Cam simply nodded in response and went about reorganizing Bronzey’s load. To start he took his sleeping bag and fashioned it into a makeshift seat right behind the saddle.<br/><br/>“The saddle is oversized and just about big enough for two people – but we don’t know each other well enough,” he joked, referring to how close together they would have to sit if they shared the Western-style saddle. “Instead this folded up pack should be comfortable to sit on, and you can hang onto the back of the saddle if you like.”<br/><br/>He then went on to strap down her bag together with the rest of his gear. Bronzey looked on with an uninterested expression until he offered Mare the stirrup and a hand. At that point the horse registered a loud whinney as a complaint. Apparently he wanted nothing to do with carrying both people.<br/><br/>“It’s alright boy,” Cam added as he patted the horse reassuringly. “It’s only for a little while.” Bronzey was hearing none of it, though. He stomped his feet and tried to pull away. It took Cam a few minutes to calm the creature enough to continue mounting up.<br/><br/>“Don’t worry, he’ll be fine,” Cam added as he offered Mare the stirrup once again. Bronzey snorted and looked away from the two of them, pouting.<br/><br/>Once they were both up and ready to go Cam explained his next move.<br/><br/>“Ok, first we’re going to head northwest. I know you were heading north – but there is a stream that way and we need water. Bronzey will travel faster after being watered, and we can make up the time.” Without waiting for a response Cam made a loud clicking sound and gave his unhappy horse a kick to get moving.<br/><br/>The high plain around them was mostly covered in dry grass interrupted by patches of barren sand and exposed rock. It was the kind of terrain you wouldn’t want to fall from a horse onto. Hitting the hard ground would likely break something, and taking a header onto a rock could mean death. Cam was silent for a while as he focused on navigating the safest path possible through the rough terrain. A few minutes in he turned to look at Mare to make sure she was OK.<br/><br/>“I’m sorry,” he offered in a teasing tone. “I’ll be blocking your view all day. At least as long as we head northwest you’re giving me a little shade. Thanks for that,” he offered with a smile.<br/><br/>A few minutes later a splotch of green and blue became visible on the horizon – perhaps a stand of trees by a river. Bronzey saw it too and hurried up into a trot.<br/><br/>“Whoa, boy, whoa…” Cam called out, pulling back gently on the reigns. Cameron was concerned that they might be travelling to fast for Mare to hang on, or for him to keep an eye out in front of them. That’s when he saw it.<br/><br/>“Look out!” Cam yelled – but it was too late. A rattlesnake launched itself into the air just in front of Bronzey. Instantly terrified, the horse reared out of control and wheeled backwards to avoid the snake on two legs. The sounds of the snake’s rattle and hiss mixed with Bronzey’s terrified whinnying as time seemed to slow down for Cam. Reacting without thinking, he instinctively pulled down on the reigns with his left hand as he threw his right arm behind for Mare to grab a hold of. Unconsciously he knew it would be impossible for her to stay mounted without a saddle – and a falling could be fatal.<br/><br/>“Hold on!” he shouted as he desperately tried to bring the horse down with one hand.  Meanwhile the huge snake had landed into a coiled heap of rattling anger, ready to strike again.