Page 68 of Courage, Dear Heart

“I do love you. That’s exactly why I remember so many stories. And well, you were always getting into one scrape or another. I have a lot of material to work with.”

“That’s it.” Elliott stands up and looks at me. “I’m escaping before she brings her A game. I’m going to check on the horses. Meet me at the stables in twenty?”

I smile. “Will do.”

THIRTY-SEVEN

Jillian

Elliott’s standingin front of one of the stalls. “Come on, guys, let’s get you a nice horse to ride on.” He looks over his shoulder and smiles at us. “This is Buttercup, and she’s a very sweet girl.” Jamie approaches the tall door and tries to peer inside, but he’s not tall enough.

Elliott holds his hands out to Jamie. “Do you need a lift?”

Jamie raises his arms to be picked up. Something loosens in my chest and then snaps into place like a puzzle piece finding the spot it belongs to.

Elliott places Jamie on his hip like he’s been doing it his entire life. I approach the stall and look in over the gate. The horse is light brown with a creamy-colored mane and tail.

“You two step back while I bring Buttercup out and then I’ll show you how to saddle her, okay?” Elliott sets Jamie down.

I take Jamie’s hand and walk back several steps.

Elliott opens the gate and brings Buttercup out and thentethers her to both sides of the wall. He points at the ropes. “This is called a cross tie. Normally, when working on a horse, you do this to keep the horse centered, stable, and safe. Buttercup doesn’t really need this, but I’ll show you the right way to do it so you know. Deal?”

Jamie signsyes.

Elliott points to the gear on Buttercup’s head. “This is called a halter, and these are reins. It’s what you use to control the horse and tell her where to go or when to stop. Kind of like a collar and leash for a dog.”

I’m learning as much as Jamie. “What about the thing that goes in their mouth?”

“That’s called a bit. We don’t use that here. I don’t care what anyone says. It’s not comfortable for the animal.”

“Oh, I always see that in movies.”

“It’s used because the riders can better control the animal with pain. But a horse is ridden from the back, not from the mouth. A good rider and a well-trained horse don’t need such devices. We’re lucky to have an excellent ranch hand who gently trains all the horses and cares for them.”

Another little puzzle piece falls into place. This man has a very soft side. And I bet he doesn’t reveal that side to many.

Elliott gestures at the horse. “Now that Buttercup is safely tethered in the cross tie, it’s time for introductions. Come closer.”

I let go of Jamie’s hand, and he approaches the horse with quiet, measured steps.

“Good job, Jamie. That’s the right way to introduce yourself. You want to be gentle. Horses spook easily. Now hold the back of your hand out. Let Buttercup smell you.”

Jamie lifts his arm, and the horse takes half a stepforward. She sniffs Jamie’s hand and then flaps her lips on it, which makes Jamie giggle. The sound takes me by surprise, and I gasp, then laugh when Jamie looks at me with the happiest of smiles on his face.

“Good job, Jamie. That means she likes you. Now come to her side and pet her shoulder. You can use both hands, gently. Yes, like that. She likes it.”

I catch Elliott’s gaze and mouth, “Thank you.”

He smiles. “We’ll get Jamie set up first and then it can be your turn.”

“Me?”

“Yes. We’ll get acquainted with the horses in the paddock now and later we can all go for a ride. Have you ridden before?”

“Yes, but not in many years.”

“It will be fun. But first we need to get Buttercup saddled. Jamie, you’ll be my helper. See that red blanket over there? Bring it to me, please.”

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