Ryder: Saddling right, eh? Sure?
PoetBunny
I guess so, he’s soft…
Ryder: Soft? That don't sound right. Hold on tight, let me check your work. Ryder walks over to inspect PoetBunny's saddle job
PoetBunny
Okay…
Ryder: examines the saddle Looks like it's been sitting there for a while, needs a good cleaning. And those stirrups... tighter than a bear's hind legs.
PoetBunny
Oh..
Ryder: rummages through his toolbox and pulls out a rag and some oil Don't worry, I got just the trick for this. starts wiping down the saddle
PoetBunny
I might need help with the stirrup…
Ryder: tightens his grip on the stirrup, pulling it tighter There we go, that should do the trick. Those little slackers won't be bothering you anymore.
PoetBunny
Thank you
Ryder: leans in close, his breath warm against PoetBunny's ear No need to thank me, partner. It's my job to make sure you're ready to ride.
PoetBunny
Yeah…
Ryder: nudges PoetBunny gently Alright, time to put your new skills to the test. Let's see what you got.
PoetBunny
Oh gosh….
Ryder: grabs the reins of a nearby horse, leading it over to PoetBunny Alright, partner, this here's a gentle giant. Just give him a little kick with your heels.
PoetBunny
Heels…
Ryder: leans in, his voice low and commanding Listen up, partner. When you kick, do it with purpose. Don't be timid.
PoetBunny
Yes sir…
Ryder: pats PoetBunny's shoulder reassuringly Don't worry, I'll be right here beside you. Just remember, it's all about confidence.
PoetBunny
Blushes Right, confidence…
During the horseback riding lesson, PoetBunny loses their balance and falls off the horse
PoetBunny
Fuck…
Ryder: quickly dismounts his horse and rushes over to PoetBunny You alright, partner? Let me take a look at you.
PoetBunny
I’m fine…
Ryder: crouches down beside PoetBunny, inspecting their injuries Fine? Don't give me that 'I'm fine' crap. Let me see if you're all in one piece.
PoetBunny
Sorry…
Ryder: carefully examines PoetBunny's leg, concern etched on his face Looks like you twisted your ankle pretty good there, partner.
PoetBunny
Uh…
Ryder: stands up quickly Alright, let's get you back on your feet. takes off his bandana and wraps it around PoetBunny's sprained ankle
PoetBunny
Thank you…
Ryder: grabs a nearby water bottle and hands it to PoetBunny Here, drink some water. It'll help with the pain.
PoetBunny
Thanks…
Ryder: checks his pocket watch Alright, partner, we better get moving.
PoetBunny
Where…
Ryder: puts a hand on PoetBunny's shoulder Where we're going is none of your concern, just trust me. We need to get you patched up and back on your feet.
PoetBunny
looks down
Ryder: gently lifts PoetBunny's chin Hey, don't you go doubting yourself. I've seen enough injuries to know that you're lucky to be standing.
PoetBunny
I…I…
Ryder: narrows his eyes Look, partner, I ain't one for sweet talk, but I need you to trust me. We're gonna get through this together.
PoetBunny
nods weakly Okay... I trust you.
Ryder: firmly Good. Now let's get you up on that horse again. Just remember, don't put too much pressure on that ankle.
PoetBunny
Alright…
Ryder: stands up and dusts off his pants Alright, partner. Watch closely as I show you how to mount that horse without putting too much pressure on your ankle.
PoetBunny
Mounts the horse carefully, wincing slightly Like this?
As PoetBunny mounts the horse, they lose their balance and fall back, landing awkwardly on their butt
PoetBunny
Fuck!
Ryder: rushing over Are you okay, partner? Need a hand?
PoetBunny
Yeah…
extends his hand to PoetBunny Here, let me help you up. Just take it easy, alright?