‘No, it’s probably easier for you in the front,’ said Carlotta, embarrassed.
‘No, really I want to sit in the back. It’ll give me a new perspective,’ said Alexia, as she wheeled her chair over and expertly lifted herself onto the back seat with her hands.
Chris shrugged. ‘You will never win with her, so don’t even try.’
‘You sure?’ asked Carlotta.
‘It’s done now. They only way you can move me is to lift me,’ dared Alexia, settling in her seat.
Carlotta laughed and got into the front of the car while Chris packed away Alexia’s chair. When he got back in he started the engine and turned to his daughter. ‘Feels funny having you way back there, kiddo.’
Alexia smiled. ‘I like it, she said.
At the riding centre, Alexia took her riding gear from her father and wheeled herself towards the change rooms. Chris went to follow her in.
Alexia stopped. ‘Maybe Carlotta can help me,’ she said.
Chris looked to Carlotta who nodded. ‘Sure, you will have to tell me what you need though.’
‘Oh, don’t worry, she will,’ countered Chris.
Carlotta watched as Alexia undid her school uniform and slipped on a jumper over the T-shirt she was wearing under her tunic.
‘I just need my pants and my boots,’ she said, pulling them out of her bag.
Carlotta watched as she pulled off her own school shoes.
‘So you ready?’ asked Alexia.
‘I guess,’ said Carlotta.
‘Stand here and lean down. I will hang onto your waist while you lift me and then pull the dress down. Then put the pants on and then we will do the lift again and you just pull them up.’
Carlotta did as she was asked and soon they were out of the changing room where an anxious Chris was waiting. ‘All fine?’ he asked carefully.
‘She’s an expert, Dad. Chill.’
Carlotta felt proud of herself and of Alexia as she wheeled herself towards the stable. Carlotta watched as she was lifted onto her horse by a hoist – a beautiful bay with the gentlest nature Carlotta had ever come across.
‘What’s his name?’ she asked.
‘Cookie,’ said Alexia, sitting up straight. ‘He knows everything I want him to do. It’s like he reads my mind.’
‘That’s because he loves you,’ said Carlotta, rubbing the horse’s face with her forehead.
‘You think?’ asked Alexia, touching the horse’s neck with her hand.
‘Yep, absolutely,’ said Carlotta, happy that such a lovely beast was carrying Alexia.
Alexia walked her horse out into the area. There was no one else on the course and she started to take Cookie through her paces. Carlotta stood next to Chris as Alexia’s coach talked her through her ride.
‘She sits beautifully,’ said Carlotta.
‘You think?’ asked Chris proudly.
‘Yes, she a natural,’ said Carlotta, marvelling at Alexia.
Another rider came onto the area but was at the other end so Carlotta paid no attention to them. The coach set up some small jumps for Cookie and Alexia to try. Chris looked at Carlotta.
