Ned feels like sighing but wisely does not. This was going to take some delicacy. He knows how Brandon would go about this, and he wants to do it exactly the opposite. Which will take some placating of his fierce sister.

"Certainly they count. I've seen your skill with a bow, and you are the best horsewoman in the North." Ned raises a brow. "You will need to stay mounted, and shooting from horseback is not easy. We can practice along the way."

He doesn't want her near the thing with a sword, much as she would probably like getting a whack in, but no need to mention that unless she insists.

"As for our third...I do, in fact." The other brow goes up. "There is another Stark here who may have experience." This is the strangest part by far to say, even after telling her that night after the tavern. "My...my son. Jon Snow. I think we should ask him to join us."