sure if that was the truth. There was only one way to find out.

Cielo stood patiently, waiting for her to climb up the steps and grab a hold of his saddle. Mia secured her helmet before placing her boot into the stirrup. She felt slightly shaky but she had promised herself—today was the day. And even though they’d only just met, she felt like she could trust Cielo. He was the trustworthy type. There was something about his mellow demeanour that encouraged her to go ahead.

Suddenly and uncontrollably, Mia thought back to the disorienting dread she had felt going over that final jump with Lily before plummeting to the ground and shattering not only her bones, but her spirit, too. It was a blinding flash of fear. But it was over almost as quickly as it had began.

She had to remember that that was then—a different time, horse, and place. It had been a long time since. Too long.

Mia hoisted herself up and over Cielo’s athletic back, her feet automatically finding their home in each stirrup. She took a moment to settle in, feeling the grooves of the saddle beneath her and the reins secure in her hands. She squeezed with her inner thighs and Cielo slowly began to walk.

With each step, she felt her anxieties gradually melting away. She wasn’t ready to run or jump just yet, but she would get there. Leaning slightly forward, she rubbed Cielo’s muscular shoulder.

“Thank you,” she whispered.