James
For all her recent illness and the slightly odd positioning of the side-saddle, Charlotte sits atop Charlie with the skill of the accomplished rider and almost as we exit, kicks her heels, moving Charlie from a walk to a trot.
"Whoa there..." I yell. "Just walking for now. Gentle exercise."
"But, Master..."
"You'll do as you're told, or we'll be straight back inside. And the only riding you'll get then is my crop on your backside."
She eases back down, with Charlie herself slightly resisting. The mare is skittish and excited, understandably after her change of home then several days inside the stable.
Too much to handle?
But no, Charlotte knows what she's doing and with obvious competence, brings the mare under control.