Page 60 of The Texas Sterling Collection
Blanket nodded his head. “He answered," Wyl said. "You ready to ride?”
“You bet. Show me what to do. I’m all yours!”
“I bet you say that to all the ranchers.”
“I met only one, so yes.” I winked at Wyl.
“What about Walt? He’s more of a rancher than I, making him a real cowboy.” Wyl said.
“Okay, so only special ranchers who give me cowboy hats.”
“And this rancher isn’t planning to let you go any time soon.”
I found leather gloves on Blanket’s saddle. “What are these for?”
“Riding gloves. Riding is better with gloved hands, especially for new riders. Your hands are soft and tender, and I want you to keep them that way. I have gloves, too.”
I put on my gloves and climbed into the saddle.
“We’ll keep the horses to a walk until you adapt to the saddle,” Wyl said. “When you’re ready, we’ll try a trot. Once your confidence is built up, we’ll let them gallop. I don’t want to overwhelm you.”
I caught Wyl’s grey-green eyes gazing up at me. “I’m not three, and I rode a horse before…years ago…once. So I’m a horseman, right?” I bit my lower lip to hide a smirk.
Wyl shook his head. “Well, you’re at least part of a horse.”
I thought for a second before letting out a low groan. “You’re a funny guy who obviously doesn’t want playtime in the tent tonight.”
Wyl tugged my arm and pulled me down for a kiss. “As if you'd resist my charms.”
I sighed. He was right. One lustful gaze from Wyl’s grey-green eyes, and I was a goner. Holding the saddle horn as Wyl led the horses out of the barn, I admired Wyl’s strong shoulders.
“Do you remember how to steer?” Wyl handed me the reins.
I shrugged. “As I remember, tug right to go right, and tug left to go left?”
“That’s correct. A horse moves away from pressure.” Wyl pressed against Blanket with his open palm. Blanket sidestepped away from the pressure. “When you tug the reins to the right, the left rein pushes against Blanket’s neck, so he moves away from the pressure. You can also guide a horse with pressure from your knees, but for most people, this is confusing. Press with your left knee to go right, and press with your right knee to go left. Remember, the horse moves away from the pressure.”
Confusion clouded my head. “So which is better? Reins or knees?”
“Our horses respond to the reins, so I recommend the reins. We’ll keep the horses at a walk for the first half hour or so until you adapt to the saddle. We’ll do turns, and we’ll stop.”
“Pull back on the reins to stop, right?” I asked.
“Yes, but pull back gently, cowboy. Never yank the reins.”
“Okay, I think I have it. And you’ll be beside me to help me, so I’m ready to go.”
Wyl gave a squeeze to my knee before climbing onto Sarge. He flashed a broad smile. “Let’s go.”
I led Blanket behind Sarge, down a path, and out onto the ranch. I soon found the rhythm of Blanket’s lope and let my body adapt to the slight side-to-side motion. I enjoyed being on horseback more than I thought.
The beautiful autumn morning was clear, with blue skies and a temperature of 62 degrees. Cool, but perfect for being outdoors. As the horses ambled along, the carpet of autumn wildflowers added sweetness to the gentle breeze.
I relaxed enough to remove my hat and run my fingers through my hair. “My new hat is perfect for sun protection. Thanks.” I put the hat on and tugged it at the brim to adjust the fit.
Wyl guided his horse close to mine. “You look sexy in your hat, cowboy.” Wyl’s soft, deep voice sent shivers through me. He stretched across and tugged at my ear. “Are you enjoying your ride?”
“I understand why you love being on the ranch.” I took in the wide-open spaces framed by mesas. Combined with the gentle rocking motion of the horse and the reassuring sound of hooves plodding against the earth, it seemed like Wyl and I were the only two people in the world. “The ranch is beautiful, and I love being on horseback.”
