“She likesyou,” Charlotte said. “And no wonder. You’re being so nice to her.”
“Can I sit on her like a cowgirl?”
Her mom shifted. “I don’t know about that, angel. Maybe we should take it slow.”
“We have helmets in the barn,” Gunner said, “if that would make you feel better. And you could walk alongside her. Firefly’s real gentle and used to people riding her.”
“But no pressure,” Charlotte added. “Whatever you’re comfortable with.”
Gavin turned to his wife. “Come on, babe. I’ll walk with her. It’ll be okay.”
Laurel gave Firefly a once-over. “If you’re sure.”
They fixed Emma up with a helmet, then Gunner and Charlotte tacked up Firefly. When the horse was ready, Gavin set Emma on the saddle.
“Look, Mom! I’m riding the horsey.”
“You’re so brave, sweetie.”
Charlotte adjusted the stirrups and slipped the girl’s shoes inside. “There you go. You all comfortable now?”
“Can you make the horse go?”
“Well, that’s your job.” Charlotte handed Emma the reins. “Hold these loosely in your hands. You can hold on to thistoo—it’s called the horn. When you want her to go, just tap her sides with your feet like this.” She took Emma’s foot and demonstrated. “Now do that with both feet at the same time.”
Emma did it but the horse didn’t budge. “That was really good,” Charlotte said. “But Firefly is so much bigger than you that she thought you were just tickling her.”
Emma giggled.
“So do it again but harder this time. Don’t worry, you won’t hurt her.”
Emma gave it another try and Firefly set into motion.
Emma giggled. “I made her go.”
“You sure did. Tell her ‘good girl’ when she listens to you.”
“Good girl, Firefly.”
“When you want her to stop, just pull back on the reins.”
Gavin followed her around the ring, encouraging her.
Gunner headed into the barn, and Charlotte meandered over to the fence where Laurel was snapping pictures with her phone.
“She’s really doing it. She looks so little on that horse.”
“She’s not too young. I was so little when my mom put me on a horse, I don’t even remember learning to ride.”
“No wonder you’re such a natural. Thank you for doing this. She’ll be talking about it for weeks.”
“You can bring her back anytime. She’s a sweet girl, and if she has a fancy for horses, I can definitely help her out.”
“Do you give lessons?”
“Not formally. I’d like to offer them eventually, but we’re currently a little short-staffed. I’m hoping this expansion can fund additional help.”
Gavin showed Emma how to pull the reins, and once Firefly stopped, she kicked the horse into gear again.
