However, the day when Joanna lay down on my back also came soon. I was being held by another woman as Joanna fetched a stool and lay down on my back for a bit. It was a strange feeling and I couldn't understand how the big horses could stay so calm when a rider sat on their saddle. I got a little restless, but Joanna immediately got back on the stool and calmed me down and praised me. After a few days, when I got used to the weight, Joanna also sat on me while I was still held. Eventually I was also led with Joanna on my back and I no longer became restless.
The saddle and bridle were put on me and the reins were attached to the bridle. Now Joanna sat on me without anyone to hold me. We walked around the arena and I learned the commands for trotting, cantering, parrying and stopping. As time went by, they brought another young pony, who had just been broken in, into the arena and we rode together. Joanna also always made sure that I didn't overexert myself. We and our riders now got riding lessons every two days and we also learned to go cross-country. I didn't get scared when a loud car drove by or when I heard a loud crack from the forest. I just stood still and waited for Joanna's next command.