Mina stood at the wooden fence. She watched the white pony grazing in the green pasture. She pressed her forehead against the warm wood and took a deep breath.
The pony lifted its head and flicked its tail. Mina took one step backward. Her heart pounded. She was so scared.
Mina walked back to the pasture edge. She reached for the pony's lead rope. Her fingers brushed the soft white fur — then she pulled her hand away fast.
The pony sniffed her shoulder and blew a warm breath. Mina giggled — then remembered she was scared. She went still again.
Mina's mom knelt beside her and opened her arms wide. 'I'll hold the rope,' she said. Mina climbed onto the saddle with both hands gripping the sides.
The pony took one step, then two. Mina squeezed her eyes shut and counted under her breath. One, two, three...
The pony picked up a gentle trot. Mina's eyes popped open. The green grass blurred past. A butterfly landed right on her nose.
Mina's mouth dropped open — then curled into the biggest grin. She forgot to be scared and threw her arms up in the air. 'Wheee!'
Mina patted the pony's neck and laughed as it trotted in a happy circle. 'I did it!' she called to her mom, who clapped from beside the fence.
The pony trotted on and Mina rode tall. The sunny field felt brand new. She couldn't wait to come back tomorrow.