Chapter 206 Bid for the Loom (1/2)

Chapter 206: Bid for the Loom

Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Horseback riding was a sport that requires much skill, even for the small things like putting on the saddle.

Li Du conscientiously placed the saddle on the horse, but it still made Austin uncomfortable. The horse kept pacing around restlessly.

Jones removed the saddle, and, after what seemed like a mindless fling, the saddle landed on Austin perfectly and steadily.

Austin was happily swinging his tail back-and-forth at a constant beat as Jones strapped up the saddle on him.

Li Du was impressed. ”You’re good—this is very cool.”

”Practice makes perfect,” Jones laughed. ”If you had been dealing with them for 30 years, you might be better than me. Okay young man, get on!”

As Li Du stepped on the stirrups, he felt a mixture of feelings: he was anxious, scared, and worried. What if the horse suddenly jumps or gallops away? he thought.

Li was just overthinking things. Besides the swinging tail, Austin stayed still as Li Du climbed onto the saddle.

Austin snorted a long, drawn-out sigh; he was relaxed and ready to be compliant.

”Okay pal,” Jones said, ”keep your back straight, be confident, eyes forward, don’t look down. Very good—now shake the reins to tell him to start walking…”

Li Du did as he was told, and Austin started walking. Clip Clop Clip Clop! Although it was a bumpy horse ride, Li Du found it to be endurable.

Jones mounted a horse and said, ”Austin’s a good, tame horse—you don’t need to worry. Just relax and enjoy riding on horseback.”

Li Du smiled. ”Thanks. It’s my first time riding on a horse—I can’t help feeling nervous.”

Hans rode over to Li and teased, ”In the future, when you and Sophie do it for the first time and you’re still nervous, you’re going to be a fast shooter,”

”Get lost!”

Jones continued sharing his wisdom with Li Du: ”Even if it’s your first time, you still need to relax. Horses are able to feel the rider’s emotions —if you’re nervous, they’ll get nervous too.

”And your back’s too stiff pal—relax. Let your body sway with the horse’s rhythm.”

Li Du took two deep breaths and followed Jones’s instructions. True enough, he felt more comfortable sitting on the saddle as he allowed himself to bounce along with Austin. Soon enough, both Li and Austin were enjoying themselves, cantering along the path.

Jones urged Li Du to try galloping with Austin, but Mr. Li decided to take it one step at a time as he was only a beginner. The cantering with Austin was good enough for him.

Hans rode over to Li once again, the two horses trotting side by side.

”Why not invite Sophie for horseback riding when you’re free? You might bring the relationship to the next level,” Hans encouraged.

Li Du concurred by nodding his head. ”You’re right, but does she know how to ride a horse?”

Li recalled those beautiful scenes he had watched on television programs, where a couple rode on their horses, trotting along side by side, smiling at each other.

”It would be best if she didn’t know how to ride one,” Hans replied. ”Then you could both ride on one horse, and as you each swayed along with the horse’s rhythm, your little buddy could sway with its pleasure too!”

”That’s not something to be rushed,” Jones laughed. ”Big Fox, don’t teach the kid things like that.”

Li Du shook his head at what the two men had said. But, he had to admit: the thought of that was sure exciting.

As it was summer, after 30 minutes of horseback riding on the pasture, the horses started to sweat profusely under the hot sun.

The three of them dismounted from the horses and gave them a good washing.

After cleaning up the horses, Jones brought the duo to the pen where the young horses were held. They saw ten or so healthy-looking young horses cooling themselves in the summer shade.

”Two thousand dollars for a colt and two thousand five hundred dollars for a filly,” Jones said. ”Take your pick.”

Hans suggested, ”Maybe we should pick a colt—”

”Let’s go with a filly,” Li Du said, shaking his head. ”The Amish family might prefer a filly.”

”Of course, but it’s more expensive.”