Azuki concentrated on finding Blackie's rhythm so she wouldn't fall off his broad back. She gripped the reins tightly.

"Hey," Blackie called, "loosen up! Let me do it! Reins aren't for balance. Sit down and deep. Hang onto Shota. I won't let you fall!"

The reins ran to a bar in Blackie's mouth. Azuki could see why he wanted them loose, but her balance was so precarious! She tried to sit down and deep, and gently loosed her grip. If it wasn't for Shota in front of her, ...