Chapter 2

On Saturday morning, Maeve met Mr. Lawson in his office, ready to finalize her decision to embrace the unique experience he had offered: training as a ponygirl on Saturdays and being a regular, clothed trainee on Sundays. Mr. Lawson’s face showed a glimmer of respect as he reviewed the optional side agreement, nodding with approval. “This agreement makes it official,” he said. “You’ll arrive every Saturday by 6 a.m., leave your belongings with Mariah, and fully commit to the ponygirl experience for the day. You’ll sleep overnight here in a stall we’ve prepared and remain as part of the pony routine until after breakfast Sunday morning.”

Maeve nodded as he continued, “You’ll have breakfast and lunch with the other ponies, and then on Sunday, after your morning routine, you’ll shower and be ready to transition to your trainee role.” He looked at her closely. “It’s a commitment that’s physically demanding and requires focus. But I’m confident you’re up for it.”

Mr. Lawson continued, outlining each component, “If you agree to train as a ponygirl—meaning you’ll be naked and in full tack each Saturday—the training will count toward your certification. I’ll also personally cover the exam cost, and the $4,500 fee will be waived entirely.” He allowed a pause, then added with a slight smile, “And should you place in the top three at the regional event, we’ll split the purse 50/50.”

Maeve knew this deal was generous, and the opportunity to compete with a chance to win half of the prize money was enticing. Yet, as she looked at him, another thought surfaced—one that could push her to truly immerse in this world and train at her fullest potential.

“Mr. Lawson,” Maeve began, her tone resolute, “I appreciate your offer. But if I’m really going to prepare for competition—and I want to be at my absolute best—I think there’s a way to make this even more effective. What if I moved into the farm full-time for the next six weeks? I could train as a ponygirl on Saturdays, just as you suggested, but also incorporate additional training on weekday mornings and evenings.”

Mr. Lawson raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Go on.”

“If I live here,” Maeve continued, “I could train every morning for two hours, before my usual routine and breakfast. I’d attend classes, but after school, I’d do my homework and then be available for more training in the evenings. And, just like the ponies, I’d eat pony feed for breakfast and dinner during the week, keeping the routine consistent. I’ll stay naked whenever I’m here, aside from Sundays when I’ll fulfill my duties as a trainee.”

A thoughtful silence stretched between them as Mr. Lawson considered her words, nodding with respect for her commitment. “That’s a bold counterproposal, Maeve. Let me amend the agreement to include your conditions.”

He picked up the side agreement, and as he edited the new terms on his computer, he explained, “Living here full-time does increase the physical and mental demands on you, but if you’re willing to stick to this rigorous regimen, I think it could be exactly what you need to succeed in the competition.”

“Maeve, I’m impressed by your willingness to dive into this commitment head-on,” he says. “I agree that living on-site will give you the time you need to prepare properly. Six weeks is a tight timeline, but with your dedication, I believe it’s possible.”

He taps the agreement thoughtfully. “To meet competitive standards, we’ll need to maintain absolute consistency. That means you’ll be expected to strictly adhere to the diet, schedule, and routine, including pony feed for breakfast and dinner, as you suggested. During training hours and all non-school times, you’ll follow pony protocol in tack and boots, remaining nude except during Sunday trainee duties.”

He pauses, considering additional points. “Since you’re willing to start early, I’ll add morning stamina workouts to improve your endurance. After school, I’ll expect you to complete any remaining homework first. I’ll also have one of our trainers work with you on refining timing and coordination so we can monitor your progress regularly.”

Mr. Lawson leans forward slightly, his tone encouraging but firm. “One last thing, Maeve—competing is as much mental as it is physical. I’ll need you to check in with Mariah or another trainer about any setbacks you face. You’ll be pushed beyond what you’re used to, so we’ll need to know you’re prepared for this challenge in every way.”

She smiled, her resolve solidifying. “Thank you, Mr. Lawson. I’m ready to start.”

He nodded. “Excellent. For now, head back to campus, pack what you’ll need, and return this evening. This will give Mariah and the team time to set up the stall and gather your tack.”

Later That Day: Packing for Six Weeks on the Farm

Back at her dorm, Maeve packed essentials: textbooks, notebooks, a few toiletries, and a second set of sandals. Her roommate, Kayla, watched her curiously from the other side of the room. As Maeve folded the last of her clothes into her suitcase, Kayla, raised an eyebrow. “Packing already? You just got here, Maeve. I thought we’d at least have a few weeks to settle in.”

“So, where are you going? Packing like you’re heading off to a remote village or something,” Kayla teased.

Maeve zipped up the last bag, trying to keep her explanation as simple as possible. Maeve forced a light chuckle, struggling to sum up the truth in a way that wouldn’t reveal too much. “I’ve, uh, taken on a really intense internship. I’ll be commuting to classes but staying there full-time to focus on the work.”

Kayla’s eyes lit up with amusement. “Aren’t you the lucky one? Getting off campus right at the start of the semester. Wish I had something like that. Where is it? Just curious.”

“Oh, um, a little way out of town. It’s this ... immersive project to gain some hands-on experience,” Maeve said, hoping her vagueness sounded intriguing enough not to invite follow-up questions.

“Immersive, huh? Well, it’s only six weeks, right? You’ll still be back for weekends?” Kayla asked.

Maeve shook her head, adjusting the straps of her overnight bag to stall. “Not quite. It’s pretty full-time seven days a week, but I’ll be here for all my classes during the week.”

Kayla gave her an exaggerated sigh of relief. “Phew! I thought you were going to say I’d have a ghost roommate all semester! I mean, don’t get me wrong, having the room to myself for six weeks sounds like heaven. But you’re gonna miss out on a lot of fun. Party season is about to kick off.”

Maeve gave a light laugh, relieved that Jess seemed to be moving past her questions. “Yeah, I know ... I’ll just have to catch up once this program wraps up.”

Kayla reached over, patting Maeve’s shoulder with a half-joking smirk. “Well, go get all the ‘experience’ you need.”

Maeve laughed, feeling relieved that Kayla hadn’t probed further. “Just don’t make it too much of a party room while I’m gone.”

“Oh, come on, Maeve. Me? Party?” Kayla joked, smirking as she waved her hand. “Seriously, though, good luck with it. You’re always working so hard. Hope this internship brings you everything you’re looking for.”

Maeve lifted her bags and headed toward the door. She paused, giving Kayla a small wave. “See you in class tomorrow.”

“See you, Roomie!”

With a warm farewell, Maeve headed out.

A few hours later Maeve returned to Lawson Farms and met up with Mariah. With a nod of encouragement, Mariah took Maeve’s suitcase and her overnight bag. “Erica left your tack and boots here so we can get you tacked up and off to training. Mr. Lawson ordered a new set of tack and boots for you using the measurements that Jen had taken when you started here,” she said with a grin, already sensing Maeve’s mix of nerves and determination.

Signing the last of the paperwork and returning to the university to pack plus the drive back to the farm had taken up the rest of the morning. By the time Maeve had returned the afternoon sun was high in the sky, casting warm rays over the farm. After lunch of pony feed, Maeve prepared to begin her first day in training. Mariah approached Maeve, her expression firm but encouraging.