You are doing really well, your dad is gently stroking, ponies love it more than patting as a ponies skin is much thinner than a human, you probably know he is a palamino, when american and spanish ponies made this lovely special colour from a deep golden to a creamy white.A promise, that when you feel less nervious canter is easier than trot and you will love it, you are doing so well, hugs to ponies.