Riding Lessons (Paris/Éomer)

Éomer: Smokey Joe prances as I lead him out of the barn, and he’s more restive than I have ever seen him. I frown, wondering if Karl’s injury has prevented him from properly exercising his horse. I can manage well enough in the cast, so it should not interfere with Karl either. Although I had not planned to ride him this morning, I want the horse calm for this lesson, so I bridle him and then slide onto his back. After a few turns around the pasture, he settles down and I bring him to the fence, remove the bridle and tie his halter rope to a post.

There is plenty of time left before my student arrives, and I give Smokey Joe a very quick rubdown and put a blanket on him against the cold. Then I get the rest of the items we will need this morning out of Karl’s tack room. Long lead rope. Saddle and blanket. Curry comb and brush. Paris must start with the very simplest of tasks that are involved with riding a horse.

( Smokey Joe stands calmly beside me and I feed him some apple slices from my pocket while we wait. )