Page 75 of Falling Together

“Let’s all work together and get her tacked, then why don’t you take the first ride, Maddie,” I say.

“Ben can go second,” River says.

As the older brother, he’s always looking out for Ben. He’s one of the most selfless kids I’ve ever met.

“Alright.” I nod. “You know where the saddle is. Let’s get started.”

Given how much I’ve taught these kids, they don’t need much help. I instruct them on a few things here and there, but they get Queenie ready without issue.

She stands there patiently as they pet her and talk with her.

“We’re ready,” Ben states.

“Let’s see how you did.”

I check the girth and the stirrups to make sure everything is snug for a smooth ride.

“Y’all did a great job. It’s like you don’t even need me here to help.”

“Well, I need you,” Maddie says, a note of shyness in her voice.

“Are you a little scared to ride her?”

She nods. “What if I fall off?”

“River, will you lead Queenie out of the barn?”

“Yes.”

River and Ben take the horse out to the arena as I follow behind with Maddie.

“I’m going to be by your side the entire time. Queenie is the best horse we have here. She has a good sense of people’s feelings and will go slower if you need her to. She’s not going to take off and run, and I’ll have her by the reins the whole time.”

“Okay.” Maddie chews on her bottom lip.

“If you decide you’re not ready, it’s okay too. You don’t have to ride her today.”

“No!” Maddie says. “I mean, I want to try.”

“You can take all the time you need. There’s no rush.”

She nods her head and I double-check the strap of her helmet. The boys are already waiting with Queenie by the stairs. I lead Maddie over and help her get up into the saddle.

“How are you feeling?” I ask, adjusting the stirrups to her height.

“It’s higher than I thought,” she says.

“You’ll get used to it, but keep your eyes forward. It makes it easier. You tell me when you’re ready and we’ll start.”

“It’s really fun, Maddie,” Ben says.

“Yeah, you’ll love it,” River agrees.

Maddie’s knuckles are white on the horn of the saddle. “Can we go?”

“Alright.”

I click my tongue and start to lead Queenie around the ring. Her pace is slow. I truly believe that Queenie knows her riders. She takes her time. I keep checking in with Maddie to make sure she’s doing okay. The more laps we do, the looser her grip gets. Before I know it, a smile sits on her face.