I WILL FIND YOU.

Chapter 44: Horse

Things were quiet after Kai effectively won the argument. Auntie Feifei left feeling defeated and Kai helped Minda get ready for his first horse riding lesson.

"I'm a little nervous." Minda said as Kai brought him down the mountain.

"No need to be nervous. I'll be with you the entire time." Kai comforted.

"I know, but the horses are so big. What if I fall?"

"I'll catch you."

"What if the horse suddenly goes mad?"

"I'll calm it."

"What if..."

"Minda, whatever happens I'll handle it. You have nothing to worry about." Kai said.

Minda went quiet again. He was excited to learn how to ride a horse but also nervous. As he pondered about all the things that could go wrong they reached the farm area.

"I'll get the horse ready." Kai said. He left Minda a safe distance away while he brought out one of the horses. It was a strong older horse built for pulling carts. Kai had chosen it because of its even temper. As he prepared the horse Kai taught Minda about each step.

"When approaching a horse it's important to let it know where you are. Surprising it by suddenly touching it from its blindspot could startle the horse." Kai explained as he gently held out his hand to pat the horse.

Minda knew some of what Kai was saying but most of it was new. Not wanting to make a mistake he listened attentively to his every word.

"Do you want to try feeding it?" Kai asked.

"Can I? Dad used to say the horses have special diets so I shouldn't feed them." Minda said.

"Horses, like people or any other animal, love treats and snacks." Kai said as he handed Minda a carrot he had pulled out of the garden along the way.

"When feeding a horse it's important that you lay your hand flat." Kai explained. He then demonstrated how to feed the horse. Minda watched as Kai held up a carrot. The horse sniffed his hand a few times before taking a bite out of the carrot. The sight of its large teeth frightened Minda a little.

"Don't worry. The little snow leopards you always keep your lap will grow up to be much more dangerous than this gentle giant." Kai said as he pat its strong muscular neck.

Minda couldn't deny the carnivorous snow leopards would grow up to be more of a threat. Even so, that didn't stop his hand from shaking nervously as he held it up to feed the horse.

"It kinda tickles." Minda muttered as the horses lips moved across the palm of his hand. Feeling a lot more comfortable. Minda wanted to feed the horse another carrot. He looked at Kai who already predicted what he wanted.

"This is the last one. We can collect some more and feed him after our ride." Kai said after Minda took the second carrot.

Minda fed the carrot to the horse who bent down low to reach him. It acting playful and greedy by nudging Minda's arm in search of more good. The horse's playfulness caused Minda to laugh.

"I don't see why my dad and brothers didn't want me interacting with the horses. They are obviously very loving." Minda said.

"Neither do I." Kai muttered in deep thought.

...

After feeding the horse and learning a few more rules Kai was ready to lift Minda onto its back.

"Remember to keep your back straight and use your thighs to hold the horse." Kai reminded him as Minda lifted him onto the horses back.