Nature

"The littlest one in the barn is usually NOT the easiest one to ride." was a slogan Jill used for her classes involving the smallest ponies.

At one of her new stables, she was using a tiny chesnut named Cheery who had earned a few other handles as well. She was probably 18, probably broken to drive and momma to a few other cuties on the property...

One day a seven year old student enjoyed the most enjoyed the part of her lesson where they tried to think of more appropriate monikers, agreeing in the end on "Challenging Cheery." Back in the barn Jill ranted on to the owner, "She was such a brat." She can be a cow, he agreed. Jill continued, "The rider would address the initial evasion so the pony would invent a new, tougher objection. Over and over and over..." "That's the definition of a cow." he chuckled.

When the 12 year old made her canter, she would go a few strides then stop and buck. And then buck again when the accomplished young equestrian managed to keep pushing with the leg and seat and throw in a whack with the crop. Egads!

And then she saw the pony's true nature. It almost infuriated Jill the way that same animal would be as gentle and good as gold with the keen 4 1/2 year old. "I am not kidding, she is such an angel you can actually SEE the halo!" Jill was amazed actually at the way you could SEE the pony take care of the student. And, she just loved to sniff the child. It was priceless.