Cowboys and Mustangs

Who, Him? -Codi

Chayni and I looked at each other with a "thank God" look as we closed the door of the trailer. We just loaded two mustangs that are newly broke, but clearly aren't fully accepting the idea of trailers. It took us twenty minutes and two other horses to get them to get into the stalls of the trailer. We used other mustangs to show the horses that it was okay to get into the trailer, and after that they were more willing.

We were taking the horses to a time-only roping to a local arena. It's basically a jackpot, but for new riders and horses. We wanted the mustangs to get used to the different arena, people, ropes, steers, and different horses. The horses, Jade and Blue, have been doing some light ranch work lately, but it was time to see how they would do.

I had high hopes for them, they were great horses. Once comfortable, they easily picked up new things and very willing to do it for me. Plus, they were brother and sister, so that made it easier. If one trusted me, the other one did too.

Once we got to the indoor arena, Chayni and I stepped out of my dodge pickup and to the trailer. We looked around and saw most of trailers empty, because the roping started 15 minutes ago. "You have horrible time management." Chayni laughs as I open the door and smile.

"A queen is never late." We both laugh and then each walk out the horses. I have Blue, who is a gray appaloosa, and Chayni has Jade, who is a red roan appaloosa.

We tie off the horses on the same side of the trailer and we both grab our saddle pads along with the saddles and bridles. Chayni does her own thing as I do mine. We both make sure to take our time with tacking because we don't want to scare the horses. I give a little love to Blue as I scratch his head and kiss his cheek, "You're so pretty." I baby talk him and then he flaps his lips, making me laugh.

I look in the mirror of my pickup and check my hair and outfit. I wore a truckers hat and a fun baseball tee and one of my belt buckles and some classic jeans. I grabbed my spurs and strapped them on, cuffing my jeans so they didn't get in the way.

I walked back to Chayni and she was now trying to put the bit into Jade's mouth, Jade slightly refusing. I could tell Chay was trying to be patient, but it's hard when all the horse does is bob it's head up and down. Chayni put the bridle down and then looked Jade in the eyes, "Can you please just cooperate?"

She again puts her arm around the head and then slips the bit into Jade's mouth, pushing her thumb back to ease it open more. With a little more force, Chayni finally got it. "See, not's so bad." She smiled and then started to adjust all the straps.

Throwing my rope around the saddle horn, I mount Blue and move around in the saddle so he gets used to it. Without my rope, I practice my swing on him so he can feel the movement. I know Chayni is doing the same with Jade, this isn't our first rodeo.

We walked the horses close to each other as we entered the arena on horseback, we see about 10 other horses here. I recognize most of these guys, nice people. "Look who finally showed up." An older voice says from beside the chutes, putting all the attention on us.

I suck in a breath and shrug my shoulders at Reggie, "There's no excitement in being on time." I smile lightly as Chayni laughs beside me.

"Bring your mustangs?" He asks, eyeing the horses up and down. I lean over the saddle and brush Blue's hair to the other side of his neck to show his freeze brand.

"As always." I say and then proudly pat Blue's neck.

Chayni and I go over to the other side of the arena, waiting for our turns. We just let our horses get used to the unfamiliar surroundings, letting them settle in. I watch a couple of old timers run a steer, and as I watch them loosen their slack, my eyes catch something straight across the arena from me.