“I'm a professional rider and compete in rodeos as a barrel racer,” Rita explained. “Call me crazy, but I thought it might make me a better rider if I saw things from my horse's perspective for a while.”
“Has it helped?”
Rita flicked her long black tail around as she said, “I'll tell you in a few weeks. I spent about a week getting used to this body and I'm finishing up my riding lessons right now. I'm actually on my way back to the stables after some r&r time up at the lake. I have to admit, spending a morning in the arena with a rider on your back does take a lot out of you.”
Trevor nickered. “I can imagine, though I still haven't been ridden yet. What's that like, anyway?”
“I don't know,” Rita conceded with a twitch of her ears. “I guess it's kind of like wearing a backpack that kicks you in the side or pulls the bit in your mouth every now and then. It's kind of weird at first, but you get used to it. Anyway, where are you headed? I was kind of surprised to find you out here by yourself this late in the day. Are you just getting a feel for the place?”
“I was actually trying to get over to the lake after one of the other horses in the first paddock told me about it. Unfortunately, it got too hot so I decided to stop under some trees back there to get out of the heat. I’m guessing that’s what everyone else is doing since you’re the first person I’ve come across since I started making my way over here. How is the lake, anyway?”
“It's pretty good,” Rita admitted. “Definitely a good place to get out of the heat. And, yes, the paddocks do get kind of lonely in the heat of the afternoon, in case you were wondering. More importantly, though, have you had anything to eat yet? People tend to forget about it after they've first changed, but transforming into another species can really sap your energy, especially if you're turning into something bigger like a horse.”
“Well I guess that explains it. Either way, yes, I also loaded up on some grass for a while when I was over there. I can't believe how hungry I was.”
“You have your transformation to thank for that,” Rita said. “Like I said, it really saps your energy. Anyway, I'm on my way back to the stables and probably the barn first to get some oats. You can walk back with me if you want. I'll even try to introduce you to a few of my friends, too.”