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“That’s it, cowgirl, nice and easy.”
If I wasn’t so out of my element, I might have laughed at Tommy using that nickname as I’m attempting to keep my right foot firmly grounded on the top step while turning my left to get into the stirrups.
“What’s the singular word for stirrups?” I ask, trying to take my mind off the sheer size of this horse.
“Stirrup.”
“Okay.”
Stirrup, I amend in my mind. My left foot is contorting to get into the stirrup.
“Alright,” Tommy says, totally unphased by my technical question. “Now, just like we practiced a few minutes ago, swing your right leg over.”
“You’re absolutely sure the saddle is tight?” I ask, willing away the automatic internal chastisement reminding me that I could be offending him and his ability to do something quite elementary for him.
“I wouldn’t let you get on this horse if I wasn’t.” His voice is steady and sure, not a hint of judgment at my ridiculousness.
Chuck is getting ready to ride his horse out to see the cattle, but, as Tommy assured me, he has been a jokester without giving me a hard time for climbing his brother like a tree right in front of their house and in full view of the stables. Matt is around here somewhere with Caleb, but thankfully they’re out of view. I just know at any moment both brothers and the literal rodeo star could come out and just watch me fail spectacularly.
Except, with Tommy right here, my brain is aware of all these things without focusing on them. Instead, it’s right here with this horse.
“What’s her name, again?” I ask, not trying to hide the fact I’m stalling. I can’t believe I already forgot this horse’s name.
“Bella, short for Isabella.”
“Thank you.” Part of me wants to start asking Bella questions about how best to proceed so I don’t spook her.
“Sam.” My name from his lips helps me focus.
“Would you count to three?” I blurt.
“Of course,” he says, giving my hip a tiny squeeze. “One.”
I release the air from my lungs in a shaky exhale, willing at least some of the nerves to follow.
“Two.”
A steady breath in as I hold my balance and squat down just a little, everything zeroing in on Tommy’s next word.
“Three.”
Pushing off the step, I’m half airborne, feeling the strange sensation of one foot in a stirrup which is now driving my movements. As expected, the leather saddle isn’t a cushioned seat, so when my butt lands, it’s a feeling of sturdiness.
I look down at Tommy who is grinning from ear to ear.
“What do I hold?” I ask, wishing for a handle and realizing all of the practicing we did has left my brain.
He hands me the reins, which feel ridiculous for me to be holding. As usual, he must sense my trepidation.
“She’s tied up, don’t worry. And I’ll be leading her until you’re ready.” He rubs Bella’s nose. “Can I help you get your right foot in?”
I was so focused on getting my leg over and what I’m supposed to do with my hands that I missed that one foot feels solidly in its stirrup, while the other is dangling. The blood drains from my face thinking of how easy I could just tip right over.
A gentle hand on my calf jolts me out of that line of thought.
“You’re doing amazing.”
He guides my foot into the other stirrup.
