"Well, most of the ones I have met do," Jill answered, thinking back of the different horses she had seen and met through the years. Moira had been the worst and Jill had never quite seen the logic of naming the huge horse after the rebel queen at all. Her father's sense of humour was a little strange at times.
When Lillie came her with reply, Jill shone up, face lit up from the inside. She loved Salma, and riding her and therefore loved to introduce other people to the art of horseback riding. She had high hopes that this riding experience - or lesson even - would turn out better than the last. After all, she was older and wiser now really. Making a 'whoahh' like sound to Salma, Jill reached out and took hold of her halter to make her stop. The horse immediately did, not quite relaxed, but still standing still on the dusty track. "It will be a bit of a crush," Jill said, looking at the saddle thoughtfully. "But as soon you feel the wind in your face I'm sure you'll forget."
Lengthening the stirrups, which had been shortened while they walked, in order not to beat against Salma uncomfortably, Jill pursed her mouth, trying to figure out how to do things the easiest way. Salma was trained to kneel, but the road was full of pebbles and dust, and she was careful about the horese's sensitive knees. Better to teach Lillie how to get up properly, than risk anything. Swinging herself into the saddle easily, with an ease that came from a life time in the saddle, motions fluid. In the saddle she moved as far forward as she could, the pommel of the saddle biting into her stomach in a way she wasn't used to. Looking down at Lillie she smiled and unwound the reins from the pommel. "Salma has done this a few times and she trusts me, but she might get a little skittish with two people on her back." Unwinding her foot from the stirrup closest to Lillie, Jill nudged it, making the leather and steel dangle. "This is the stirrups, used for balance and aids while riding. The easiest way to get up behind me is putting your foot in it while holding onto the saddle..." Looking down on her lap and the saddle, she tried to figure out a way to explain things as simply as possible. "Maybe it's easiest if you hold on to the cantle," she said, patting the thicker back part of the saddle. "And sort of heave yourself up? I've never tried it with skirts, but I think it will work. It will be rather crowded with the both of us, but I hope you don't mind." Smiling down at Lillie, Jill waited for her to move, clearly not finding her suggestions strange or her instructions lacking.