Bill was pleased over the next few days by the way Becky took responsibility for her horse. She fed and watered him, curried him and spent hours with him. Jolly was more than a horse to her: he was becoming a way of life, a friend. Bill and Mona watched her become happier and more responsive to them.
After a few days, Bill decided to take the horse out into the yard to familiarize him with his new environment, since Becky was keen on riding her new mount. Becky would bring him out water and a carrot while Bill held on to the bridle when he tried to run away. Becky took out an apple and stayed with him to quieten him. The horse was not still for half an hour; then he went calmly into his stall. He would not be ready for a saddle yet.
Meanwhile, Bill took his daughter to another community to see his brother, Fred, whose son had left for the city, leaving his saddle idle. It was a light brown Western saddle with a horn, firm stirrups and under girth and was like new. Fred wanted to give it to his favourite niece, who hugged him. “You will be riding Jolly soon,” promised Bill.
It seemed like a tempest when Jolly was saddled, and when Bill mounted the horse, there was bucking like you would see at a rodeo. It appeared that there would be no end to Jolly’s revolt. Becky feared for Jolly and for her father, who might be hurt if thrown. Finally, there was calm, and Bill dismounted, taking Jolly indoors. Becky wondered if she would ever ride her horse even if her father would allow it; would there ever be a time when Jolly accepted a rider?
Back in school, Becky learned quickly, as she always had. She loved teaching the younger ones who watched what she said and was doing in class. It was not only the teacher who was heard instructing in this small assembly of eight grades where all subjects were open to the students eager to learn. While there were pranks on the teacher, there were concerts and treats from her and moments of pleasure from teacher and students successful in new learning and exams. Almost all loved stories and trying new things.
When Jolly finally got used to the saddle, it was only a short wait to mount him. With her father beside her, Becky put her left foot in the stirrup, her leg over to the right stirrup and her hand on the rein, while Bill double-checked the under girth. Bill had his hand on the loose part of the rein and walked the two around the yard slowly. Soon Becky was going to be Jolly's mistress.
To the right of the yard was an orchard which held delicious apples: one was sweet from the pollination of a nearby pear tree, MacIntosh, crab apples and yellow transparent from which Mona made her pies. Jolly had his treats from this bounty.
There were steps before Becky could ride on the road. There was walking around the yard and more happily down the spruce-lined lane to the river where the white clam shells shone in the sun on the beach and the gentle waves were soothing with the seagulls’ company. Jolly paced on the racetrack, but he now galloped by times and Becky held on to the horn. This was fun; she felt excited; it was not like this riding with old Maud.
