“Got a long way to go, the both of you, but not a bad start at all.” He praised with a crooked grin, giving Todd’s shoulder a squeeze.

They retrieved their gear and Arthur steered them back on the road toward Valentine at a steady walk.

Once the mare and her new rider were comfortable, they all moved into a quicker but steady pace. The mare was still very wild and whenever they came across another rider or something near the road like a skunk, she’d balk and fight for control. But between the medicine seller and Arthur’s guidance, so far the medicine seller didn’t end up being bucked.