A Gentle First Stride

The quiet air feels still. I pause, feeling the smooth boards beneath our hooves. My companion sits steady in the saddle, hands lightly resting on the reins. Slowly, I shift my weight forward, nudging the edge of a hoof against the floor. A faint, clear tap sounds out. Just ahead, another horse figurine stands still along the wide plank path. I lower my head slightly to breathe in the faint scent of timber, settling peacefully into our very first shared rhythm.