“He spooked when I was riding, reared up, tossed me, and I shattered my leg. After that, Dad didn’t want anyone on him.”
“Why did he spook?”
“A snake. He really hates them.”
“As do I. I’m going to get on him now, if you want to get down and away from the side,” I suggest.
I walk back to Cloud slowly, rubbing his neck and talking to him softly. “Hey, boy. I’m going to climb up into the saddle now. I know it’s been a while, but I think you’re ready. I know Sadie misses you, so how about we just trust each other a little?”
He stays nice and still, allowing me to put my foot in the stirrup and get into the saddle.
I stay seated, keeping a loose grip on the reins, just allowing him to adjust to my weight. He’s honestly perfect.
I do a few more drills, using my body to see how he responds, and he obeys every command.
For a horse that hasn’t been ridden in years, I’m shocked at how great this is going.
“Is he doing good?” Sadie asks, climbing up a little to see into the corral.
“He really is. I have about thirty minutes before I need to go do something. I’m going to take him outside and see how he does in the pastures. You wait here, and if anyone comes in, just tell them I’m working on your horse, okay?”
She nods enthusiastically. “No problem. I’ll stay right here.”
“Okay, can you open that gate for me?”
Sadie jumps down and rushes over, unlocking it easily. I wink as I stroll out of the barn, glancing back to make sure she’s inside.
“All right, Cloud, let’s give you some freedom,” I whisper close to his neck.
Chapter 35
Lark
Cloud and I start off slow. I allow him to ease into the ride. We had a small hiccup that he worked through when we got into the first pasture. The metal gate had slammed closed, and it caused him to sidestep and fuss. However, with a little support, he settled fairly quickly, and we started to trot a bit.
He’s honestly an amazing horse. It’s no wonder that Sadie loves him as much as she does.
I’ve been riding him for about twenty minutes, and I adore him.
After ten more minutes at a consistent canter, I do a few more things that are more obedience based.
Each one, Cloud passes with flying colors.
There’s not a single reason I can find to not let Sadie or anyone else ride this horse.
I let him drink for a bit at the stream that runs through the property, patting his neck when he comes back up.
We’re at one of my favorite places to take the horses. The clearing is just big enough to let the horse run, but it has a tree line that will force them to stop before they get too far.
“You’ve done great so far, boy,” I tell him. “How about we have a little fun?”
Cloud turns his head to the left, and I smile. Yeah, I think he needs it.
“All right, let’s go.”
I kick his sides, and he immediately takes off. My hat goes flying, hair blowing behind me as the wind whips at my face.
My smile is automatic.
