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

vii

Jane had decided that staying at the summer camp with the others would be the best way to sharpen her skills. The trails around that part of the property were perfect, offering just the right combination of challenges and serenity. There were also a few nice natural obstacles, like logs and uneven terrain, ideal for her training with both Rex and Rocky. She wanted to get a good ride in, but there was one problem—how to bring both horses out there while still getting the chance to jump along the way.

That's when she spotted Jimmy, lingering around the barn, looking slightly aimless. He seemed like an easy target.

Without a second thought, Jane marched up to him, her determination overriding any formalities. "Hey, you're Jimmy, right?" she said, her voice friendly but direct. Before he could even answer, she added, "I need a hand getting my horses out to the camp. You can ride Rocky. It'll be easy."

Jimmy opened his mouth, probably to protest, but Jane wasn't waiting for a response. She grabbed his arm and pulled him toward Rocky, practically shoving him up into the saddle.

"Whoa, hold on—this is way different from what I'm used to!" Jimmy exclaimed, his hands fumbling with the reins as he settled into the sleek English saddle. "This thing's tiny! And this horse... he's huge compared to the ones I've been on."

Jane smirked as she adjusted her stirrups on Rex. "You'll be fine. Just hang on and follow me." She tossed him one of her backpacks, the other slung over her own shoulder, and nudged Rex forward.

Jimmy mumbled something under his breath, but there was no turning back now. The two set off toward the camp, their horses' hooves creating a steady rhythm on the worn dirt trail. The sun was high, casting warm light through the trees, and a slight breeze rustled the leaves. It was the perfect day for a ride.

As they neared the first set of logs, Jane glanced back at Jimmy. "Alright, we're going to jump these. Just stay relaxed, and let Rocky do the work."

"Jump?" Jimmy's voice cracked a little, but Jane didn't slow down. She gathered her reins and urged Rex into a smooth canter, easily clearing the logs.

Behind her, she heard Jimmy muttering a string of nervous words, but then, to her surprise—and likely his—Rocky sailed over the logs with little effort. Jimmy stayed in the saddle, and when they landed, there was a brief moment of stunned silence.

"I didn't die," Jimmy said, his voice filled with disbelief.

Jane laughed, the sound bright and carefree. "Told you. Rocky knows what he's doing." She winked at him before turning back toward the trail.

A few more jumps later, and they approached a small river crossing. The horses waded through without hesitation, the cool water splashing up against their legs. Jimmy looked a little more at ease now, though he was still holding on a bit too tightly to the reins.

As they neared the camp, they broke into a canter, the fresh wind in their faces. Heads turned as the two riders approached, the sight of Jane and Jimmy—especially Jimmy on an English saddle—was enough to draw attention.

One last log stood between them and the camp. Jane shifted her weight slightly, guiding Rex over the obstacle with graceful ease. As they landed, she turned to see Jimmy's turn.

Lloyd, standing off to the side with his hat in his hand, gave a mock prayer. "God help the kid," he muttered, clearly entertained by the spectacle.

Ryan smirked and joined in, folding his hands in a mock-serious gesture. "Please, God, let him survive this."

Rip, ever the blunt one, shook his head and muttered his signature, "What the fuck..."

John, watching from the side with his arms crossed, couldn't help but laugh. His niece had a way of turning things interesting.

And then, to everyone's surprise, Jimmy and Rocky cleared the log. The camp burst into laughter and cheers, half in disbelief and half in sheer amusement.

"Well, I'll be damned," Lloyd said, shaking his head with a grin. "Kid's better at jumping horses than ridin' broncs."

Jane trotted over to the camp with a satisfied smile, Jimmy trailing behind her, a little more confident now but still looking as though he couldn't quite believe he'd survived the ride. They dismounted, and Jane thanked him enthusiastically.

"Thanks a bunch for helping me get Rocky out here," she said, her voice full of gratitude as she led both horses toward the nearby post to untack them.

Jimmy, still catching his breath, just nodded. "Yeah... no problem. Anytime."

As Jane began to untack her horses, Rip strolled up with a wry smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You keep this up, and you're gonna turn my whole crew into show jumpers instead of wranglers."

Jane laughed, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "Well, it wouldn't hurt them to try something new once in a while."

Rip chuckled and shook his head, stepping in to help her turn the horses out into the makeshift pasture near the camp. As the horses happily trotted off into the field, Jane felt a wave of satisfaction wash over her. She wasn't just getting back to riding—she was becoming part of the ranch, carving out her place among them, in her own way