#rivervale_lodge

Looking not so much Shetland pony in build.. his lines are stil lhorse like... but he gets down to the size that would be perfect for Connor

Dag grins. "Connor, do you want to ride?"

"Ohhhh! Where is Stormy going?" He bounces up and down in excitment. "Look, Dagmar! LOOK!" Yes, she's right there, he probably doesn't NEED to Squeal like that... Star snorts a bit and sneaks a stretch to grab another carrot before cantering away. Too loud!

He looks WIDE-EYED at Dagmar. "Can I?"

The horse normally doesn't let the unworthy ride... but.. it's a kid.

It would appear he ahs a soft spot for childlings.

"Yes. You'll have to be gentle, okay? Is it okay if I pick you up?"

DO NOT TELL ANYONE

"Yes!" He bounces up and down excitedly, but once aloft, he stops squirming so that he doesn't startle the pony.

"You won't let me fall?"

Dagmar carefully picks up the childling by the waist and settles him on Stormwake's back. "I won't!"

He pats the horse, and leans forward to give him a small hug around the neck. "Stormwee is a good size for me. It's not nearly as far to the ground, now."

The tiny stallion is still magnificent in minature (But deeply worried Star will laugh if she comes back) , but he gives a happy whiney and yes, the boy and he can take a walk together

Stormwake is VERY lucky that Star doesn't see this, as she left before she could be saddled under the boy (and to eat her stolen carrots in peace). Connor manages to be a fairly stable rider, though Dagmar likely has to settle him a few times as he is tempted to spring up in delight - and ONCE when he almost goes flying off the horse's back in pursuit of a squirrrel!

Dagmar is steady and sturdy - protecting both small horse and rider.

Stormwake is pleased to know the boy is not incompetent..far from it. Perhaps he has more practice than he knew. YEs, good. Fun may now be had.

And a delightful morning spent. 🙂 Made even more so by the cleared air between them... and the cookies finally shared.

A delightful morning - Connor also gets to "help" with grooming the horses, though that mostly consists of holding tools and chattering away.

(Hi Ho end Scene...)