After unsaddling Red and putting his tack back, I grab a stick with a plastic bag on the end, and approach the mare's pen.

I enter the corral and stand in the center, my right arm out as the whip and left up to guide her onto the outside circle. She trots out to the right and I quickly dodge in front of her, pushing Amy back to the left.

"Good girl." Her ears flick towards my encouraging words.

Amy takes to the canter with two kisses and slows down into a relaxed, extended gait.

"Walk." She slows right to a walk before laying down and rolling. "Silly girl." I laugh as she stands up and walks towards me.

Amy places her nose to my hand, accepting me as her person.

"Let's try something." I run out to the barn's tack room, grab a rope halter and lead, and jog back with a few treats in my pocket.

I lay the rope over her withers and she shivers, like a fly had landed on her.

I manage to slide her old, ratty halter off and put her new one on to lead her around.

Ending on a good note, I take her lead rope off and give her peppermint treats for allowing me to halter her.

"How many horses do you have to ride still?" Jamie, my best friend and fellow cross country rider asks, leading out Ruby with a halter and lead.

"I worked Red with Tanner this morning, and Amy has a new halter on. Plus it looks like Rain and Romeo are going to need a dressage schooling."

"I'll ride Rain for you."

"Thank you."