Lone Star Brides by Tracie Peterson

Author:Tracie Peterson [Peterson, Tracie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FIC042030, FIC042040, FIC014000
ISBN: 9781441229670
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2015-09-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

“Are you comfortable?” Robert asked, looking up into Alice’s pale, anxious face.

“It seems awfully high up here,” she replied from the horse’s back.

He chuckled. “I suppose it would, since you aren’t used to ridin’.” He handed her the reins. “Now take these and hold them firm in your left hand but not tight. Your hand will cramp up on you if you clench the reins.”

She took the straps in her gloved hands, as if she were handling a rattlesnake. Robert knew she was terrified and longed to find a way to reassure her. He knew the only way for her to get comfortable, however, was to actually ride the animal, so he quickly mounted his own horse.

“Betsey, there, is a good old gal. She won’t go runnin’ off with you, so try to relax.” He motioned toward the open range. “Let’s go up this way and let you get a feel for the saddle.”

Alice said nothing. The set of her jaw and her stiff posture told Robert she was focusing completely on her position. No doubt she was terrified of falling off and equally certain that Betsey could feel her tension. This might require a little more work than he’d originally thought. Reaching out, he took hold of the bridle. “Come on, Betsey. Let’s show her how it’s done.”

The horses moved forward and Alice reached for the horn with her right hand. Robert smiled but said nothing. She still held on to the reins, so he didn’t want to discourage her.

“I know a lot of gals ride sidesaddle, but Ma suggested I train you on the regular saddle instead. Riding astride isn’t always looked favorably upon for women, but I think it offers you more security, and out here with the snakes and holes and such, I think you need that extra help. This way if something spooks your horse and she rears, you have the added advantage of holding on with your . . . uh . . . legs.”

“I’m sure you know better than I would,” Alice replied in a tight, clipped tone.

Robert let go of Betsey’s bridle and allowed Rojoe to fall back even with the mare. “The important thing is to keep yourself balanced and centered. The horse will do the work if you just keep a few things like that in mind. A horse needs to know who’s in charge, for one.”

“He is,” Alice said. “Or, I should say, she is.”

Robert chuckled. “No. You are. You need to establish that with the animal as soon as you make contact. Betsey, here, has been a good horse to train children on, so I have the utmost confidence she’ll be easy for you.”

Alice gave a hint of a smile. “I don’t think any part of this will be easy.”

“Remember what I told you about holdin’ your legs tight. If you tighten up too much you’re gonna wear both of you out.” He thought Alice relaxed the tiniest bit. “Now I’m gonna show you how to stop her.

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