I installed the easy button

Last night I gave someone the reins to my horse. That is like giving them the keys to my car. I worry they'll see the wrappers under the seat and notice the brakes are a little squishy. A young lady who works at the barn is currently horseless. I offered to let her try Armani, "If you want...", I said. She didn't reply until my mother chirped, "Oh yes, you should try Armani!"

I watched them trot and canter around the ring. Armani zipped like a little brown Corvette. I was anxiously awaiting her opinion. I blurted "What do you think?" as they went past.

"He's so easy to ride!", she exclaimed. It wasn't the response I expected. When I got Armani a couple of years ago he was a pint-sized youngster with Napoleon syndrome. I'd heard his previous owners had been unhappy with his spunk. He'd been sent to various trainers without success.

"Well, he can be naughty." my mom intoned. "He has a teeny, little bit of a temper." Yes, that is how I think of Armani too. He has the fire of the Trakehner and the bull of the Morgan.

Did I install the "easy button"? He still has a temper. But perhaps I see the most of it because I'm with him the most. Maybe years of work are more apparent to someone trying him for the first time. Do I need to raise my expectations? As an owner, do your horses mature faster than you realize?