Stiff All Of A Sudden

That was hard, says Terence.

Yes, you didn't fall off, says Buster.

I had a straight back, says Terence.

You weren't very flexible, says Buster.  

Madame Ponty and Belle arrive at the gate.

Now to dismount, says Madame Ponty. You must do it correctly.

Do I have to turn round and face Buster's bottom? asks Terence.

Of course not, says Madame Ponty. 

He's remembering how he got on, says Belle.

Obviously this is different, says Madame Ponty. Now Terence, remove both feet from the stirrups.

Terence removes them.

Hold the reins in your left hand, and with your right hold the pommel.

Madame Ponty points to the pommel.

Now hoist your right leg over Buster's hindquarters, and gently drop down beside him, says Madame Ponty.

Terence prepares to start hoisting.

Remember to land with your knees slightly bent, says Madame Ponty.

Got that? snickers Buster.

No! says Terence. I've gone stiff all of a sudden.

Never mind, says Belle. I'll get you off in jiffy.

She puts one arm around Terence, and lifts him down from Buster.

That is unacceptable, says Madame Ponty. Terence must re-mount and dismount properly, if he wants a certificate.

Wah! cries Terence. I do want a certificate.

You can come back tomorrow, says Belle. 

No he can't, says Madame Ponty. I'm busy tomorrow.

So am I, says Buster.

All right, we'll call that it, then, says Belle. How much do I owe you?

Nothing, says Madame Ponty. It was a favour.

Goodbye, Madame Ponty, says Belle. Goodbye, Buster. And thanks.

Terence has marched off already.

No way he is saying goodbye or thanks to Madame Ponty or Buster.

Roo-kai, perched on the fence near the gate post, foresees trouble.