I rode Scout last night. It wasn't planned, but K was there, the weather was easy and kind, and there it was. I tacked her up right outside the grass arena so she didn't have to lose her mind over being separated from the others.
Scout hadn't been ridden since September of 2009. The fracture and removal of her left hind splint bone put her out of commission for months.
It could have been a big deal, this ride, but I didn't let it go there. As soon as I settled into the saddle, my body recognized the feel of my little red mare. I ticked through a checklist of all the things she has done and could do: spook, scream for her herd, tense up, speed up, stiffen her neck. I know all of it, I said to myself. And I do. None of her was a mystery to me.
We had a simple, basic ride, walking only, but working shallow serpentines, following soft circles, bending a little bit. I felt the familiarity of how I sit her. There, under me, I felt her doing the same thing. No matter what else, she knows me as her rider. I felt the easy invitation of her back swinging gently, the softening of her neck into a long stretch.
It was what I needed from her, just a quiet ride on a horse that I, for better or worse, know better than any other person ever has.
6 comments:
Very lovely - thanks for sharing this with us.
I am so glad to get an update. I have been looking to see if there were anymore updates and this one sounds very good.
It is wonderful and that took a lot guts to get on her again. I am so happy that you were able to ride and feel that connection again. Walking is a fine gait and far to many people don't spend enough time doing it.
I honestly find that as a benefit to getting back in the saddle. I appreciate the walk a whole lot more now. There is a lot to do at the walk. And if that is all you can do for a while, there that is great, because you are doing something.
I love this post. Good girl Scout.
I really enjoy reading your blog posts, especially as your love for your horses is clear.
Kerrin Koetsier
Parelli Central
That's wonderful! A nice, calm, walk is soothing. The walk is actually my favorite gait.
You two looked and worked like a team again and long over do! I felt very blessed to be a witness to this. By the way, it was "planned" in my mind, my friend. K.
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