Page 91 of Lost Trust

“You already had the basics perfected,” he says. “You were already a good rider. You knew how to control a horse. You had good instincts.”

“Because I’d been riding since I was two,” I say, finishing his thought.

“Exactly. It was second nature.” He nods toward Ryder. “That’s what he needs.”

I watch my son running ahead, his little cowboy hat bouncing with every step.

“He needs to get the feel of being on the back of an animal. Learn how to hold his seat. Get used to how it moves.” Royce pauses. “That’s why you start him on sheep now. So, by the time he’s old enough to get on a steer or a mini bull, it’s already second nature.”

I let what he’s saying sink in.

Then he asks, “Blaze never talked to you about this?” Royce’s voice changes at the mention of Ryder’s father.

I shake my head. “No.”

He looks ahead. “I just assumed Blaze had been teaching him,” he says. “The way he was breaking down those rides on television earlier.”

“Blaze did watch tapes of his rides with him,” I say. “When he brought them home to study, he’d sit with Ryder and explain things.”

Royce nods. “But he never took the time to actually take Ryder to the arena.”

His jaw tightens. I can tell he wants to say something more, but he doesn’t. He just walks beside me for several steps, his boots crunching softly against the gravel.

“I’ll bring him a bouncy bull,” he finally says.

“A what?”

“A bouncy bull.”

A laugh slips out of me. “You mean one of those inflatable things?”

“Yeah. They’re actually an effective early development tool. He can start learning balance. Seat. Movement.”

Ryder turns around and walks backward. “Mommy!”

“What, baby?”

“Look!” He spreads his arms and lifts his right foot. Like he’s balancing on an imaginary tightrope.

I point at him. “Turn around before you trip.”

He turns around.

Royce chuckles. “He’s been listening to us the whole time, hasn’t he?”

“Yep. Can’t hear me when I’m asking him a question from three feet away, but can hear a whispered adult conversation happening in another room. It’s a gift.”

Royce chuckles. “So, I’ll bring the bouncy bull by tomorrow?”

“Okay,” I agree.

“When you’re ready, when you trust him and you trust me, I’ll take him to the arena.”

There’s no pressure in his voice. Just an offer.

I glance at Ryder, then back at Royce.

“You have a ranch full of real cowboys, Rina. And a literal rodeo school full of professional cowboys and seasoned instructors at your disposal. This is the safest place in the world for him to learn.”