Triples Tree Ranch, the sprawling property just outside town, used to belong to Dusty Halliday, before he was killed by a rogue cattle rustler and the land went to his wife, Josephine.

Josie Halliday is a steely woman, who rules her ranch with an iron fist and doesn't take no for an answer.

It is common knowledge among both the outlaws and the cowboys that Triple Tree horses are the strongest and fastest in all of Oldham County.

ADA MAE

Ada walked up to the ranch, her feet a bit sore from the walk but her eyes agleam. She looked back to make sure Rosie was still behind her.

ROSE

"This is the place, then?" Rosie asked, eyeing it with interest.

ADA MAE

Ada nodded. "Yep. Best horses in Oldham County." She pushed open the gate, looking for the owner of the establishment. "Miss Josie Halliday owns the place. I've known her for ages."

ROSE

Rosie continued to look around. "Best horses in the county? They must really be something. actually, I think I've heard people talk about this place, before..."

ADA MAE

"Wouldn't surprise me. The cowpokes love this place." She saw a tall redheaded woman walk out of the farmhouse. "Miss Josie!"

ROSE

Rosie waved to the woman a little nervously.

JOSIE

Josie grinned as she saw none other than Ada Mae walking up the path. "Ada!" She wiped her dusty hands on her trousers--she was the only woman in Briar Patch who chose pants over petticoats--and gave the dancer a hug. She looked at the girl beside her. "Hey there."

ROSE

"hello, ma'am," Rosie said.

ADA MAE

"Rosie, this is Josephine Halliday. Josie, this is Rosie."

JOSIE

"Pleased to meet ya. How can I help you two?"

ADA MAE

"Rosie needs a horse."

ROSE

"A gentle one, if it's not too much to ask. I've never ridden before..."

JOSIE

Josie nodded, thinking. "Well, I have a mare that's pretty gentle. Not too expensive, neither. This way." She turned on her heel, leading the group over to one of the paddocks. She pointed to a paint mare, more study than quick.

ROSE

"She's lovely," Rosie said "But, um, how do I get on?"

JOSIE

Josie laughed. "You have to saddle her up first." Josie tacked the mare. "There, all ready to ride."

ADA MAE

Ada smiled at her friend. "Here. I'll show you." She stepped up to the horse, put one foot in the stirrup, grabbed the reins, and hoisted herself up. Then she dismounted. "See? Easy."

ROSE

Rosie nodded nervously. "Well, here goes..." she said, slipping one foot into a stirrup and taking hold of the reins "If I crack my skull open, I give you full permission to laugh..." She gingerly pulled herself up onto the horse's back.

JOSIE

"There ya go," Josie said. "You got it."

ROSE

Rosie adjusted herself and took a deep breath. "Um, so what's 'Go' ?"

JOSIE

"Kick your heels into her sides and click your tongue."

ROSE

Rosie did so, and was mildly surprised when the mare began to go forwards. "Well, what do you know?"

ADA MAE

Ada laughed. "Well what'd you expect?"

JOSIE

Josie and Ada laughed. "You're really liking this, huh?" Ada giggled.

JOSIE

"Just be careful. Keep your weight centered."

ADA MAE

Ada hopped onto Smoke, her dappled grey, and cantered off after her friend. "Thanks Miss Josie!" The redhead waved, and Ada pulled up alongside Rosie. "Is that the best you can do?" She laughed, urging Smoke into a gallop down the sandy plains.

ROSE

Rosie laughed too, copying Ada and bringing her mare into a gallop. "No, but this might be," she answered, her hair whipping out behind her.

ADA MAE

"See? You're a natural!"

ROSE

"Thanks! You're amazing too!"

ADA MAE

"Race you!" She urged Smoke to go faster.

((end of thread?))

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