Jill smiled at Imenry, liking her even better because she seemed to like Salma. When Imenry shouted happily, Salma wiggled her ears a little and took two steps to the side. Jill came closer, and caressed her face, calming her.
Not many others had ridden Salma, and even though the horse trusted Jill, she seemed to feel that it was a bit strange and unusual with this new person on her back.
Picking up another apple from the sack, Jill gave it to Salma, encouraging her to remain calm and rewarding her for accepting Imenry on her back. While the horse was munching, Jill moved to stand beside Imenry's left knee. She reached up and took hold of the reins, arranging them loosely over Salma's neck. The leather was worn and stained, almost soft to the touch, from long usage.
"You steer with these," she said, her brow furrowing in thought. How was she supposed to explain all this? Her father had never explained it to her, just put her on one of his most mild mannered mares. She had learnt by watching him, and doing what he did. Deciding that this was perhaps the simplest way, she reached out and threaded the reins through Imenry's fingers.
"The reins are attached to the bit in her mouth, so don't pull too hard," she admonished, glancing up at Imenry a little sternly. "You also steer with your legs," she continued, "When I'm shooting my bow for example, I will let go of the reins..."
Jill trailed off again, absently blowing a glossy curl of red hair from her face. This was even harder then she thought. Perhaps she ought to have brought a second horse, so that she could have demonstrated rather than trying to use words. But the other horses were so dull, none of them as clever or responsive as Salma.
She went back to the sack laying in the grass, and took out the rope she had brought. Considering for a second, she took out her soft gloves too, and put them on. Walking back to Salma and Imenry, she tied the rope to Salma's bridle. "This is a technique used for training young horses..." she explained, stepping back a little, keeping the rope taut. "And sometimes for training riders also!" She grinned playfully. "I was taught to ride like this by my father."
Stepping back so that she was several feet away, Jill kept hold of the rope. She didn't want to put too much stress on Salma's knees by making her run in too small circles.
Jill planted her feet firmly on the ground, pushing the heels of her boots into the grass. "Now," she said, raising her voice so Imenry could hear,"Press your knees and legs firmly against Salma's sides."