Chapter 50 Ruby and the New Pony Ruby gets her first pony.
The afternoon sun was shining brightly over Dodge City, and the air was filled with the sounds of life—horses clopping along the dirt streets and people going about their business on Front Street. In the Marshal's office, Matt Dillon was going over some paperwork, but his mind was elsewhere, thinking about a special surprise he and Kitty had planned for their daughter.
For the last few weeks Ruby had been inquiring about a pony. Matt and Kitty had tried to deter Ruby's wish for her own pony, but their efforts were to little avail. They weren't quite sure if Ruby was ready for her own pony. Truth be told, Kitty wasn't quite sure if Ruby was ready. Matt on the other hand felt Ruby was at the right age to learn how to ride. One night, after putting Ruby to bed, Matt had a talk with Kitty. He was able to convince Kitty that Ruby was old enough to start learning to ride.
Earlier that week Matt went to Hays to deliver a criminal to his trial. "Kitty, I know a horse trader up that way. He's got a reputation for selling and trading high quality horses. I'll see if he has a pony available to sell for Ruby."
"I'm still a little leary about Ruby having her own pony, but I completely trust you," Kitty told her husband.
"Kitty, if I didn't think Ruby was ready, then I wouldn't even consider getting her a pony," Matt reassured Kitty.
Matt was stamping the date on his last report, when the door to the jail burst open. "Matt!" Kitty called from the door, her voice brimming with excitement. She had been working in her office at the Long Branch, while Ruby was in school. "You're not going to believe what just arrived at the livery!"
Matt looked up, a smile creeping across his face. "What is it, Kitty?" He had an idea he knew what Kitty's answer was going to be.
"Ruby's new pony!" Kitty announced, stepping into the office with a sparkle in her eyes. "I just saw him, and he's a beauty!"
Matt smiled. When he purchased the pony, Matt decided not to take the pony with him. He asked that the pony be delivered to Dodge City. However, he didn't expect it to be delivered until closer to Christmas.
"Let's give it to her today," Kitty suggested.
"Today?" Matt questioned. "I thought the pony was going to be a Christmas gift."
"Oh I can't wait. You know how Ruby's been asking about her own pony. She'll be over the moon!" Kitty replied, her enthusiasm contagious.
"Alright, let's go surprise her," Matt said, rising from his chair. He grabbed his Stetson off the hook. "School should be getting out soon. Let's go get our daughter and bring her to the livery stable. By the way, what were you doing at the livery?"
"It wasn't my plan to go to the livery stable," Kitty replied. "I was taking some material to Helen, so she can make a Christmas dress for Ruby. Anyway, on my way there, Hank saw me and told me about the pony. He said he was quite a beauty. I wanted to go see for myself."
Ruby's interest was piqued. First, both of her parents were picking her up from school. It wasn't uncommon for both parents to bring her to school, but momma was usually the one who picked her up. Next, they didn't have the wagon or the buggy. Her parents walked to the school yard.
"Why did you both come 'n get me? Where's the wagon and buggy? Why did you walk? Where are we goin'?" Ruby rattled off her questions.
"Wow, aren't we Miss Inquisitive," Matt declared with a smile.
"What's inquisitive mean?" Ruby asked as she walked between her daddy and momma.
"It means you're curious about things," Kitty replied. "Give daddy your knapsack and lunch pail. He'll carry it for you."
Ruby gave Matt her knapsack and lunch pail. "Miss Grey said you learn by asking questions."
"Miss Grey is absolutely right," Matt confirmed. "You just come with us, and I promise your questions will be answered.
Several minutes later they made their way to the livery stable, where the sound of whinnying horses greeted them. Hank was brushing down a small chestnut pony with a white star on its forehead. Ruby's face lit up like the morning sun. She had never seen a more beautiful pony. Whoever owned that pony was the luckiest person on Earth.
Matt crouched down to Ruby's height and spoke softly to her. "Why don't you go 'n say hello to your new pony?"
Ruby looked at her daddy with amazement in her eyes. She wasn't quite sure if her daddy was serious or not. But after her daddy's simple nod, Ruby squealed, rushing towards the pony, her little hands reaching out to stroke its soft mane. "He's so pretty! What's his name?"
"This is Rusty," Matt said, walking over and knelt "He's all yours, Ruby."
Ruby's eyes sparkled with disbelief and joy. "Oh, thank you, Daddy! Thank you, Momma!" She threw her arms around her daddy, nearly knocking him off balance. She then gave her momma a big hug. She rushed back over to her new pony.
As Ruby excitedly hugged Rusty, the pony nuzzled her affectionately, sensing her excitement. "Can I ride him? Can I? Please, Daddy?" Ruby begged, her voice full of anticipation.
Matt exchanged a glance with Kitty. "How about we take Rusty outside and let you have your first ride? But remember, I'll be right there to help you."
"Okay!" Ruby clapped her hands, bouncing on her feet.
Matt led Rusty out of the stable with Ruby skipping beside them. The sun shone down, warming the ground as they reached an open area just outside the livery. Kitty found a safe spot to sit and watch, her heart swelling with pride and love for her daughter.
"Alright, Ruby, first, let's get you up on Rusty," Matt said, lifting her onto the pony's back. He secured her gently on a small saddle that he had delivered with the pony.
"Hold on tight," he instructed as he positioned himself beside her, ready to lead Rusty. Ruby's small hands gripped the pony's mane with glee.
"Okay, Rusty, let's go!" Ruby said, her voice full of determination. With a gentle nudge from Matt, Rusty began to walk, and Ruby let out a delighted squeal.
"You're doing great, Ruby!" Kitty cheered from her spot, clapping her hands. Kitty knew Ruby had the best trainer she could ask for.
Matt walked beside them, guiding Rusty along. "Now Ruby, to steer Rusty, turn your shoulders and hips in the direction you want to go," he instructed. "If you want to go left, turn your hips and shoulders that way. When you want to go right, turn your hips and shoulders to the right."
"I can do it, Daddy!" Ruby proclaimed, her confidence growing as she began to understand how to communicate with her pony.
After a few laps around the open area, Matt decided it was time to let Ruby take the reins. "Alright, I'll let you try riding by yourself for a bit. Just remember, keep your balance and relax."
Ruby's eyes lit up with excitement as Matt loosened his hold on the reins. "You got this, sweetheart," he said, stepping back slightly.
With a big smile on her face, Ruby turned her hips and shoulders to the right, directing Rusty to the right. "Let's go, Rusty!" she shouted, and the pony trotted forward, much to her delight.
"See? You're a natural!" Matt encouraged, watching as she giggled and steered Rusty in circles. He beamed with pride, seeing his daughter's joy and confidence growing.
After a few minutes of riding, Ruby suddenly pulled on the reins, bringing Rusty to a stop. "Momma! Look at me! I'm riding all by myself!" she exclaimed, her face glowing with pride.
Kitty clapped his hands together. "That's right, Ruby! You're doing fantastic!"
Just then, a group of children from Dodge wandered by, their eyes widening at the sight of Ruby on her new pony. "Wow! Look at Ruby!" one boy shouted. "She has a pony!"
Ruby, noticing her friends, straightened up and beamed. "His name is Rusty! He's mine!" she called out, her voice full of excitement. Encouraged by her newfound confidence, she decided to show off a little. "Watch this!" she said, giving Rusty a gentle squeeze with her legs. The pony trotted forward, and Ruby let out a laugh of pure joy. Suddenly, as she turned to wave at her friends, Rusty startled at a fluttering bird and took off, trotting away faster than Ruby had intended. "Whoa, Rusty! Slow down!" she commanded, her eyes wide with surprise.
Matt's heart raced as he moved quickly to catch up. "Ruby, hold on tight! I'm coming!" he shouted, sprinting after them. But to his relief, Rusty was well-trained and quickly settled into a steady pace, slowing as Ruby began to regain control.
"Easy, boy! Easy!" Ruby said, her voice steadying. She pulled back on the reins, guiding Rusty to a gentle stop. With a sigh of relief, Matt caught up and gently placed a hand on the pony's neck.
"You did great, Ruby! Just remember to keep your focus on Rusty," he said, his heart still racing but pride overwhelming his concern.
"Daddy, that was fun!" Ruby giggled, her face flushed with excitement. "Can we do it again?"
Matt looked over at Kitty. She had her hand over her heart and was trying to gain her composure. "Sure, but let's keep it a bit slower this time," Matt replied, giving her a reassuring smile.
After a few more rounds at a more controlled pace, the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. Matt and Kitty let Ruby ride Rusty to the buggy. Ruby, still bubbling with joy, thanked her daddy and momma over and over again. Matt secured Rusty to the back of the buggy. He rode Buck home, while his girls rode in the buggy.
That evening, as they sat down for dinner, Ruby couldn't stop talking about her new pony and her adventurous first ride. "I can't wait to ride Rusty again tomorrow!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.
Matt and Kitty exchanged knowing glances, their hearts full. They knew this was just the beginning for Ruby and her new pony. Ruby not only received a new pony, but also the beginnings of a beautiful friendship and countless adventures to come.
The end of this story