She Rides Again

Ever since I got the 'ok' from the doctor to ride again I have been trying to figure out how to get back in the saddle. This winter has been rough on the horse community. I mean, yes horses can swim; but it's not really what most of us intend to do with them. Each day I go out to the barn and look at the mud puddle which used to be our paddock and think, "they say it'll be dry next week so I can wait." Well, dry never came and I became more and more anxious. So I did what any red-blooded horsewoman would do: called around every barn within a 20 mile radius which seemed halfway decent until I found one that would give me a lesson with one day's notice.

I ran home and grabbed my hat and chaps (after dusting them off a little) and jumped into the car. Off I go! It's incredibly silly how exciting this was turning out to be. I have, in fact, spent an enormous amount of my life in a saddle, why would this be so exciting? Maybe because it's been so long. Maybe because I'd be getting to ride a different horse. Maybe because I have been riding on my own for so long I was just happy to be going someplace where there was guaranteed to be at least one other person there. Whatever the reason I was beyond myself (thus the text messages to every horse person I knew to share the good news ... because they care). I was nearly at the barn before it hit me that I haven't ridden in two years and the chance of either 1) falling off or 2) making a complete fool of myself were very real possibilities. As a child I was fearless but in the last 5 years or so the realities of adulthood have sunk in and there has been a new sense of trepidation. Horses are, if you didn't know already, 1000 pound plus animals who cannot tell us what they are thinking or what they are about to do ... and really, they probably won't tell us even if they could. I mean, these are animals who run like their lives will end immanently unless they retreat from that insanely dangerous leaf which is six inches away from the place it was five minutes ago. Creepy! Critical thinking is not high on the list of equine capabilities.

Regardless of the possible bodily harm concerns, I have arrived! I grab my things and go in. I had forgotten how much I love the smell of a barn on a cool afternoon. We have horses at home, of course, but there is something about a big barn. The combination of soft, dry hay, sweet feed, worn leather and warm horse breath that is magic. I am shown around the barn by a girl who I can only assume is half my age and who seems to think I have never ridden in a lesson program before. (yes, I know what grooming tools are and how to use them) I meet my noble steed, a very cute chestnut Quarter Horse named Xander. He's got a very kind eye and we agree over a good grooming that he is not going to kill me or make any of my fears a reality. As I lead him out the the ring I feel a sense of calm that I haven't felt in a very long time ... ah, happiness.

The ride was very uneventful. Mostly walking and talking about past experience and future goals. I would have preferred to have gotten more active riding time in, but was just excited that it all came back so easily. Heels down, seat light, hands even and forward, head up. As I sat in the saddle for that first time, I worried I might be awkward. But it's just like riding a bike. The instructor complemented me on my leg position and said I was obviously an accomplished rider based on my form after being so very out of practice (thank you, thank you ... please hold while I pat myself on the back). We cool out and I dismount ... ARG, hitting the ground hard on a cold day still sends needle like pains into the feet. Forgot about that. Dammit. Next time I will be more careful.

Xander and I finish untacking and getting everything back in its place and I say goodbye. I get in the car and can't imagine many nicer ways to spend an afternoon. I think about the time at the barn the rest of the evening. I wish I could have stayed longer. Its odd to be at a barn without people I know or a horse of my own. The time seems more fleeting, more borrowed. My new goal is to get the truck and trailer ready so I can take Haande out. I can only hope that results is as pleasant an afternoon ... if I can just manage to strike the same deal with him as I did with my little borrowed Quarter Horse! No mater what lies ahead in my equine journey, I am excited to get there. It's been too long ...