Lucie, 4 years old, and I embarked on the experience of a pony rental for a walk of about an hour. Many local equestrian centers offer this service.
This test will take place at the Baux de Breteuil equestrian center. We are 10 km north of Breteuil-sur-Iton, in the middle of one of the great forests of France.
Lucile is excited. It's been a week that I have booked and that she tells me about it day and night! The day is cool, but the sun is present. I still planned the down jacket and gloves. The riding school is located near the center of the village.
On our arrival, a baby pony lesson end. Under the covered merry-go-round, the parents of the students watch with fondness their children doing like grown-ups. The instructor guides the small group with humor and dynamism. The animals are docile and sometimes a bit prankster! Lucile said nothing. She is absorbed by the spectacle.
We are a little early and I decide to take him to see, a little further, the working horses with riders of ten years. The gestures are precise and rigorous. The movements are graceful. These children are not beginners.
We then move towards stables. The name of each animal is displayed on the boxing. We greet each of them before joining the pony club where the little ones lead their mounts to unsaddle them. The instructor welcomes us and introduces us Zimba, a small brown pony with a mischievous eye.
I put a bomb on Lucile and wait for instructions. Nothing very complicated: "It's like a big dog" I am told. You just have to hold the bridle firmly enough to prevent the gourmand from going to graze at all costs! I hoist Lucile on the animal, I put her feet in the stirrups and let's go! A brief circuit was given to us in the countryside which adjoins the equestrian village.
Indeed, the animal stops every 30 seconds to graze the good green grass. He is never full! I scold him and hold the bridle firmly as recommended. Zimba snorts in disapproval. Hearing it, Lucile laughs out loud. These two are already friends!
After a few minutes, I am more comfortable and we are walking at a good pace. Lucile is in deep conversation with Zimba. She strokes his mane tenderly. She sings songs to him.
Suddenly she asks me if Zimba can run. I ask him to hold on well and I make the animal trot gently. Catastrophe! Lucile lets go of the stirrups and finds herself in a vacuum. I brake Zimba and narrowly catch up with the little one! To avoid the tragedy, I reassure her and we immediately set off again. It was only a small fear. Lucile will not be traumatized.
After 45 minutes, Lucile seems to get bored. She asks me to come home. So we take the way back. Just in time because a little icy rain fell on the three of us. We shelter Zimba at the pony club and I let Lucile say goodbye to him quietly.
On the way home, the little one is tired but happy. She is already asking when we will be back. No doubt I will offer him a baby pony lesson next time ...