Apollo put on weight and gained more strength every day. In just two weeks the vet deemed him ready to be ridden.

Mikaela flew out the back door. As she drank in the morning freshness she shoved a handful of spearmints she had stolen from the kitchen on her way out. She turned towards the barn and sped up in excitement. Mikaela found him a black bridle and an English saddle. Most of the farm horses are ridden in western saddles but for some reason She thought Apollo would look better in an English, Mikaela liked the feel of them better and you can't jump in western saddles. She slipped on his rope halter and lead him out to the round pen beside the barn. The saddle and bridle sat on the ground beside the gate. She took off the halter and let him get a good look at his surroundings. Then she reached through the fence and grabbed the bridle. "Come here Apollo, come here boy." His eyes perked at the sound of her voice.
He let Mikaela pull the bridle on without hesitation, however once he felt the bit in his mouth he started to show the whites of his eyes. "Shh its alright I'm here." Mikaela cooed, stroking his muzzle as he fiddled with the bit. She flicked the reins over his head and led him around the round pen several times before halting him beside the fence line. "Now Apollo this is where I ride you, but to do this I need you to focuse on me okay?" She asked, knowing he didn't understand her. She climbed onto the fence and stretched her foot over his back and gently lowered herself down. He didn't so much as flick his tail. "Good boy Apollo!"  Taking a deep breath Mikaela carefully squeezed his sides. He took one shaky step before bolting into a canter. Throwing in the odd buck. All the while Mikaela clung desperately onto his mane but it was a losing battle and she soon found herself lying on the ground with a sore butt.
Thankfully no one had seen her fall. She got up and brushed the dirt off her Aqua shorts. She watched Apollo canter frantically in circles, mesmerised by his lean muscles. Mikaela starting humming the tune to her favourite song. Calmed by her soothing voice, Apollo slowed to a stop and nodded his head. "Let's try that again shall we?" Once more She brought Apollo up to the fence. This time Mikaela placed her hands above his withers and slowly eased herself over, so She was lying over his withers. He took a tentative step forward, she could feel him shaking slightly. Mikaela gently slides her legs over his backside, all the while talking soothingly in his ear.
Apollo flinched as her boot brushed over his flank but as Mikaela slid off his wither and sat in the dip of his back he settled down. A few moments later Apollo perked his ears and plodded slowly but confidently around the pen. He was perfectly balanced and was moving like a pro. Before long he moved into a steady trot and then canter, all without Mikaela's help. "Good boy!" Mikaela beamed once Apollo had slowed down. She leaned forward and fed him a spearmint from her pocket. The grey jumpers sleeves were slightly too long and Apollo snorted in disgrace as they slipped down her arms and pushed the mint off her and into the sand. "Oops sorry Apollo, but don't worry you can have another, I've got plenty." He neighed with pleasure as he devoured the treat.