16. Chapter 16
Chapter 16
Luke
S heena booked the trek for herself, plus one. It’s the day before I fly out to visit a possible breeding partner but that’s fine. I’m happy to lead the trek. It’ll be good to show Sheena what we have to offer the hotel guests and tourists in the area. I’m sure that’s her main reason for wanting to win the prize. She is obviously super keen; otherwise, why would she have put her name into the draw so many times?
Ray helps me saddle the ponies, Mabel and Olive. They are quiet and steady, temperaments perfect for first-timers and children. Our pedigree Quarter Horses are separate. For breeding purposes only and for sale.
Ray fits Mabel’s bridle, then leads her out of the loose box and into the stableyard to wait for Sheena and her plus one.
She could be bringing a colleague from the hotel. Or she could be bringing a friend. Perhaps a husband or boyfriend. Maybe Molly from the library or Kate from the café. Or, I secretly wish, Lydia from the floristry shop.
I finish fitting Olive’s bridle and lead her out to join Mabel who stands patiently with her head lowered and her eyes half-closed. One of her rear hooves is tipped up on end. She looks like she’s snoozing.
Soon a car pulls up and parks near the house. I hear the doors open and close and the sound of female voices. I leave the ponies tethered to the post and walk over to greet my guests.
“Howdy, ladies,” I say as my heart leaps because Sheena’s plus one is Lydia. I instantly relax and feel a rush of excitement at the same time. I take a minute to shake it off, then say, “Welcome back. Are you ready for a ride?”
“Hello, yes,” says Sheena brightly. Lydia is more reserved. She raises a hand and says a quiet hello.
“Alright. Let’s get you on a horse, then.” We walk together to the stableyard where Olive and Mabel stand quietly with Ray who is holding their reins. He tips his hat and nods politely in greeting.
“So, hands up if you’ve never been on a horse before,” I say by way of introduction.
“I have, but it was a long time ago,” says Sheena.
“Same,” says Lydia.
“There’s really nothing to it. The ponies know their job. All you need to do is stay on.” I walk toward Olive and Mabel. “But first, before you get onto your pony, you have to say hello. This is Olive. Lydia, she’s your pony today. And Sheena, the grey one here is Mabel. She’s yours. Go ahead, say hello. They understand.” I allow a minute for the ladies to pat the ponies and get acquainted, then I continue. “The next step is getting on, which can be a bit tricky if you haven’t been on a horse for a while. Go ahead, if you want. Otherwise, I’ll talk you through it.”
Ray helps Sheena onto Mabel, and I stand close to Lydia in case she needs assistance. I breathe in her fragrance, a mix of honeysuckle and fresh-mown grass. I have to stop myself from burying my nose in her hair, the smell is so intoxicating.
“I think I need some clues,” says Lydia looking at the saddle which is chest-level. “The pony is a little tall, don’t you think?”
“No. Olive is the perfect size for you. Don’t worry. I’m here to help. First, stand facing the back of the horse. Then bend your left leg and lift your foot into the stirrup.”
“Oh goodness,” exclaims Sheena from somewhere behind me. “I can’t quite bend my knees so much in these jeans. I’m sure they’ve shrunk.”
“No problem, ma’am,” says Ray gently. “Perhaps it’ll be more comfortable for you to use the steps to get on Mabel.” He leads the patient pony to the mounting block by the barn. “Come over here with me.”
“Yes. Thank you.” Sheena follows Ray and Mabel across the stableyard. “That looks so much easier.”
“So, Lydia. Would you like to use the steps, or are you fine getting on here?”
“No. I think I can get on right here, thanks. My pants are stretchy. I can easily get my foot up into the stirrup.” Lydia smiles bravely then says, “But I don’t know if I can get my other leg up there and over.”
“Alright. Let’s see if we can do it together,” I say gently. Lydia nods. I try to read her expression, but she turns away and looks serious. I get it. Back to professional distant mode. I clear my throat. “Reach up and hold the saddle front and back. Put your left foot in the stirrup. Then, you’re going to hop around on your right foot, spring up, and swing your leg over in one easy movement. You can try it by yourself first, if you want. It might take a couple of attempts.”
“Okay.” Lydia gets her foot in the stirrup, but Olive shifts her weight slightly, which knocks Lydia off balance. She laughs but quickly regains her composure.
“Have another go,” I say stroking Olive reassuringly. “Stand still, girl.”
“This time,” says Lydia with determination. She gets her foot in the stirrup, reaches up, and takes hold of the saddle, then hops around on her right foot but doesn’t get the momentum she needs to hoist herself upward. “Phew! It’s harder than it looks. I thought I could do this.”
“It’s rare that a rider gets up there on their first go. It takes practice. Have one more try.”
Lydia breathes for a minute and rolls her shoulders back. Then she repeats the steps. She almost gets there, but not quite.
“You want some help?”
“Yes please, otherwise we could be still here when the sun goes down and miss out on the day’s ride.”
Across the yard, Sheena is on Mabel. “Woohoo! Look at me. I’m riding, Lydia. What are you doing? Use the step. It’s super easy.”
Lydia looks from Sheena to me.
“You can use the step. No shame in it.”
“No,” says Lydia. “I want to do it properly.”
“Great. So, you do what you’ve been doing, and I’ll put my hands here on your waist, if that’s alright, and I’ll help you up.” My hands fit smoothly around the beltline of Lydia’s jeans as if they were always meant to be there. “Teamwork.” This time, with a little help from me, Lydia hops and swings her leg over the pony’s back. “Awesome. You did it.”
“Well not really, Luke. I couldn’t have got here on my own,” Lydia says with a huge satisfied smile that radiates sunshine, filling me with warmth. I feel bashful and look away.
“I’ll go get Deedee, then we’re all set.”
“You’re coming too?” Lydia says with a hint of surprise in her voice.
“Why yes. I’ll be your guide today, ma’am.” I touch the rim of my hat before walking to Deedee’s stable. My horse is ready to go. He kicks his door when he sees me coming. “Okay, calm down, buddy. We’re going now.”
I ride Deedee out into the yard where Ray is waiting with Mabel, Olive, and our guests. Before we head out, I go through a few safety points and explain and demonstrate the commands for controlling a horse.
“Try and keep your feet in the stirrups. That really helps. Oh, and don’t fall off.” Sheena and Lydia look at each other, then back to me. I sense some nervousness from Sheena as if she is pre-empting disaster. “Horses are very smart. They pick up on your mood, especially if you’re anxious. Whatever you’re feeling, they feel it too. So, relax and have fun.” Lydia smiles at Sheena who still looks uncomfortable. “We’re going up the track behind the paddock to the treeline, and then to the lookout.” I point up the hill behind the stable block. “The ride is an hour and a half. Maybe two, depending.” I swing Deedee’s head around in the direction of the track. “All good to go? Follow me.”