Chapter 6: A New Stage in Training

As the week went by, Maeve found herself slipping more and more into the routine at Maplewood Farms. Each morning, she arrived earlier than she had at the start, her body quickly adjusting to the enema regimen Erica had introduced. The first few days had been uncomfortable, but by Friday, Maeve found herself feeling lighter, more energetic, and even clearer-headed than she had in a long time.

The pony feed, a strange mixture that looked like hay but was packed with nutrients, had become a part of her daily diet. At first, Maeve had been hesitant to eat it, but Erica had assured her that it would help keep her energized. Maeve couldn’t deny it—by the middle of the week, she felt stronger, more vibrant, and more in tune with her body. She had better focus at school, too.

She noticed something else too. Her body temperature seemed higher, as if she were running warmer than usual. By the time Saturday arrived, Maeve felt a warmth that spread through her limbs, and even in the cool morning air, she barely noticed the early morning chill.

On Saturday morning, Maeve arrived at the farm early, ready for her shift. After completing her new morning ritual of stripping naked, getting an enema administered by Pebble, then a breakfast of pony hay and water, she set to her usual duties.

After completing her usual tasks—grooming, feeding, and training Pebble—Maeve couldn’t shake the strange sensation of warmth that had taken over her body. She felt more energized than ever, almost like she was glowing from within.

Finally, after feeding the horses and ponygirls, Maeve approached Erica, her curiosity getting the better of her. “Hey, Erica,” Maeve started, wiping her hands on her bare thighs. “I’ve noticed something weird this week ... I feel hotter, like my body temperature’s gone up. Is that normal?”

Erica glanced up from the tack she was organizing and smiled knowingly. “Ah, you’re feeling the effects of the feed.”

“The feed?” Maeve repeated, frowning slightly.

“Yeah,” Erica explained, leaning against the barn door. “There’s a nutrient in the pony feed that helps regulate your body temperature. It’s especially useful in the winter months, but it also raises your core temperature a bit. That’s why you feel warmer—and why you’ve probably got more energy. The enemas also help with energy as your body is cleaned of the waste, you’re healthier.”

Maeve blinked in surprise, taking in the information. “So, it’s like ... preparing my body for colder weather?”

“Exactly,” Erica said. “It’s designed to help the ponygirls cope with the cold without needing extra clothing. You’re adjusting to it pretty quickly.”

Maeve thought about it for a moment. “I’ve definitely noticed a difference ... I feel stronger too.”

“That’s all part of the process,” Erica said with a grin. “Your body’s adapting. Let’s add the pony feed in the evenings as well. Fall will be here soon enough.”

Erica chuckled. “Ready to take on something new today?”

Maeve raised an eyebrow. “New?”

“I want you to drive a sulky today,” Erica said, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Maeve blinked in surprise. “Drive? As in ... with Pebble pulling?”

“Exactly,” Erica confirmed. “You’ve been doing great guiding Pebble, and now it’s time to take that a step further. Driving a sulky is a different kind of control—it’s about communication, trust, and precision. You’ve already shown you can use the whip and give commands. Now, you’ll put that to the test while driving.”

Maeve’s heart raced at the idea. She had seen ponygirls pull sulkies before, but she had never imagined herself in the driver’s seat. Still, there was a thrill to the thought. I can do this, she told herself.

Saturday Afternoon: Driving the Sulky

Erica led Maeve to the area where the sulkies were stored. Maeve’s stomach fluttered with a mix of nerves and excitement. Pebble was already there, harnessed and ready, her posture calm and steady as she waited for Maeve.

“This is a bit more advanced than what you’ve been doing,” Erica explained as she guided Maeve to the sulky. “But I think you’re ready. The main difference is how you communicate with Pebble from the seat. You’ll be using the reins to signal her—much like how you’ve been using the whip.”

Maeve climbed into the seat of the sulky, feeling the slight bounce beneath her as she settled in. Pebble stood patiently in front, her bridle secured, and Maeve could see the reins leading from her bit to the seat of the sulky.

Erica stood beside her, placing the reins in Maeve’s hands. “Now, the key is in your touch. You want to be firm but gentle. The reins are your way of telling Pebble what to do, but you don’t want to pull too hard. You’ve already learned the voice commands, so now it’s about syncing that with the reins.”

Maeve nodded, gripping the reins lightly. “Okay, I think I get it.”

Erica gave a small smile. “You’ve already got the basics. Let’s start with a walk. Give Pebble the signal.”

Maeve took a deep breath and gave a gentle tug on the reins, paired with a soft command. “Walk on.”

Pebble responded immediately, stepping forward with grace, her movements smooth as the sulky began to roll behind her. Maeve felt a rush of excitement as she held the reins, guiding Pebble around the training paddock. The motion felt almost natural, and Maeve quickly found her rhythm.

“Good,” Erica called from the side, watching closely. “Now, keep her steady. Use the reins to guide her, but remember—she’s trained to respond to your voice as well.”

Maeve nodded, feeling a surge of confidence as she steered Pebble around the paddock, the sulky gliding easily over the dirt track. Each flick of the reins was met with precise movements from Pebble, and Maeve found herself adjusting to the pace without much difficulty.

“Let’s pick it up a bit,” Erica instructed. “Give the command for a trot.”

Maeve flicked the reins a little firmer this time and spoke confidently. “Trot on.”

Pebble picked up the pace, transitioning smoothly into a trot. The sulky bounced slightly beneath Maeve, but she kept her grip steady, her eyes focused on Pebble’s movements. The wind rushed past her face, and Maeve felt a rush of exhilaration—this was different, more challenging, but in the best way possible.

“Great control,” Erica called, walking alongside the track as Maeve guided Pebble through the trot. “Now, if you want her to slow down, ease back on the reins and give the command.”

Maeve gently pulled back on the reins, her voice calm. “Walk.”

Pebble responded instantly, slowing her pace back down to a walk, the sulky moving smoothly behind her. Maeve couldn’t help but smile, the sense of accomplishment flooding her. I’m really doing this, she thought.

Erica came to stand beside her again, her expression proud. “You’ve got the hang of it. How does it feel?”

Maeve looked down at the reins in her hands, still buzzing with adrenaline. “It feels ... incredible. Like I’m really connected to her.”

“That’s the idea,” Erica said with a grin. “Driving a sulky isn’t just about control—it’s about trust. Pebble knows how to move, but she’s relying on you to guide her, to make sure you’re both in sync.”

Maeve glanced at Pebble, who stood calmly in front of her, and felt a deep sense of connection. “I get it now. It’s not just about giving commands. It’s ... more than that.”

Erica gave her a satisfied nod. “Exactly. You’re learning fast.”

As the training session came to a close, Maeve dismounted the sulky, her body buzzing with the aftereffects of the adrenaline. She had taken another step forward in her journey, and it felt like everything was starting to fall into place.

After working with Pebble, Maeve was cleaning up when Erica approached her with a thoughtful expression. “Maeve, I’ve been thinking,” Erica began, her tone gentle but serious. “You’ve been doing incredibly well—better than I expected. You’re confident, comfortable, and I think you’re starting to understand what this lifestyle is really about.”

Maeve looked up from her task, sensing something significant was coming. “Thanks, Erica,” she said, smiling slightly. “I’ve learned a lot.”

Erica nodded. “And there’s one more thing I think you should try ... if you’re ready.”

Maeve’s heartbeat quickened as she wiped her hands on her thighs. “What’s that?”

“I want you to wear a bridle and bit,” Erica said softly, her gaze steady. “I think it’s time for you to experience the other side of the training. Pebble has been guiding you for a while now, and I think you’ll understand things even more deeply if you see what it feels like to be in her position.”