Das Komplettpaket

Claire and I were waiting outside the paddock stable for a new client.

Gillian: “Here comes our new customer. Ricky Winterwell and his pony, Maniac.”

Claire: “You’ve got to be kidding. What a duo. So… what’s their problem?”

We greeted Ricky.

Gillian: “You said on the phone that you’d like to learn how to ride. Tell us what you have in mind.”

Ricky: “I’m a personal trainer, and one of my clients wants me to learn riding. I have no clue about horses. Maniac was a package deal — pony and full equipment included.”

Ricky was athletic — but completely inexperienced with horses. Forced by circumstance, he had impulsively bought Maniac as a “complete set.” Now he stood here, needing to learn everything from scratch. Claire could barely hide her amusement when she announced they would first unsaddle the pony to get to know him properly.

Claire: “Alright, Ricky, now you know the names of the body parts. Next step: groom Maniac. Always brush in the direction of the hair.”

Ricky: “In which direction again? Oh right… you said that. In the direction the hair grows.”

Claire truly had to start at zero. She explained the pony’s anatomy, how to care for coat, mane and tail, how and why to clean hooves, and how to saddle and unsaddle correctly. Riding would have to wait. First, Ricky needed to practice the basics — then they began with leading exercises. Jamie suddenly appeared.

Jamie: “Wow! Ricky Winterwell, Jorvik’s Jor Jitsu champion! What are you doing here?”

Ricky: “She said you have to be able to lead from both sides… and that’s exactly what I’m doing. Look!”

Ricky had draped the reins over his shoulders, holding one end in each hand.

Claire: “Ricky… that’s not what I meant by ‘both sides.’”

Next came mounting practice. Ricky listened carefully to Claire’s instructions, then climbed on. Only… he wasn’t facing the pony’s head.

Claire: “You were supposed to mount the way I explained. Do you see the mistake?”

Ricky: “I did exactly what you said! Foot in the stirrup, hand on the saddle, push off with the other foot.”

During a short break, I spoke to Claire.

Gillian: “How’s it going?”

Claire: “He’s going to drive me crazy. But I just had an idea about Rowan…”

Meanwhile, Jamie chatted with Ricky.

Jamie: “So, how’s it going?”

Ricky: “Great, Jamie! I’m almost riding already.”

After the break, Claire let Ricky ride in the round pen. He even trotted — and it actually looked good.

Claire: “Yeeees, Ricky! That’s fantastic! You’re a natural talent! How do you feel?”

Ricky: “I feel like I’m flying! If I’d known how much fun this is, I would’ve started years ago.”

Now Ricky wanted to canter. Rowan had joined them.

Rowan: “Wait — is that really Ricky Winterwell cantering on a pony?”

Claire: “That’s exactly what you’re seeing. He was a complete beginner — and now look at him. He’s cantering without overthinking. Do you see how happy he is?”

Ricky had done it. Within just a few days, he had learned how to ride — or at least how to stay balanced in all gaits. The rest would come with practice. Soon, Ricky and Maniac were picked up by… another pony. And the two of them “rode” off together. We stared after them in confusion.

Claire: “Who is that next to Ricky?”

Gillian: “That’s Mayor Peanut. Ricky’s client — the reason he had to learn riding in the first place. He came to pick him up… and apparently they’re planning a race on the way back.”

A pony as mayor? That’s something that could only happen at Jorvik.