Sky seemed to be a pretty good rider, so Dixie decided to pass up giving any lessons. There was no reason for her to teach when it wasn’t needed; it would have just been a waste of time. Wayne kept talking to the girl as they watched the appaloosa mare trotting around, her hooves lifting proudly even though it was clear that she was tired from traveling all day. Queen liked Sky, something that was easy to see for the two horse smart canines. They could simply tell just by watching the two together, there was already a bond forming and it looked to be strong. As long as the brown woman took good care of the young mare, the mare would take good care of her.
When Sky pulled up near the fire and slid off of Queen’s back, Dixie tilted her head up with a slight smile and watched. The mare was calm and at ease with the new woman, seeming to already know that she was in good hands. There was no fear or hesitation as the horse turned her head and nuzzled the blue eyed woman, just a budding friendship. That was some mighty fine ridin’, Miss Sky…and it looks like you got yourself a new friend there. Queen’s taken a likin’ to ya already. Standing up, the white girl curled her arms around Duke’s neck and held onto him, soaking in the heat that his huge frame was giving off. The winter wasn’t quite there yet, but Dixie and Wayne weren’t used to the cold nights yet. Their bodies were still acclimated to the warm that came up until December all along the southern half of North America.
You look tired, hun. Were you just gonna sleep out here on the beach tonight? Seems like a good idea. Walking over to the wagon, Dixie got a second halter and brought it over to the dark gold stallion, fitting it to his head snuggly. We usually tie these two together at night so they can move around. Duke won’t leave us, so Queen will be safe with him. She took the ‘reins’ she’d fashioned for Sky and tied the end of Duke’s lead to them, securing the knot tightly. Rubbing both the horses, she patted their rumps and sent them off, grinning when they just trotted a few yards off and stopped, both of them looking worn out. Dixie nodded to Sky and went back to Wayne, curling up in the sand at his side and closing her eyes. See you in the mornin’ Miss Sky…
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