Hopefield by Andrea Smutz

Author:Andrea Smutz [Smutz, Andrea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781665718202
Publisher: Archway Publishing
Published: 2022-03-22T04:00:00+00:00

21

CHAPTER

As it happened, Dave had found a few head of cattle in the next draw, headed them back to the ranch as Stan came up. Stan knew next to nothing about herding, but the horse did. His horse suddenly moved left fast, almost unseating Stan, but he grabbed the pommel and watched as the horse turned the cattle back toward the others. Stan started to pay more attention to his horse and Dave, watching as they moved the animals toward the ranch. He figured the mule would follow the two riders and cattle.

Stan knew Pete was smart and now he understood more of how a cowpony became a partner to the hand. It took the two working together. Stan didn’t want to become a cowboy, but perhaps ranching could fit him. He might discuss it with Bill this evening. He felt the need to do something worthwhile.

With the two moving the cattle, they quickly arrived at the ranch. Bill was standing watching another group move to the corral and turned and waved. Stan hung back watching the experienced hands move the cattle to join the others. He felt his horse tense and watched a calf bolt from the group. He touched his horse and it quickly moved to cut off the calf. It was exciting to feel the strength of the horse and he admired the animal’s capability. He’d always respected and ridden good horses. Perhaps that might be something he’d enjoy.

Stan looked up as the calf went back into the group and into the corral. Dave took off his hat and waved with a big smile. He’d seen Stan drive the calf back and had been impressed. The man had said he wasn’t a rancher, but he could sure ride. Dave nodded and turned back to work.

Stan rode up to a hitching rail, dismounted and walked over to Pete.

“You wouldn’t have an old apple or anything?” Stan asked as Bill walked up.

“Might. We can ask in the kitchen. You owe him?” Bill reached out and stroked the mule’s neck, dug his fingers into the glossy coat and Pete’s ears flopped down and he stepped into the scratching. Bill chuckled.

“These are the most remarkable animals. You hate them and then you love them. Smart, but some don’t let you know it. Good watchdog, too. He alerted you to our coming.” Bill continued and the mule was in heaven.

“He’s the one that figured out he could climb up to the granite ledge to get around the shale. As he went up or came down, he did so at the diagonal.” Stan offered.

“Well, put him over there in the pen. Those horses won’t bother him or the other way around. Come on in and let’s get something wet.” Bill invited. Stan nodded. Sounded excellent to him.

Inside the small ranch house, it was dark but cool. It was comfortable. Stan glanced around. This home had a woman in it. He could tell from the late flowers in a vase on the windowsill, the dusted furniture and items sewn by a female hand.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.