Ramona Claim Attempt #1

“The ponies don’t like bribes.” Stacy starts as a small herd of ponies pass by. 

“You say that now–” I start, a smirk tugging at my lips as Stacy rolls her eyes. “Besides, it's harmless. It’s just a little treat so you can braid in the ribbon.” I shrug. 

“If it works I guess.” Stacy sighs as we slowly start moving towards the group of ponies. One in particular is catching my eye, a seal bay mare with soft brown eyes and a few white markings, but her eyes look so soft. As if she were a wise pony. 

“She looks like she would be a good pony for Ava.” I nod to the mare. 

“Ava is determined to work with Betty.” Stacy sighs. “I know teddy cobs are known for being sweet ponies, but I can’t help but fear for her. Betty is a scared horse, and all it takes is one–” 

“It won’t happen. They are teddy cobs afterall, and Betty is shy, but even I’ve noticed how much she comes out of her shell near Ava.” I interrupt. The last thing we need today is Stacy overthinking. 

“She’s still seven and she’s still my daughter. I will fear for her safety.” Stacy grunts. Our attention returns to the ponies at hand. Ava would be over the moon with a pony who will actually help her grow, not that I think her efforts are wasted on Betty because they are, indeed not. She’s helping the poor scared mare and that’s amazing in its own way, but at the same time she needs a pony she can learn with. A pony who can teach her, not a pony she has to teach. She’s still young and sometimes a good strong, but kind pony is all you need.

We get closer to the seal bay mare, her ears perking up at the sound of our feet sloshing through the mud. “Easy girl.” I whisper, holding out my bribe. A delicious homemade cinnamon apple cookie, irresistible to most of the horses. I smile as the mare inches closer, clearly enticed by the treat. 

“Bribes.” Stacy rolls her eyes as the mare gently takes the treat from my hands. 

“Braid.” I order watching as the mare gets more comfortable near us, and I pull out another treat, offering it. She again, like the first, takes it gently as Stacy works to braid the ribbon with its iconic jingle bell into the mare’s mane. “Hopefully she doesn’t pull ours out.” I sigh, looking at the two other braids in her mane, with the ribbon still intact. Maybe just maybe we’ll get the little pony and Ava can work on improving her seat.

Ava and Betty are a really nice duo and I think it’s exactly what Betty needs, but at the same time is it what Ava needs? It will teach her responsibility, sure, but how well will she actually be able to improve with Betty and does she actually enjoy working with Betty? I think they are a good pair, again, but I can’t help but wonder if Ava would be better suited to a more confident horse.