The Promise

Chapter Twenty-Four

A/N: I've begun working on the next parts. However, my upload cycle will be off. My dog had to be rushed to the vet, it's been a mess. And I'm starting training for a new job for the next 6 weeks. My schedule is going to be day shift - ugh. Then back to night shift - YAYYYY!

The following day, I was excited and eager for our upcoming date. We strolled casually along the Boardwalk, and I couldn't help but relish the novelty of going on an official date. It was always a delightful surprise to see their chosen places, as they had never taken me to a spot on the Boardwalk during our previous outings.

"Come on!" Grandpa's voice echoed from the weathered stable doors, beckoning me to start my horse-riding lesson for the day. Reflecting on my last session, I fondly remembered learning how to tack a horse before Grandpa guided me through bonding with the magnificent animal.

"Coming!" As I hurriedly tied the laces of my boots, I could feel the excitement inside me. I dashed towards the barn, eager to see Moonlight. When I arrived, I saw Grandpa had already taken up the beautiful horse. With a warm smile, he led me into the outside ring, where the moment had finally come to mount the horse for the first time.

Grandpa's weathered hands gently lifted me into the saddle, where I perched, feeling the precarious balance atop the majestic horse. As the horse moved, I could feel the powerful muscles subtly shifting and flexing beneath me. Nervously, I clutched the saddle's horn, my heart racing with the rocking movement.

"It's alright," Grandpa soothed, not allowing the horse to walk forward, as I was so nervous. "She's just shifting, getting used to the weight on her back."

"Okay," I swallowed as if all the moisture had been wicked away from my throat and mouth.

"I'll be right here this entire time," I gazed intently as Grandpa carefully secured a long line to the horse's bridle. Despite my nervousness about my initial horseback riding experience, I found reassurance in Grandpa's expert handling of the horse. I knew I wouldn't be left to navigate alone or have control of steering the horse.

"Squeeze her with your thighs," As I watched my grandpa take hold of the long line, I felt a sense of trust wash over me. Taking a deep breath, I followed his guidance. Moonlight, the horse, began to move forward, and as I adjusted to her gradual steps, my body subtly swayed with her motion. I focused on finding my center of balance, adapting to the unexpected rhythm of the horse's movement.

In the beginning, it was pretty challenging. My grandpa constantly reminded me to keep my heels down while riding. He even took the time to demonstrate what could go wrong if I didn't pay attention. I vividly remember the moment when my shoes slipped right out of the stirrups, highlighting the importance of his advice.

Feeling my heart racing as my feet dangled by the horse's side, I found it quite unsettling to try to slide them back into the stirrups, especially while the horse was barely walking. It was akin to the nerve-wracking sensation of riding a motorcycle without a helmet – a touch of danger looming over the experience.

"You're okay, sweetie," Grandpa called, noticing my panic. "Calm down. You project your feelings onto the horse."

Grandpa skillfully brought the horse to a stop, his experienced hands reassuring me as I tried to regain my composure. Drawing close, he patiently guided me to reposition my feet in the stirrups, ensuring they were secure. With a deep sense of wisdom, he imparted firm instructions on the importance of keeping my heels firmly grounded toward the earth.

"Alright, let's try this again," Grandpa stated, patting my thigh with his hand. "We'll go slow."

"Thanks, Grandpa," I expressed my gratitude to him before allowing Grandpa to return to his position. After that, I gently squeezed the side of Moonlight to signal the start of a leisurely walk around the riding ring.