Virginia's Second Riding Lesson

by Jesseca Dawn

The very next Saturday, Virginia and her mother showed up at the ranch.

Earlier, I had teasingly asked Mitch what his plans were for the day.

He frowned at me and said, “I was planning to ride into town and pick up some things we need around the ranch, but Chad told me this morning that he needed all the help he could get trying to round up ol' Whirlwind. He wouldn’t listen a bit to me when I told him I thought he should sell him. Said Whirlwind was too good of a horse.”

“Well, you had better make sure you stay away from the house today,” I laughingly told him.

“I’m planning to!” Mitch had replied.

Later, as I went outside to meet Virginia, I glanced around to see if Mitch had left yet.

Mitch's horse, Chase

He’d had some trouble getting the horses fed this morning. Sure enough, there he was, riding Chase as fast as he could away from the ranch.

Just then, Virginia stepped out of the carriage and headed toward me. I was relived to see that she was wearing a split riding skirt today and not that ridiculous riding habit she’d worn last week. Smiling, Virginia asked, "Are you ready to start the riding lesson?”

“As ready as I'll ever be,” I muttered and began to walk toward the barn, with Virginia right on my heels. Mother and Mrs. Foster were inside, chattering together in the parlor.

As we got to the barn, Virginia asked, “Is Mitch here today?”

“He is out with Chad,” I answered. “They’re trying to catch Whirlwind.”

“Oh,” said Virginia, sounding terribly disappointed.

“Let’s start our lesson,” I said.

It took about 30 minutes to get Pal saddled. Virginia seemed to be doing everything just as slow as possible. She's probably hoping Mitch comes back, I thought, and tried to hurry her a little faster.

Just as I got her up into the saddle, I heard hoof beats behind me. Turning around, I saw who the rider was.

At the same moment, Virginia also realized who it was. “Mitch!” she exclaimed. 

What could have brought him back so soon? I wondered. Whatever the reason, he was in trouble now! Turning to Virginia, I tried to get her mind back on the lesson. “Okay, Virginia,” I started, “you need to get your mind off Mitch and just focus on the lesson.”

I don't think she heard a word I said. She just kept watching Mitch. Then she turned to me and said, “I want Mitch to help with the lesson.”

I rolled my eyes. “Mitch is busy,” I said. “Now, you need to remember to relax and—”

“I want Mitch to help!” Virginia Insisted.

I sighed. She could be quite stubborn when she wanted something. “All right,” I said. “I’ll go talk to him about it.”

Slowly, I walked to the barn, where Mitch had dismounted and was tying Chase to the post. “Why, oh why did you come back?” I exclaimed.

He looked at me grimly. “Chad and the other ranch hands were able to catch Whirlwind, so Chad suggested I come back here and go into town for those supplies we need. But I came back here to see if Mother needed anything first.”

“Well, you won’t be leaving anytime soon,” I said.

“Why not?” He looked at me, startled.

“Virginia refuses to continue the lesson unless you are there to help.”

Mitch groaned. “Let’s make this as quick as possible,” he said as we walked back to where Virginia was sitting on Pal, still gripping the saddle horn as hard as possible.

“Hi, Mitch,” she said, batting her eyelashes at him.

“Howdy, Virginia,” he replied. I could tell he was doing his best to remain polite.

Needless to say, the lesson seemed to take forever. By the time Virginia came to her senses and concentrated on the riding lesson (with only Mitch teaching her, of course), I was heartily hoping she wouldn't ever want another riding lesson!

But I have to admit she learned much faster from Mitch then she learned from me! In about 45 minutes, Mitch had Virginia riding around the house quite confidently. When I finally told her the lesson was over, she insisted that Mitch walk back with her to the barn and help her dismount.

When her feet touched the ground, she jumped into Mitch’s arm’s, much to his shock and dismay. “Andi is so lucky to have you as a brother,” she gushed. “Thank you so much for teaching me how to ride, and for saving my life, and for being my hero!”

Mitch reddened and gave me a “help-me-right-now” look.

I smiled teasingly at him but walked forward and said to Virginia, “Why don’t we go inside and tell your mother how you did?”

She let go of Mitch and dashed toward the house.

“Thanks, little sis!” Mitch exclaimed, “I am now on my way to town.” And he ran off toward the barn.

I laughed and walked slowly to the house, thinking of all the ways I could tease Mitch about this.

            But that is a story for another time!