How to get a Cowboy 101 ⎯ a Ryan story [Yellowstone]

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The next morning dawned crisp and clear, the sky a pale blue canvas streaked with soft clouds. Jane could feel the chill in the air as she stepped out of the barn, pulling her jacket tighter around herself. Her legs were sore from yesterday's ride, muscles reminding her of the work she'd put in with Rocky, but it was a good kind of sore—a reminder that she was starting to reclaim what had once been second nature to her. The accident felt a little more distant, the fear a little less sharp.

As she finished her morning chores, brushing down Rocky and preparing to head out for the day, she noticed her uncle standing at the barn entrance, his ever-present cowboy hat casting a shadow over his face. He was watching her with that quiet intensity he had, arms crossed over his chest. She wasn't sure how long he had been there, but she figured he had probably seen enough.

"You ridin' today?" he asked, his deep voice cutting through the stillness.

Jane paused, wiping her hands on her jeans as she turned to face him. "I was thinking about it," she admitted. "Maybe a trail ride. Take it easy."

John nodded, considering her words for a moment before stepping closer. "You know, you've been back on the ranch for a few days now, but you haven't seen much of how things work around here."

She tilted her head, curious. "I guess not."

He gave her a small, knowing smile. "If you're serious about getting back to where you were, it's not just about riding in the arena. You need to get out there, put yourself in different situations, and work with the land, and the animals. There's no better way to strengthen your skills than to get out of your comfort zone."

Jane considered his words. He had a point. Back in Seattle, her training had always been methodical, structured around competition and precision. But here at Yellowstone, the world was different. These cowboys didn't spend their days in perfect arenas—half the work was out in the wild, on trails, through unpredictable terrain. If she was going to regain her confidence, she'd have to push herself beyond the familiar.

"What do you have in mind?" she asked, intrigued.

John uncrossed his arms and motioned towards the far side of the ranch. "We're working the cattle today. Moving them across the ranch to different pastures. It's a good way to see how we run things here. And it'll get you out on the land—see what you and that horse of yours can handle."

Jane felt a flicker of excitement mixed with nerves. Cattle work wasn't something she was familiar with—eventing was about control, precision, jumping over obstacles. Working cattle? That was an entirely different world. But maybe that's exactly what she needed—to dive into something new, to stretch her limits in a way that felt raw and real.

"I'll tag along," she said, feeling a sense of determination build. "It'll be good to get Rocky out there, too."

John nodded approvingly. "Good. Saddle up and meet me over by the corrals in twenty."

Jane felt the familiar weight of the saddle under her as she mounted Rocky again, but today felt different. There was no arena, no perfectly laid-out poles or jumps. Ahead of her stretched the open range, rolling hills and sprawling fields that seemed to go on forever. The ranch hands were already gathering, readying their horses, and talking amongst themselves. She caught a few glances from the wranglers—Ryan, Colby, Jimmy—all of them watching her with curiosity. She tried not to let it bother her. She was here to learn, and they'd soon see that she wasn't just some city girl out of her depth.

John sat tall on his horse, Rip beside him. They looked like they belonged there, like the land itself bent to their will. Rip gave Jane a curt nod as she approached, his expression unreadable. John, however, offered her a small smile.