Pablo Claim Attempt

With trembling hands and shaky breaths, Estrid approached the Sooty Palomino gelding, who was calmly grazing in the snow-covered field, searching for hidden grass. Her older cousin, Svea, had told her exactly what to do, but still, the small girl felt some hesitation.

 

“Braid in the ribbon, bell on the end, tie it off,” Estrid whispered to herself. “It’s as easy as that.”

 

Earlier, Svea had explained that it shouldn’t be hard; Estrid had braided horses before, and this little pony was only 110 cm tall. Svea had pointed him out specifically because he looked friendly and calm. Estrid clenched her jaw and, with determination, approached the furry gelding. Suddenly, she found herself standing next to him without any issues.

 

She let out a gasp, causing the pony to lift his head. His wavy mane fluttered in the wind as his gaze met hers. Estrid stretched out her hand, ensuring he could smell her, before carefully patting and scratching his neck. Pablo’s soft ears twitched, and he took a step toward her, his large brown eyes filled with curiosity. Suddenly feeling a bit braver, Estrid reached into her coat pocket and found the blue ribbon with the bell attached to one end.

 

“Okay,” she muttered under her breath, focusing on the task. “Braid in the ribbon, bell on the end…”

 

Her hands were still shaking, but the pony stood calmly as if waiting for her to finish braiding. Estrid gently ran her fingers through Pablo’s tail, working the strands and the ribbon into a long braid. The bell jingled softly as she tied the braid off with a small knot, the sound somehow soothing her nerves now that the bell was in place. When she stepped back, Pablo lifted his head again and let out a soft whicker, seemingly observing his new accessory.

 

“It’s done,” she said, barely able to contain the joy bubbling inside her. Svea came up behind her, placing a hand on Estrid's shoulder and smiling.

 

“Good job,” she giggled. “Now hopefully that bell stays in place.”

 

Estrid’s heart raced as she watched the little gelding shake the snow off his back, the bell jingling in his tail. She reached out to scratch behind his ears, and Pablo leaned into her touch, nuzzling her chest. For a moment, Estrid closed her eyes and imagined what it would be like to have a pony like this as her own.