A Gentle First Stride

Warmth stirred beneath my hooves. Above me, a plush blue companion rested heavily across my back, its soft fabric leaning forward toward a rounded earthen pot. I breathed quietly, waiting until the stillness settled. Then, testing the strength in my front legs, I lifted one hoof from the soft grey carpet and stepped forward a single, steady inch. The soft weight on my saddle shifted gently with my pace, balance holding true.