Sayana seemed pretty secure at a walk, and not too uncertain about being back on a horse. That was always a good sign, when the rider showed little fear. Sebastian was calm and patient, just like he always was with novice riders. He was a good old pony--well rounded and the kind of horse any level of rider could get on. Kate wouldn't consider letting anyone on Garrison though. He was far too spirited and in general ornery. She kept both hands firmly on her reins while Sayana rode up close to them, keeping the stallion in check. He wasn't keen on strangers, and was a little protective of the pony. The squire could tell by the tightness of his muscles and the alert set of his ears that he was keeping a close eye on the Eypharian.
"Trotting? You're correct. If you think you can, go ahead and give it a try," Katelyn offered, but it seemed the young woman needed little coaxing. The redhead was surprised by how eagerly she set off into the next gait, seemingly without any hesitation. Kate smiled broadly as she rode away, and with a nudge of her heels urged Garrison to follow. His long-legged stride caught up easily with the sorrel pony, and she reined the Tiaden in to walk alongside them.
"Honestly, I'd love to hear about all of it. I love learning about far away places." Pausing a moment, she examined Sayana's posture.
"Good job by the way. Your trot looked pretty good, but maybe lean forward a little more next time, and be sure to keep your heels down."With another cue from her heels and calves, Garrison surged forward into an easy jog. His heavy hooves kicked up dust with each thumping step, and she rocked side to side in her saddle with the sway of his trot.
"Try and follow me back around," Katelyn called behind her.
"I'm going to lead you into a pattern. Work on your seat while you turn him. Just do what I do." The squire eased her stallion into a slow curve, pulling his left rein and flexing his neck until he came into the rail. She let him trot along the edge of the arena for a few paces than turned him back inside, cutting halfway across before switching into a figure eight. They turned right, then curved left, then right again, bending back in on themselves.
Katelyn glanced over her shoulder every few beats to see how the Eypharian was faring. She seemed to handle it well--it surely helped to have so many extra hands. Kate couldn't quite get over that. After two figure eights she halted her warhorse but motioned for Sayana to keep going.
"Good job," she complimented. The woman seemed confident and comfortable.
"Ride a few circles around me--I want to get a good look at you from the side, just to see if there's anything that needs adjusting."OOCI hope I'm not taking too many liberties. I'm going by Sayana's lack of riding skill, and just making corrections any novice would need!