Stormy walked along at a smooth pace. "Canter, Stormy" Skye commanded, clicking her tongue and giving the mare more rein. She pushed her leg in to help Stormy begin properly. When Stormy didn't respond, Skye tapped her gently with her heels. "Canter, Stormy," she asked again. Behind them, April leaned on the rail, watching. When Stormy refused to do so, Skye raised her crop. It wasn't designed to hurt Stormy, just to make noise. She tapped the Frisian, and Stormy moved into a faster walk. "Stormy, Canter!" Skye called forcefully, with a whack of the crop. Stormy easily moved into the rocking gait, her strides smooth and comfortable. Skye sighed, settling herself in the saddle. Stormy was dressage material, but only if she would listen.

The rest of the practice session was no different. Stormy paid Skye no attention until forcefully asked, but had no problem whatsoever completing the instructions. All four of her gaits were smooth and comfortable, and her transitions were not rough.

Tired and confused, Skye handed her to April. April untacked the mare and led her to the wash station. As April hosed Stormy down with warm water, she too wondered what Stormy's problem was. The mare was physically and mentally fit. She respected people's authority when they were on the ground. Her gaits were calm and easygoing, perfect for the dressage arena. Stormy just wouldn't listen.

April dried Stormy off and led the mare into her stall. Josh had opened one of the back half-doors so Stormy could see the arena. "Maybe watching the other horses practice will help her learn," Josh had explained. April hoped so. She slid Stormy's halter off and closed the stall door.

Skye went along with Josh's plan. She led Cocoa, an brown Hanoverian who had suffered a fall a few months earlier, into the practice arena. Cocoa was recovering quickly, and Skye planned to let her jump soon. Jumping was the sport that Cocoa loved, but for now the mare was content to canter around the arena. Stormy peered out of her new window, watching the pair practice.

After a short practice on Cocoa, Skye dismounted and returned the mare to her stall. Meanwhile, April and Josh had tacked up Stormy. The mare was prancing, ready to go outside.

As soon as Skye mounted, however, Stormy became as heedless as ever. She wouldn't speed up or slow down when Skye asked. Finally Skye brought the mare to a halt. She gently asked Stormy to back up a few steps.