Summary:  Traces the progress of Joe’s natural affinity with horses

Rated: K (6,700 words)

 

 

Natural Ability

Marie Cartwright smiled at her husband as she entered the front yard, dangling baby Joseph in her arms. ‘It’s about time you got back,’ she said, looking up at Ben as he sat on the large horse. She patted the animal while trying to keep a hold of Joseph at the same time.  The baby’s little hand reached out to pat the horse as well and both his parents smiled at the gesture.

 

 

 

‘Give him up here to me,’ said Ben, reaching down for the infant who giggled with pleasure to see his father’s face. Ben took his son and swung him up high in front of him on the saddle, much to the consternation of the boy’s mother.

 

 

 

‘Ben!’ Marie said anxiously. ‘Be careful with him!’

 

 

 

Ben smiled down at his wife. ‘He’s fine,’ he assured her. ‘Look. He loves it!’ It was true.  Baby Joseph was bouncing up and down in excitement in front of his father and seemed to be urging the animal forward.  He grinned up at Ben with a toothless smile.

 

 

 

Ben hugged the little boy to him and began to walk the horse slowly around the yard, causing the infant to giggle with pleasure.  Marie watched them anxiously. ‘Be careful Ben!’ she called. Ben smiled at her and kept walking the horse around the yard, baby Joseph nearly beside himself with excitement with the feel of the animal beneath them and the thrill of moving forward.

 

 

 

‘He’s a natural,’ said Ben as he approached his wife again and held the baby out towards her. ‘Not scared at all.  You mark my words Marie, he’s going to make a fine horseman one day.’

 

 

 

Marie took her little boy into her arms and tried to keep him from reaching towards the horse and his father again. ‘One day,’ she said. ‘But not yet. Come on little one let’s go inside.’  She turned towards the house and Ben watched his son’s tiny face as it bobbed up and down over his mother’s shoulder. It crinkled up in dismay at being taken away from the horse and as Marie shut the front door Ben heard his son’s protesting cries begin to surface.

 

 

 

———-

 

 

 

 

 

‘I tell you I’ve looked everywhere!’ said Maire. ‘He’s not in the house!’  She looked around the front yard anxiously. ‘He must have wandered out here somewhere.’

 

 

 

Ben patted her on the arm soothingly. ‘Don’t panic,’ he said. ‘We’ll find him. A two year old couldn’t get very far in the short time he’s been missing.’

 

 

 

Marie gave her husband a frustrated look. ‘We’re talking about Joseph remember?’ she said. ‘Our son the human tornado?’

 

 

 

Ben shrugged. ‘True,’ he acknowledged. ‘Have you tried the barn?  You know how he loves the horses.’

 

 

 

Marie gave her husband an anxious look. ‘You don’t think…’ she began. ‘Ben, he could be trampled!’  She turned to run towards the barn, but Ben held onto her.

 

 

 

‘Calm down,’ he said, although he felt his own heart begin to beat wildly as the same thought overtook him. They headed towards the barn together and began to look in each of the stalls one after another. ‘Joseph!’ called Ben as he went from one stall to another. ‘Joseph!’

 

 

 

He turned as he suddenly heard a small noise from the far corner of the barn. ‘Marie!’ he said. ‘Over here!’  They rushed to the last stall where Adam’s chestnut was stalled and saw their youngest son sitting in the corner patting the large animal on the leg as he grinned at them both. The horse stamped its foot impatiently as it felt the tickling of the small hand on its skin.

 

 

 

‘Ben!’ breathed Marie and caught her breath to see the hoof coming down so close to the little leg of her son. They both knew the animal had the ability to break the small limb in a blink of an eye.

 

 

 

‘Just keep still,’ he whispered as he approached the horse. ‘Easy boy,’ he said as he patted the animal’s flank while walking towards its head. ‘Steady on now.’  He reached down slowly and scooped up his little son into his arms with a sigh of relief.

 

 

 

‘Papa!’ said Joseph delightedly. ‘See the horsie!’

 

 

 

Ben walked out of the stall hugging the child to his chest. Joseph tried to wriggle out of his father’s grasp. ‘No!’ he said. ‘Wanna see the horsie!’

 

 

 

Marie closed her eyes as Ben came out of the stall with their son in his arms. ‘Thank God!’ she said.

 

 

 

Ben turned the small boy over in his arms and began to swat him on the backside. ‘That was very naughty!’ he said as Joseph began to wail. ‘You are never to go in there again. Naughty!’

 

Marie reached out for her son who held his arms out to her while he cried. ‘Ben,’ she said. ‘He’s only a baby. He doesn’t understand.’

 

 

 

‘He has to understand!’ said Ben in a frustrated tone. ‘The trouble is that child has no fear of horses at all. He could have been killed!’

 

 

 

‘I know,’ said his wife as she hugged the toddler to her tightly. ‘My baby!’ She held the child away from her body and looked at him sternly. ‘Papa is right Joseph,’ she said, wiggling her finger at him. ‘That was very naughty!’

 

 

 

Joseph thrust his bottom lip out and frowned at his parents. ‘Wanna see the horsie!’ he repeated insistently.

 

 

 

‘Take him inside,’ said Ben. ‘And make sure the front door is closed this time. He closed the barn door firmly as Marie carried their son towards the house again.

 

 

 

———-

 

 

 

 

 

Hoss looked up excitedly as his father opened the front door. ‘Has it come?’ he asked. ‘Is it here yet?’

 

 

 

‘It certainly is,’ said his father. ‘Come on outside and you can see it now. Where’s Joseph?’

 

 

 

‘Here I is,’ said a little voice, and Ben turned to see his three year-old son standing behind him.  He bent down and picked him up as he motioned to Hoss. ‘Come on boys over to the barn.’  He walked out to the yard and over to the barn holding Joseph.  Hoss ran ahead of him and entered the barn first. ‘Wow!’ Ben heard the boy exclaim as he entered the building himself. ‘He sure is pretty ain’t he Adam?’

 

 

 

Ben smiled at the two boys kneeling in the hay beside the newborn foal and its mother. He put the squirming Joseph down beside them. ‘Gently boys,’ he said. ‘Be careful of his mama.’  He smiled at Marie as she came to stand beside him.

 

 

 

Little Joe reached out to pat the foal. ‘Just do it softly,’ said Adam, showing his little brother how. ‘See?’

 

 

 

The little boy nodded and followed his big brother’s example, patting the foal very lightly. ‘Mine Papa?’ he asked as he looked up at his father with his big luminous green eyes.  ‘I can ride him?’

 

 

 

Ben hesitated, feeling Marie stiffen beside him. ‘You can’t ride him son,’ he said. ‘He’s too little and so are you.’  He watched his son’s bottom lip begin to tremble and the tears well up in his eyes.  ‘You can pet him though,’ he said hastily.

 

 

 

Little Joe smiled again and bent down to hug the little foal.  The mare lying beside him nuzzled the necks of both babies as they lay together and Little Joe grinned as he felt the rough tongue of the animal tickle him. ‘I’m gonna ride when I’s bigger,’ he said in a determined voice.

 

 

 

———-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Get down from there!’ said Adam crossly. ‘You’ve been told before about trying that!’  He lifted his little brother down from the corral fence where he had perched himself, ready to hop across onto Adam’s horse which was tied there.

 

 

 

‘But I wanna ride him!’ Little Joe whined. ‘Please Adam?’

 

 

 

‘Oh all right!’ said Adam, lifting the child up into the saddle. ‘There you go.’  He took the reins and began to walk the horse around the yard.

 

 

 

‘Let go!’ called out Little Joe impatiently. ‘I can do it by myself!’

 

 

 

‘Not on your life!’ said Adam. ‘Pa would have my hide.’

 

 

 

‘I certainly would, said his father coming up behind them. ‘Steady on there Joseph, stop jiggling in the saddle like that.’  He watched as the boy rode around the yard slowly, noticing how he sat so erect in the saddle. For a four year-old he certainly had a good seat. The child had a natural ability with horses that was for sure.

 

 

 

‘When can I have my own pony Papa?’ asked the child as he passed by his father.

 

 

 

Ben smiled. It was a question the boy asked him on average about five times a day. ‘I’ve told you before son.  When you’re big enough,’ he replied.

 

 

 

‘Yes, but I’m big enuff now,’ little Joe insisted. ‘See?’

 

 

 

Adam smiled at his father. ‘He sure has the confidence he needs Pa,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘There’s more to riding than just confidence,’ said Ben. ‘You know that Adam.’

 

 

 

Adam shrugged and lifted his little brother down again. ‘There you go squirt,’ he said.

 

 

 

Little Joe ran over to his father. ‘Did ya see me riding Pa?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Ben leant down and ruffled the boy’s curls. ‘I sure did son,’ he said. ‘And when you’re a bit bigger you’re going to make a fine horseman.’

 

 

 

‘I’m a fine horseman now!’ the little boy declared. ‘When can I have my own pony Papa?’ he asked for the second time in as many minutes.

 

 

 

Ben sighed.

 

 

 

———-

 

 

 

 

 

‘What are you going to call him?’ asked Hoss.

 

 

 

‘Star!’ declared Little Joe happily. ‘Cause he’s got a star on his forehead.’  He grinned happily around at them all.

 

 

 

Ben tried to return the smile, although it was really the last thing he felt like doing. He knew he couldn’t break his promise to his six year-old son, but everything inside him cried out to snatch the reins from the child’s hands and lead the horse away from Joseph. Wasn’t it enough that the boy’s mother had been killed riding, but now he had to endure their son getting on horseback as well?  Ben knew that his thoughts were unreasonable, but nevertheless he couldn’t help them.  Of course the boy would have to start riding sooner or later and there was no reason to think that he would end up the same as his mother, but still … but still Ben worried.

 

 

 

‘Happy birthday Joseph,’ he said quietly and was rewarded by a grin from the boy.

 

 

 

‘Thanks Papa,’ he said happily. ‘Can I ride him now?’

 

 

 

Adam shot a glance at his father and then lifted his little brother into the saddle. ‘There you go,’ he said. ‘Take it nice and easy at first.  Just walk him around in a circle.’

 

 

 

They all watched as the little boy proudly walked the pony around the front yard. ‘See Papa?’ he cried excitedly. ‘I told ya I could do it!’

 

 

 

Ben forced another smile on his face. ‘That’s very good,’ he said. He did have to admit that the child had an uncommonly easy style about him.  He sat in the saddle as if he had been born there and he and the pony melded together as if they had been riding for years. He sighed as vision of his darling Marie flashed in front of his eyes. He could still see her as she came riding into the front yard that day just before she fell….his eyes travelled over to the spot only feet from where their son was now riding. He shut his eyes, almost seeing her lying there again as he fought to push the memory from his brain.

 

 

 

‘Papa!’ he opened his eyes again to see Little Joe passing him one more time.  ‘Watch!’ The pony began to quicken his gait and soon the boy was trotting slowly, bouncing up and down in the saddle as he did so.

 

 

 

‘Joseph slow down!’ he said anxiously.

 

‘He’s fine Pa,’ said Adam, putting a hand on his father’s arm.

 

 

 

Ben swallowed as he watched the child and the pony trotting around the yard. He nodded slowly. ‘I know,’ he said softly, trying to convince himself. ‘I know.’

 

 

 

———-

 

 

 

 

 

Little Joe came trotting quickly into the front yard and slid down from the saddle effortlessly. ‘Hey Pa!’ he cried. ‘Guess what?’

 

 

 

Ben frowned at his son. ‘How many times have I told you not to ride into the front yard like that?’ he said.

 

 

 

Little Joe’s face fell and he looked down at the ground. ‘I dunno,’ he said. ‘Lots I guess.’

 

 

 

‘Well kindly don’t do it again please! You’re far too casual about how you ride that pony sometimes.  I wouldn’t want to have to ban you from riding him.’

 

 

 

Little Joe looked up at his father desperately. ‘Pa!’ he said. ‘You wouldn’t!’

 

 

 

Ben sighed. No he wouldn’t, he knew that.  No one knew better than him just what that pony meant to his son and he couldn’t bear to see the look on the child’s face when his father even so much as hinted at it. ‘Put Star away in the barn,’ he said. ‘Then you can come and talk to me about whatever it is.’

 

 

 

Little Joe ran over to the pony and swung up into the saddle, and Ben noticed that he did it without even putting his foot into the stirrup. He shook his head.  The boy had no idea of being cautious around horses and just seemed to think that the animals thought about him the way he thought about them. He had a confidence with them that came from somewhere deep within him. It was something that couldn’t be developed, but was simply a part of him and was as natural to the boy as breathing. The ease that he had with horses made his father at times stop and shake his head in wonderment.

 

 

 

Ben watched as his youngest son disappeared into the barn, riding his pony effortlessly and then turned back to his work again.  After a few moments Little Joe appeared beside him again.

 

 

 

‘Hey Pa?’ he repeated.

 

 

 

‘Did you brush Star down properly?’

 

 

 

‘Yes.’

 

 

 

‘And feed him?’

 

 

 

‘Yes. Hey Pa?’

 

 

 

‘Yes Little Joe?’

 

 

 

‘Me and Star jumped a fence today!’  The little boy’s face shone with pleasure and his eyes were glowing as he spoke. ‘It was bout this high!’ He indicated a height about level with his waist.

 

 

 

‘What?’

 

 

 

The boy’s face became even more animated. ‘I didn’t fall or nothing!’

 

 

 

Ben put down his saw and knelt in front of his son. ‘Joseph I want you to listen to me,’ he said seriously. ‘I gave you Star for one reason son and that was so that you’d learn to ride sensibly and have a means of getting around.  He is not there for you to take foolish risks with.  Do you understand what I’m saying?’

 

 

 

Little Joe’s face clouded. ‘But I weren’t taking foolish risks,’ he said. ‘Me and Star jumped it easy.’

 

 

 

Ben frowned. ‘I don’t want you jumping over anything again.  Do I make myself clear?’

 

 

 

‘Why?’

 

 

 

‘Because you might hurt yourself or Star.’

 

 

 

Little Joe shook his head. ‘I won’t get hurt,’ he assured his father. ‘And I’d never hurt Star neither. We’s friends.’

 

 

 

‘You mightn’t mean to son, but you could get hurt.  Now promise me that you won’t jump over anything again.’

 

 

 

Little Joe sighed. ‘I promise,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Now go and get your chores done,’ said Ben, standing up again.

 

 

 

‘Pa?’

 

 

 

‘Yes?’

 

 

 

‘How long before Star and me can jump things?’

 

 

 

‘Chores Joseph!’

 

 

 

———-

 

 

 

 

 

‘Whoa!  Slow down there,’ said Ben with a laugh as he drew up alongside his youngest son. ‘What’s your hurry?’

 

 

 

‘Nothin,’ said Little Joe with a grin at his father. ‘Star and me just like to go fast sometimes. He’s a real good runner Pa!’

 

 

 

Ben nodded. ‘I’m sure he is,’ he said.  ‘But let’s just go a bit slower for a while all right?’

 

 

 

‘OK.’  Little Joe slowed down and glanced at his father as they trotted alongside each other. ‘You tired eh Pa?’ he asked with a grin.

 

 

 

Ben chuckled. ‘You think your old father is a bit past it do you?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Joe’s eyes widened. ‘No Pa! I didn’t mean that!  I just meant…’

 

 

 

‘Yes?’

 

 

 

‘Well Buck’s a big horse and….’

 

 

 

‘Yes?’

 

 

 

‘He’s probbly hard for ya to manage sometimes.’

 

 

 

‘I can cope quite well thank you,’ said Ben.

 

 

 

‘Pa?’

 

 

 

‘Can I ride him?’

 

 

 

‘No.’

 

 

 

‘Why?’

 

 

 

‘Because as you just said Joseph he’s a big horse.  Much too big for you to manage.’

 

 

 

‘I could manage him!’

 

 

 

‘When you’re bigger.’

 

 

 

‘Can I get a big horse when I’m bigger?’

 

 

 

‘Yes.’

 

 

 

‘As big as Buck?’

 

 

 

‘Maybe.’

 

 

 

‘When?’

 

 

 

Ben frowned at his son. ‘I thought you liked Star.’

 

 

 

Joe’s eyes widened. ‘Oh I do!’ he declared. ‘But… well sometimes I wanna ride something bigger.’

 

 

 

‘In time son, in time.’

 

 

 

‘I’m gonna break horses like Adam when I’m bigger too.’

 

 

 

‘We’ll see.’

 

 

 

Little Joe frowned. ‘I can do it!’ he said.

 

 

 

Ben pointed a finger at him. ‘Don’t you even think about it!’ he said.

 

 

 

Little Joe grinned at his father and took off again at a run. ‘I’ll race ya home Pa!’ he shouted over his shoulder.  Ben laughed at the sight of the boy and his pony galloping in front of him.  His eyes widened as they came to a fence and his heart leapt to his throat as they sailed over it effortlessly.  ‘Joseph!’ he called. ‘Come back here!’  But his words were lost in the wind as the boy and the pony disappeared down a slope in front of him.

 

 

 

———-

 

 

 

 

 

‘Who gave you permission to do it?’  Ben heard Adam’s voice raised in anger and he opened the front door to be confronted by his eldest son holding his youngest son’s arm and pulling him towards the house.

 

 

 

‘What’s going on here?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Adam pushed Joe forward. ‘This kid was on my horse!’ he said angrily.

 

 

 

‘Joseph!’ said his father. ‘Why?’

 

 

 

Little Joe pouted. ‘I just wanted to see how high he is,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘You know how high he is!’ said Adam. ‘I’ve let you sit on him before!’

 

 

 

‘Yeah but…’

 

 

 

‘But what?’ asked Ben.

 

 

 

‘That’s just letting me sit on him,’ said Little Joe in a rush. ‘I wanted to see what riding him was like.’

 

 

 

‘You had no right to touch my horse!’ said Adam. ‘You could have killed yourself!’

 

 

 

‘Adam’s right son,’ said Ben firmly. ‘You had no business getting up on Sport like that. He’s much too big for you.’

 

 

 

‘But I rode him good Pa!’ declared Little Joe. ‘I did!’

 

 

 

‘That’s not the point. Now apologise to your brother.’

 

 

 

Joe scowled at Adam. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Ben swatted the youngster on the backside. ‘Now get out there and do your chores as you were told to!’ he said. ‘Get!’

 

 

 

Little Joe turned away muttering softly. ‘If I had a big horse I would haveta borrow his!’ he declared.

 

 

 

‘What was that young man?’

 

 

 

‘Nothin Pa.’

 

 

 

Adam gave his father a half smile as they watched the youngster go over to the barn. ‘You know what Pa?  He’s actually right.  He was handling Sport really well. Maybe it’s time you thought about getting him something bigger.’

 

 

 

‘When the time is right I will,’ said Ben. ‘I know he’s an excellent rider, but he’s still much too small to have a full-grown horse.’

 

 

 

‘He’s nearly eleven.’

 

 

 

‘A very small eleven.’

 

 

 

‘Aw come on Pa!’ said Adam. ‘What’s gonna happen?  He’s not likely to break his neck or…’  He stopped as he realised what he’d said. There was silence as they both thought of Marie. ‘I’m sorry,’ Adam said finally. ‘I didn’t mean to say that.’

 

 

 

Ben nodded. ‘Its all right,’ he said. ‘I know at times I can be a bit over-anxious about Joseph, but you must admit I have good cause to be.  The boy just doesn’t have any fear on horseback.  You saw an example of that today.’

 

 

 

‘True. But I also know that he has a fine ability as well.  Honestly Pa, he’s a natural!’

 

 

 

‘I know.  But he has plenty of time ahead of him yet,’ replied Ben. ‘I don’t intend to allow him to hurt himself in the process.’

 

 

 

‘Well something tells me you’re going to have your work cut out for you then,’ said Adam with a twinkle in his eye. ‘That youngest brother of mine is going to test your patience with this.’

 

 

 

‘Only this?’ replied his father. ‘He’s tests my patience in most things son.’ He gave a short laugh.

 

 

 

———-

 

 

 

 

 

‘Pa he’s beautiful!’ Little Joe’s eyes shone as he stared at the black and white pinto in the front yard.  He turned to give his father a hug. ‘Thank you!’

 

 

 

Ben returned the hug. ‘He’s all yours son,’ he said. ‘Happy twelfth birthday! Just promise me that you won’t take foolish risks with him.’

 

 

 

‘I promise,’ said little Joe fervently, a promise that both he and his father knew that he meant but wouldn’t be able to keep. He turned excitedly towards the horse. ‘I’m gonna try him out.’

 

 

 

‘He’s not properly broken yet,’ said Ben. ‘Best just to get to know him first.’

 

 

 

‘OK.’

 

 

 

Ben leant against the corral fence and watched as his son approached the horse. The animal sensed him coming and turned to look at him.  Joe patted the animal gently and allowed the horse to smell him and nuzzle around him, getting to know the feel of him. ‘Good boy,’ he said softly. ‘You and me is gonna be friends ain’t we feller?’ He patted the horse along its flank gently and untied the hitching rein as he began to walk the animal around the corral.

 

 

 

‘Careful Joe,’ called Hoss. ‘He don’t know ya yet.’

 

 

 

‘He knows me,’ said Joe as he continued to pat the animal. ‘Don’t ya boy?’

 

 

 

Adam will help you train him properly,’ said Ben. ‘You can start this afternoon.’

 

 

 

Joe smiled over at his father. ‘No need for that Pa,’ he said. ‘I can do it.’  With a sudden motion he grasped hold on the horse’s mane and swung himself up onto his bare back, sitting proudly for everyone to see.

 

 

 

‘Joseph!’ called Ben angrily. ‘Get down from there!’

 

 

 

‘It’s fine Pa!’ called back Joe as he began to trot around the corral. ‘He knows me now.’

 

 

 

Indeed it seemed to the onlookers that the boy was right.  He and the horse trotted as one… as if they had been doing it all of their lives together.  Ben let out his breath and began to relax as he realised that Joe was right.  It was fine.

 

 

 

‘That boy looks as if he was born on a saddle,’ said a voice beside him. Ben turned to see Charlie their foreman watching as well.

 

 

 

‘Well he nearly was,’ Ben admitted. ‘He’s wanted to ride since he could sit up…actually before he could sit up if the truth be known!’  Both men laughed as they watched the youngster riding around the corral proudly.

 

 

 

‘What are you going to call him Joe?’ called Adam.

 

 

 

‘Cochise,’ replied Joe.

 

 

 

‘Why Cochise?’ asked Ben, his curiosity piqued.

 

 

 

‘He’s noble,’ replied his son. ‘Just like the Indian Chief you told me about.’

 

 

 

Ben smiled as his son rode past him again.

 

 

 

———-

 

 

 

 

 

‘Joseph it’s time for bed,’ said Ben. ‘I think you’ve brushed Cochise enough for one day.’

 

 

 

‘Ain’t he beautiful Pa?’

 

 

 

‘Yes son he is, but it’s time for bed now. Come on.’

 

 

 

Little Joe didn’t move, but remained sitting on the top of the stall patting the horse. ‘Me and Cooch understand each other,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘I’m glad.  Now bed!’ Ben pulled his son down from the stall and swatted him on the backside as he steered him out of the barn.

 

 

 

‘Hey Pa?’ Joe asked as they headed towards the house.

 

 

 

‘Yes?’

 

 

 

‘Now that I’ve got a full-grown horse, do ya reckon I can come on the roundup with you this year?’

 

 

 

‘You can do the same as you did last year,’ replied his father.

 

 

 

‘Aw… but that was only two days.  I mean for the whole two weeks. Me and Cochise can handle it!’

 

 

 

‘I’m sure that Cochise can handle it,’ replied his father. ‘I’m not so sure about you though.’

 

 

 

Joe frowned. ‘I can!’ he pouted. ‘I’m a good rider…you said so yourself!’

 

 

 

‘I know you are Joe.  But two weeks in the saddle is too much for a boy your age.’

 

 

 

‘Next year then?’

 

 

 

‘We’ll see.’

 

 

 

Joe sighed. ‘You always say you’ll see,’ he said. ‘But you never do!’

 

 

 

Ben put his arm around his son’s shoulders. ‘Joe be patient,’ he said. ‘One of these days you’ll wish you didn’t have to go on a roundup.  They’re not always exciting things you know.’

 

 

 

‘I know, but… well I just want to try it.’

 

 

 

‘And one day you and Cochise will.  Just be patient and give it time.’  Ben sighed.  Patience was not one of Joseph’s virtues that was for sure.

 

 

 

———-

 

 

 

 

 

‘Joseph!’ Ben’s heart was in his mouth as he watched his youngest son hanging onto the side of his horse and take a running leap into the saddle as the animal galloped down the trail. To his great relief the boy reached the saddle with ease and turned the animal to head back towards his father effortlessly.

 

 

 

‘It’s OK Pa,’ said Joe as he pulled to a halt beside the man. ‘I’ve done it before.’’

 

 

 

Ben reached out to grasp hold of his son’s reins. ‘Have you indeed?’ he said, his eyes blazing. ‘Get down off that horse immediately!’

 

 

 

Joe’s face turned into a scowl as he did as his father bid. He stood in the middle of the trail and put his hands on his hips as he looked up at his father. ‘I didn’t hurt myself!’ he declared. ‘I never do when I practise tricks!’

 

 

 

Ben’s jaw clenched in fury at his son’s words. ‘When you practise tricks!’ he shouted. ‘And just how often might that be young man?’ Joe shrugged. ‘What kind of tricks?’ his father continued.

 

 

 

Joe looked at the ground. ‘I dunno,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Answer me Joseph!’

 

 

 

‘Just…. I dunno… tricks. You know…. Like trick-riding.’

 

 

 

Ben drew a deep breath. ‘Joseph one day you will be the death of me!’ he shouted. ‘How many times have I told you that your horse isn’t to be used foolishly?’

 

 

 

Joe shrugged. ‘I dunno,’ he admitted. He looked up again. ‘But I can do em Pa!’ he said earnestly. ‘You want me ta show you?’

 

 

 

‘No I do not!’ shouted Ben. ‘I thought I had made my feelings about this sort of thing clear?  Obviously you need some time to think about it young man, so you can do that while you’re walking home!’  He turned and led his son’s horse away. ‘And if I ever hear of you performing such tricks again you won’t be able to sit on a saddle for a month!  Do you understand me Joseph?’

 

 

 

‘Yes Pa,’ Joe sighed as he followed his father along the trail on foot.

 

 

 

———-

 

 

 

 

 

Joe leant on the corral fence and stared in fascination as his brother Adam clung onto the bucking horse. ‘Go Adam!’ he shouted. ‘Stay with him!’  He jumped up onto the railing as his brother pulled the horse to a halt, dismounted and walked over towards him. ‘That was great!’ Joe said enthusiastically.

 

 

 

‘Thanks,’ said Adam as he dusted himself off. ‘He’s a bit of a tricky one.’ He glanced over to the chestnut he’d just ridden. ‘Harder than he looks.’

 

 

 

‘You stuck with him though,’ said Joe appreciatively. ‘Do ya think I could just…’

 

 

 

Adam put up his hand. ‘Don’t even say it Joe,’ he said. ‘There’s no way.’

 

 

 

‘Yeah but I could do it… you know I could!’

 

 

 

‘Doesn’t matter what I think.  Pa would kill both of us if I so much as let you near that horse and you know it.’

 

 

 

Joe sighed. ‘I don’t see why,’ he said. ‘He knows what a good rider I am.’

 

 

 

‘You’re too young.’

 

 

 

‘You’ve been breaking horses for years!’ declared Joe with a pout.

 

 

 

‘Yes but I didn’t start at fifteen,’ replied Adam. He put his arm around his brother. ‘Listen buddy, I know how you feel.  I remember busting myself to try and convince Pa to let me try when I was your age.  He’ll let you one day…you just have to wait.’

 

 

 

‘How long though?’ asked Joe. ‘It seems like forever.’ He stared at the chestnut. ‘I still say I could do it.’

 

 

 

‘Adam!’ called Hoss from the other side of the corral. ‘You trying this one again?’

 

 

 

‘Sure!’ shouted back Adam. ‘Hold on.’  He strode away again and Joe put his head on the corral fence and sighed as he once again watched his older brother mount the chestnut.

 

 

 

———-

 

 

 

 

 

‘He’ll be fine Ben,’ said Dr Paul Martin as he came down the stairs. ‘Sore and sorry for himself is all.’

 

 

 

‘Nothing broken?’

 

 

 

The doctor shook his head. ‘No.  He’s a very lucky young man.  He really must have come off with a thud judging by those bruises though.’

 

 

 

‘He’s lucky in more ways than one,’ said Ben with a frown. ‘If it wasn’t for the fact that I thought he’d been killed, he’d be sporting a lot more bruises right about now!’

 

 

 

‘Don’t be too hard on him Ben,’ replied Paul. ‘He’s young. He just wants to prove himself and his own ability on horseback.’

 

 

 

Ben stared at his friend and nodded. ‘I know that,’ he said tersely. ‘But I have no intention of letting him kill himself in the process Paul.’  He looked up the staircase. ‘See the doctor out please Hoss. I’ll be upstairs having words with your brother.’  He strode up the stairs two at a time.

 

 

 

As he entered Joseph’s room, Ben was taken aback for a moment by the sight of his son as he lay on the bed.  He was covered in bruises and both his arms were bandaged.  Ben entered the room slower than he had at first intended to. ‘Well how do you feel?’ he said as he sat down on the bed.

 

 

 

Joe looked at the wall and bit his lip. ‘OK,’ he said quietly.

 

 

 

‘That was a really stupid thing to do Joseph.’

 

 

 

Joe turned to face his father. ‘I know that now,’ he said contritely. ‘I’m sorry Pa.’ He studied his father’s face intently. ‘I didn’t mean to worry you like that.’

 

 

 

‘Then why on earth did you try and ride that animal? You knew my feelings on the matter.’

 

 

 

‘Yeah… but I thought I could do it!’

 

 

 

‘Joe you’ve only just started working with some of the easier animals.  What on earth made you think that you could tame a horse that even your brother Adam would think twice about getting up on?’

 

 

 

Joe shrugged and flinched as the movement caused him a spasm of pain. ‘I don’t know,’ he admitted. ‘I just thought that I could do it.’  He looked at his father pleadingly. ‘You and Adam said I was doing real well with it.’

 

 

 

Ben sighed. ‘Joe, there’s a difference between doing well and putting yourself in a position where you could be in danger,’ he said severely. ‘I hope you’ve learned your lesson young man!’  He stood up and turned to go. ‘I’ll get Hop Sing to bring you up something to eat.’

 

 

 

‘Thanks Pa.’

 

 

 

Ben turned in the doorway. ‘It wasn’t worth all this though was it?’ he said as he left the room.

 

 

 

Joe gave a half-hearted smile as he turned towards the wall again. ‘Yeah it was,’ he said softly to himself.

 

 

 

———-

 

 

 

 

 

‘Joseph slow down!’ shouted his father. ‘I’ve told you before about riding in like that!’

 

 

 

Joe pulled Cochise up and vaulted from the saddle before the horse had fully skidded to a halt. ‘Hey Pa!’ he said excitedly. ‘Guess what?’

 

 

 

‘Joseph!’ his father repeated. ‘Don’t do that!’

 

 

 

Joe looked puzzled. ‘What?’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Get down from your horse like that!’

 

 

 

‘Oh. Don’t worry Pa, Cochise is used to it.’ Joe grinned at his father.

 

 

 

‘Well I’m not! Don’t do it again!’

 

 

 

‘OK… Guess what?’

 

 

 

Ben sighed. ‘What?’

 

 

 

‘There’s gonna be a horse race next week in town.  For the Founder’s Day celebrations!’ Joe said excitedly. ‘Me and Cochise is gonna enter it!’

 

 

 

‘Cochise and I,’ Ben corrected. ‘And the answer is no.’

 

 

 

Joe frowned. ‘Well I wasn’t really asking you Pa,’ he declared. ‘I already signed up.’

 

 

 

‘Well you can just go and withdraw,’ said Ben testily. ‘You’re not old enough.’

 

 

 

‘But they don’t care!’ declared Joe. ‘They know what a good rider I am.  Me and Cochise….’ He stopped. ‘I mean Cochise and I … stand a real good chance Pa!’

 

 

 

‘I said no Joseph.’

 

 

 

‘But why?’

 

 

 

‘Because you are not old enough for a start.  And you could get hurt. There’ll be a lot of top riders in that race son. Best to leave it to the experts until you’re a bit more experienced.’

 

 

 

‘I’m as good as anyone around here!’ declared Joe. ‘You know I am.’

 

 

 

Ben did know it.  His son was beginning to get quite a reputation as a top rider, even against men twice his age. The fact remained however that he was only seventeen years old and in Ben’s mind still too young to have the experience needed for a race of this kind. He shook his head. ‘No Joseph,’ he repeated. ‘Maybe next year.’

 

 

 

Joe put his hands on his hips and glared at his father. ‘You always say no!’ he said angrily. ‘I won’t get hurt!  I know that I won’t!’

 

 

 

‘No!’

 

 

 

‘Just because my mother died on a horse you think I’m going to do the same or something.  That ain’t fair Pa!’ Joe swallowed as he realised what he’d said and immediately lowered his voice as he continued. ‘I’m sorry Pa.  I didn’t mean that.  It’s just…’ He gave his father a pleading look. ‘I know I can win it.  Please?’

 

 

 

Ben shook his head. ‘No Joseph. I said no and I meant it.’ He watched as his son turned and led Cochise towards the barn slowly. ‘Joseph!’ Ben said to himself softly as he shook his head. ‘Why can’t you just be patient son?’  He turned and walked into the house, still shaking his head.

 

 

 

———-

 

 

 

 

 

‘You’ve done a good job son,’ said Ben proudly as Joe slid down from the horse. ‘He’s looking real fine.’

 

 

 

‘It wasn’t hard Pa,’ said Joe modestly. ‘Honest!  He was easy to manage once he knew that I meant business.’

 

 

 

Ben hid a smile as he glanced over at Adam who was also trying not to laugh. ‘You did well Joe,’ his brother said as he patted his brother on the back. ‘Why don’t you try that black over there now?’

 

 

 

‘Sure!’ said Joe enthusiastically and climbed over the fence to get onto the horse.

 

 

 

Ben looked on anxiously as the horse and rider began to work together. ‘He’ll be fine Pa,’ said Adam as he too looked on. ‘He’s got an excellent seat on him.’

 

 

 

Ben bit his lip. ‘I know,’ he said. ‘That boy was born to ride.  It’s just hard to watch it that’s all.’  He looked over at Adam. ‘I’m the same when you get on one of them you know.’

 

 

 

Adam raised an eyebrow. ‘Really?’ he said. ‘You hide it well.’  He grimaced as Joe hit the ground. ‘You OK?’ he called.

 

 

 

Joe got up and dusted himself off. ‘Fine!’ he said. ‘I’ll try again.’

 

 

 

Adam shook his head. ‘Well I’ll say this much for him…he’s sure game!’

 

 

 

Ben raised an eyebrow as the boy got back on the horse. ‘He’s determined is what he is,’ he said. ‘Stubborn!’

 

 

 

‘Well that too!’ laughed Adam. ‘Nice try Joe!’ he shouted as his brother hit the dirt again. ‘How long do you think he’ll keep this up for?’

 

 

 

‘As long as it takes I suppose,’ said Ben. ‘You know what he’s like.’  They both watched as Joe got up on the horse again. ‘Maybe I’d better not stay and watch again Adam. Look out for him will you?’

 

 

 

‘Sure Pa,’ replied Adam. As Ben turned to go he heard another thud and Adam call out, ‘Better that time!’  He shuddered as he walked away.

 

 

 

———-

 

 

 

‘Joe?’ said Ben as he motioned to his son. ‘Come on over here for a moment will you please?’  He beckoned to his son who was standing with several of the hands by the corral. ‘This is Colonel Becker.’

 

 

 

The Colonel held out his hand. ‘Hello young man,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Hi,’ said Joe with a smile.

 

 

 

‘Joe I’d like you to try out this one,’ said his father. ‘I think you’d be the best judge of him for the Colonel.’

 

 

 

Joe’s eyes widened. ‘Me?’ he said. ‘You want me to try him?  What about …’ He waved his arm in the general direction of the hands.

 

 

 

‘I want you to do it,’ said Ben. ‘I think you’re the best one to decide if he’s OK.’

 

 

 

Joe swallowed as he grinned at everyone. ‘Sure Pa!’ he said and sprang up into the saddle.  He turned the horse easily and trotted around for a bit, then began to give the horse his head and put him through some tricky moves.

 

 

 

Ben and the Colonel watched appreciatively. ‘That boy is a natural!’ said the Colonel admiringly. He watched as Joe rode back to them and skipped out of the saddle again.

 

 

 

‘He’s a fine one,’ said Joe as he patted the horse’s flank. ‘You really can’t go wrong.’

 

 

 

‘Thank you son.  Any time you’d like a job in the Cavalry by the way, come and let me know.  We need excellent riders like you.’

 

 

 

Joe grinned as the man departed with the horse. ‘Did you hear that Pa?’ he asked. ‘He thinks I’m an excellent rider!’

 

 

 

Ben smiled. ‘Well I knew that!’ he said.

 

 

 

Joe gave him a sideways glance. ‘Yeah but you’re my father,’ he said slyly. ‘You’re supposed to say things like that.’

 

 

 

‘Well it’s true,’ said Ben proudly. ‘In fact I’ve been thinking Joe. How would you like to take charge of the new batch of horses we’re getting next week?’

 

 

 

Joe nearly jumped out of his skin at his father’s words. ‘You mean it?’ he shrieked. ‘In charge?’

 

 

 

‘Just of that batch,’ said his father. ‘You can ask Adam’s advice if you need it.’

 

 

 

Joe shook his head. ‘I won’t need it,’ he said with a happy smile. ‘Wow!’ he drifted off happily. ‘In charge!’

 

 

 

Ben gave a small laugh.

 

 

 

———-

 

 

 

 

 

‘Congratulations!’ said Sheriff Coffee as he handed Joe the trophy. ‘Excellent ride son.’

 

 

 

Joe grabbed the trophy and held it above his head as the crowd cheered. He jumped down from the dais and ran over to his father and brothers. ‘Well done!’ said Ben, clapping him on the back. ‘Second year in a row!’

 

 

 

‘And I’ll be going for a third,’ said Joe happily. ‘I aim to be the first rider who can win the Annual Virginia City founders Day race three years in a row if I can!’

 

 

 

‘Well you sure showed em this year!’ said Hoss. ‘You’re getting faster all the time little buddy!’

 

 

 

Joe grinned happily at them all. ‘Cochise deserves most of the credit,’ he said modestly. ‘He just ran so well!’

 

 

 

‘Great race son!’ said Paul Martin as he walked past.

 

 

 

‘Thanks,’ replied Joe.

 

 

 

‘Fantastic ride Joe!’ called Mitch from across the street. ‘I knew you could do it!’

 

 

 

‘Thanks!’ said Joe waving his trophy at his friend.

 

 

 

‘Come on boys,’ said Ben putting his arm around Joe’s shoulders. ‘I’ll buy you all dinner to celebrate.’ The four Cartwrights walked down the street happily.

 

 

 

‘Who’s that?’ asked a young man as he stood next to the stage and waited for his luggage to be handed down to him.

 

 

 

‘Joe Cartwright,’ said the driver. ‘Just won the Founder’s Day Race again.  Best rider in the Territory that boy … No one comes close to beating him.  He’s a natural!’

 

 

 

The End