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

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A few weeks had passed since Jane had arrived at the ranch, and the summer camp was now in full swing. The vibrant sounds of laughter and hoofbeats filled the air as children learned to ride, while wranglers busily tended to their duties. Just the previous week, the ranch hands had finished constructing a sturdy barn for the livestock, which would keep the animals sheltered until December. Jane was grateful for the sense of community and hard work that surrounded her. It reminded her of her passion for riding and her goal of returning to eventing.

On this particular day, she was in the arena, focusing on groundwork with Rex, her trusty buckskin Oldenburg. The sun hung high in the sky, bathing the arena in golden light. She had laid out a mix of items—a large water mat, several yoga balls, and a towel—everything aimed at making Rex more bombproof and accustomed to unexpected changes in his environment. The soft crunch of the sand beneath their hooves and the light breeze created a tranquil backdrop as Jane worked through the exercises.

"Hey, what the fuck are you doing?" Rip's voice broke through the calm as he approached the arena, his signature blend of concern and curiosity etched on his face.

"I'm bombproofing Rex," she replied, a hint of pride in her tone as she motioned to the items she had set up. "Just trying to get him used to different things, you know?"

Rip nodded, his expression shifting from skepticism to approval. "Well, he looks like he's about to rocket himself into the sky. Anyways, do you want to join us at the auction? We could use an extra set of hands."

"Sure!" Jane exclaimed, the idea of a change in scenery brightening her mood. "That sounds fun!"

Before she knew it, they were inside the bustling auction house, the atmosphere alive with excitement. Various animals were being showcased—donkeys brayed, cattle mooed, and the occasional sheep bleated in protest. The smell of hay mingled with the earthy scent of livestock, creating a symphony of sounds and scents that made Jane's heart race with anticipation.

"Look at those mini cows!" Jane exclaimed, her eyes widening as she pointed at a small herd being paraded around the auction ring. "They're adorable! We should invest in a herd of mini cows instead!" She grinned at Rip, her playful spirit shining through.

Lloyd chuckled beside her, shaking his head. "You might have a future in livestock management with those ideas, Jane."

Rip just smiled, a rare twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "I don't know about that, but it would be a hell of a sight."

The three of them wandered through the crowded hall, pausing to observe a particularly impressive set of cattle. Lloyd squinted at the bidding sheet, and as the auctioneer called for the next round, he started to raise his hand. "I'll take a shot at these," he said, determination in his voice.

The auction progressed, and the bids began to climb. "A thousand dollars! Do I hear eleven?" the auctioneer shouted, his voice echoing in the large hall.

"Sold!" The gavel rang out, and Jane clapped her hands, excitement bubbling within her. They had won the bid. The three of them quickly exited the auction house, eager to retrieve the cattle and return to the ranch.

Outside, the sun shone bright, and the air buzzed with energy as they approached the trailer. Colby was backing up the truck to the fence gate, ready to load the cattle. Jane watched, a smile spreading across her face as the chaos of the ranch unfolded around her.

"Colby! Get the Charolais-Kvigan away from the others, it's not ours!" Rip shouted, his authoritative voice cutting through the clamor.

"On it!" Colby replied, his focus sharp as he maneuvered the cattle. Jane stepped back, watching as Ryan expertly directed one of the more stubborn cows into the trailer. Their eyes met, a brief moment of connection amidst the hustle.