Phase 3: into the future

“Meet you two at the goal!” Maén had waved and ridden off on her stallion Tatz’ back. 

Scout had waved back, watching as the duo made quick way down a heavily wooded path, which soon drowned out the stallions' hoofbeats. 

The one to make it to the meeting point first would win a muffin. 

But they weren't the only contenders, this slightly stale muffin was a coveted prize. It had been the only one left, after all. And the way to determine who should eat it had eventually been determined as a game, which wasn't really proportionate to the reward. A horse back treasure hunt.

The hillside was more or less swarming with horse and rider pairs. Pretty much everyone in the immideate family had a horse now, or other mount. 

Another horse approached, the quick gait of a bay mare. Connor and his trusty loshenka Vivi were also contenders, but Scout wagered that his brother was in it for the fun and not the competition. Unlike Maén, who wanted to win. Scout just was happy for him and Herbie to be a part of it. 

Connor greeted them, Vivi and Herbie bumped noses. Had they not had their riders along, they'd likely have played the classic face biting game. Herbie had needed some time to pick up on it, but Vivi had been happy to teach. Two bay mares, two peas in a pod. 

“Mh. You're not plannin’ to win that muffin either, eh?” Connor grinned, his ears twitching. He could hear the others shimmy about in the distance.

“No” Scout pat Herbie's neck, smiling softly. He really was happy to just be along for the ride, in more ways than one.

“She never did end up rolling you, did she. How many rides makes that now?” 

“Stopped counting. She likes trail rides, see.”

Indeed, Herbie was very at ease. She was curiously looking about, paying special attention to where she could occasionally spot another familiar horse in the distance.

“‘M glad she's doing so well.” Connor thought back on the things they'd done to help the mare. Friends, freedom, forage. And choices, too. It had taken a good while. 

“Yeah. Somedays she says no. And we do nothing at all.” Scout had been fascinated when Herbie had first learned to nose his shoulder if she didn't like something. That definitely wasn't something he could've taught her. Thankfully, Connor and Azura could. The latter surely also was somewhere on that treasure hunt. Tough competition for Maén.

“Hmm. I'll go find Az, see if she's solving that riddle. Nov did a number on it.” Connor chuckled, he expected to find her rather frustrated. 

“Maén might win then.” Scout hoped she would. It sounded like his brother may have gone overboard. Maybe he wanted to annoy them a little bit. 

“Yup. She's bright, her chances are good. ‘Course, I'm rooting for Az. Welp, well go try ‘n find them now. Hope Bunny didn't eat the hint note.” He laughed and gave a half wave, then nudged Vivi towards the closest path.  

Scout rubbed Herbie's neck again and fed her a hay cube. Just for being a good girl. She got less treats these days than in the beginning, but lots of pets, which she'd come to enjoy. Positive reinforcement had done wonders for Herbie. 

Her saddle fit perfectly, her rider was nice and the things they did were interesting or engaging. And when she didn't feel it, she didn't have to. But more days than not, she liked to engage, she wanted to. 

Happily crunching the haycube, Herbie lowered her head and let her neck be pet some more.