[it is something! and she takes it as an indication that it's okay for her to stick around. once she's close enough, she reaches out to place her hand on the horse's neck, fingers running across the animal's fur and mane. she can. . . kind of tell what's on Jason's mind, based on his body language, so she doesn't waste any time in trying to ease his guilt]

My ribs are fine, by the way.

[she says as she lifts her other hand to pat them gently]

It stung a bit, but you didn't do any further damage. And I'm not angry at you, either.