My Baby is Better than Yours

When I hear my friends talk about how their human babies are starting to crawl or pull themselves to their feet at however-many-months-old, I always want to say, "My baby could walk over a bridge, haunch turn, and back up by the time she was one-month old."

It's not that I want to overshadow their success stories. I just want to share my glory along with them. Fortunately, I know when to bite my tongue, because some people just don't seem to appreciate when you compare their babies to a mule—no matter how accurate the similarities may be.

Thankfully, I have friends who not only understand, they are eager to help with her upbringing.

Just a month after Madge was born, my friend Emily took her for a spin. Emily has been riding with my trainer for years and—though she will deny this—is an exquisite rider. She has a special relationship with Fig (Madge's mom), so my trainer asked if she would be the first to pony Madge.

While Emily tacked up, I held Madge close so that Fig didn't think we were trying to steal her away. Then we were off to the orchard.

Personal observation: An orchard is a wonderful place to ride on a hot day. We don't have an arena where I train, so we regularly ride in the orchard. It's quite romantic—and teaches good steering skills!

While Emily and Fig did a couple of warm-up laps, Madge received her first lesson in, "Stand. Good girl." Madge let out a deep soft bray each time her mother passed, but remained relatively quiet for such a young girl. Plus, it was the first time I'd her her speak—so cute!

Personal observation: Actually, her lesson sounded more like this... "Stand. Whoa. Back, back. Whoa. Stand. Uh, uh, uh, back. Whoa. Stand. *pause* Good girl!" And repeat.

It wasn't long before Fig was ready. I handed the lead to Emily, and off they went. What a pair! A big white American Warmblood with a jet-black baby in tow. Needless the say, the camera ran out of batteries that day!

Personal observation: While an orchard is perfect for riding, it's horrible for photography. Too many shadows!

My trainer and I watched and giggled as Madge adjusted to her new situation. We oohed and awed over her lovely gaits. We discussed future rides and ribbons.

When it was time to return to the barn, I proudly took the line and led Madge back to the stall that she and Fig shared. I couldn't have asked for anything more from her first lesson.

Photo: Madge (one-month old), Emily, and Fig take their first lesson together.