Pony Express Courtship by Rhonda Gibson Read Free Book Online Page B

rope.
    Each boy returned to the corral and began trying to catch the horses. They weren’t all bad at roping. Jacob, Andrew and Noah were the best and as soon as each caught their own horse, they helped the four brothers. Seth coached from the sidelines.
    â€œI want a horse, too, Ma.” Joy’s young voice sounded behind him.
    He turned to face the little girl and Rebecca. Seth finished the milk in his glass and handed it to Rebecca.
    â€œYou don’t need a horse, Joy,” she answered her daughter, taking his glass but looking down at her little girl.
    â€œThanks for lunch,” Seth said, even though he could tell her attention wasn’t on him.
    â€œWhat if I need to go get one of them out of the pasture? I’ll need a horse then,” Joy argued. Her lip protruded as she looked up at her mother.
    Seth was no child expert but he could read the defiance on the cute little face. Her blue-green eyes demanded answers. He had to turn his head to hide his grin, but just as quickly he returned his attention to them. What would Rebecca’s argument be with the child?
    She shook her pretty head. “You won’t be going to the pasture to get the boys. Now stop sassing.” Rebecca looked back to Seth. “Are you sure it’s wise to give Benjamin one of the horses?” She tugged her shawl tighter around her shoulders.
    â€œI wouldn’t do it if I didn’t think so,” Seth answered. “He needs to learn to ride just like the others.” He called to the young men behind him, “Boys, bring the horses out here.”
    â€œCome along, Joy. We need to get back to the house and let the men work.” Rebecca’s voice seemed to hold frost. She took the little girl’s hand and headed back to the house.
    Seth sighed. He’d warned her that the boys would all have horses. Clayton opened the gate to the corral and waited until all his brothers had passed through before closing it again.
    The animals tossed their heads in obvious dislike of the ropes. “Since we lost all our tack in the fire, we’ll need to buy new harnesses and saddles next time we’re in town,” Seth told them as he walked about, inspecting each horse.
    â€œUntil then, I suppose we can use my horse’s saddle and bridle. Wait here and get to know your horse.” Seth walked back to the bunkhouse and retrieved his bridle and saddle.
    â€œSince we only have one, you will have to take turns. Starting with the oldest. The rest of you will walk about the farm with your horse. Talk to it, sing to it, do whatever it takes for it to learn the sound of your voice.” Seth carried the bridle and saddle over to Jacob.
    Jacob grinned. “Seth, I’ve been saddling a horse since I was twelve.”
    â€œNot this horse,” Seth pointed out. “I want you to saddle and ride him for about thirty minutes and then come back.” He turned to address all the boys. “These horses will become your best friends. It is up to each of you to take care of these animals as if they were family. They will most likely save your life out there, so give them the respect they deserve.”
    Each of the boys nodded and petted their horse.
    Seth grinned. “Now, I know this is going to sound silly, but if you have a girl horse, talk to her like she’s your sweetheart. If you have a boy, talk to him as if he were your best friend. Animals can sense when they are liked and respected.”
    Benjamin kneeled down and looked under his horse. When he turned to Seth he announced, “I have a boy. Good thing, too, ’cause I don’t know how to talk to a sweetheart.”
    Laughter and good-natured bantering followed.
    â€œDon’t worry, little brother. You’ll learn soon enough.” Noah grinned across at Benjamin as if he already knew how to talk to a sweetheart. This created more teasing and joking among them all.
    Seth shook his head and laughed with them.