Andy Squared by Jennifer Lavoie Read Free Book Online Page B

Andrew already held. Andrew watched his friend pick up the same equipment for himself—minus a helmet. Ryder carried his stuff gracefully out of the room. Andrew followed behind, struggling a bit under the cumbersome weight and nearly tripping over a rope that rested on the floor in his direct path.
    â€œI’ll put Cobalt’s things on first, and you can watch, and then we’ll work on Magpie together.”
    Setting the things down on a bench as directed, Andrew traded his sneakers for the boots. They stowed their shoes under the bench seat outside Cobalt’s stall. Before they got started, Ryder showed him how to check the hooves for any debris and clean them out, and then gave Cobalt a quick brush over his back. When he put on the saddle pad and saddle, he moved quickly and Andrew could not keep up with the swift pace. He stared at the bridle as Ryder slipped it over Cobalt’s head, over the halter, and made a face.
    â€œWhat?” Ryder asked when he glanced back over his shoulder.
    â€œI’m lost.”
    â€œDon’t worry. I’ll help you.” Leaving the halter tied to the crossties for the moment, they worked on the mare next. The two had to work close in the narrow space between the horse’s body and the walls, and soon they were getting in each other’s way as Ryder guided Andrew’s hands. When their bodies brushed together for the fifth time, not that Andrew was counting, he felt an uncomfortable flush start on his cheeks and silently prayed it wouldn’t spread to his neck. The air grew thick with tension as they prepared the horse. Ryder brushed up against him again, and Andrew shivered despite the heat from the horse’s body.
    â€œYou cold?” Ryder asked.
    â€œUh…a little.”
    Not seeming to notice Andrew’s discomfort, Ryder stepped back. “You’ll warm up.”
    â€œI’m sure I will.”
    â€œAll right.” Ryder added, “Helmet on. We’re ready.”
    Andrew put the helmet on with a scowl and left it unbuckled. Ryder unclipped the crossties and showed him how to slide the halter off from underneath the bridle, and then they were off, walking side by side with the horses following.
    â€œWe’ll head out to the west field. It’s flatter.”
    â€œWhatever you say,” Andrew said.
    Once they passed through the fence and locked it in place behind them, Ryder helped Andrew climb up on the horse. Standing on the left side, he pulled the stirrup down and showed him how to put his foot in and pull himself up.
    â€œIt’s easier with a horn,” he admitted. “And we have to adjust the stirrups for your leg length.” After another few awkward moments with Ryder’s hands tugging his legs this way and that to get the length just right, he was settled. Ryder climbed up on Cobalt and Andrew followed him at a walk through the field.
    Andrew soon became comfortable with riding because of the slow gait of the horse. Magpie could be controlled with just the slightest, gentle guiding of the reins and Andrew turned her where he wanted to go. He tested out his power over the large animal by gently tugging first to the left, then the right. Magpie’s ears flicked back at him and she snorted. Ryder pulled up next to him with Cobalt and their legs nearly brushed together.
    â€œNot so bad, huh?”
    â€œYeah, it’s not bad,” Andrew admitted.
    â€œMake sure you use your legs to stay on. You should use your thighs to grip the horse. Don’t rely on the reins to keep you in the saddle. You could drop them right now and stay on,” Ryder said and dropped his to demonstrate. Cobalt kept walking in the same direction.
    â€œNo thanks,” Andrew said, unsure. He had no desire to look like a fool today.
    â€œJust don’t put too much weight on the stirrups. It’ll make you unsteady.”
    Andrew watched him, a little skeptical, but agreed to do his best. They