I didn't mind this abrupt shift in demeanor. In fact, I found this blunt honesty preferable to the forced intimacy she had displayed earlier. At least now I knew where we stood.
"For beginners, posture matters most," I explained, maintaining my gentle tone. "Sit upright in the saddle."
I handed her the reins, continuing my instruction. "To make the horse walk, don't pull back hard. Loosen the tension so the horse feels less pressure—it will then move forward naturally."
Vanessa complied, lightly gripping the reins with her left hand while keeping her right hand tightly closed. Moonbeam responded to the subtle cue, obediently walking forward at a leisurely pace.
"That horse's name is Moonbeam," I said softly, stroking the mare's neck affectionately. "She's very gentle, so don't be a
