With the unerring perception of horse people two of my friends reached out and offered me a ride on their horses. More than that they offered me companionship. Funnily enough they were both at the same location. Ed thought that it was a fabulous idea. So on Sunday I put on my riding clothes and drove out to Red Phoenix Farm. I was excited.
Karen kindly me allowed to ride her stallion, Kalimo. He's a stunning bay Andalusian and I was thrilled to have the opportunity. Sitting on him was like sitting on a powerful sports car. Kalimo is a very serious horse and he worked very hard to figure out what I wanted. As I rode him all my worries disappeared because I became focussed on figuring out how to establish our communication. I'm not one of those people who leap at the chance to ride someone's horse. I like to take my time and get to know a horse. This means that it's usually the 3rd or 4th before I feel truly comfortable. But Kalimo was not only a serious soul, he was kind and well trained. Karen left us to our own devices and we puttered around the indoor. He could have cared less that there was a mare in there with us. As we rode I could feel him gaining confidence in me. It was fun.
After I was done Karen said she's put him away but she was busy teaching and I said that I would do it. I had no worries about being in the stall with him. After I gave him a groom and a carrot he gazed at me calmly with the most beautiful eyes.
"thank you" I said. I believe that he said "you're welcome"
After I had a short ride on Steele's aunt- Flamante. To call her a character would be an understatement. She was a challenge in a completely different way but also fun.
You can see the family resemblance.
After I was done Karen said she's put him away but she was busy teaching and I said that I would do it. I had no worries about being in the stall with him. After I gave him a groom and a carrot he gazed at me calmly with the most beautiful eyes.
"thank you" I said. I believe that he said "you're welcome"
After I had a short ride on Steele's aunt- Flamante. To call her a character would be an understatement. She was a challenge in a completely different way but also fun.
After we had a wonderful lunch at a local restaurant- I had 'cinnamon, french toast casserole'. All I can say is 'yum'.
Friends, horses and food. It does a soul good.
What a cool experience! Lovely horses. Just what the doctor ordered! It is great to have such a supportive people in your life. Sounds like they knew just what you needed.
ReplyDeleteSide note: I feel the same way about getting on new horses. It always takes me a few rides to be comfortable.
Kalimo is stuning! You look very happy up there :)
ReplyDeleteLookin' good up there, girl. On both of them...but Flamante must have been pretty hard to get on - the family resemblance is definitely there...So glad it did your soul good.
ReplyDeleteOh what a lovely day and what wonderful friends! I think it's 100% reasonable that this process is still affecting you in so many ways, and I'm so glad you have such fantastic people and supports to help you :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty boy! He really has presence, doesn't he! Wow. :) So glad you were able to get out and actually "do something." That makes everything feel better, miraculously. Doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteSounds like a perfect day and what sweet horses to ride!
ReplyDeleteYou have awesome friends! I'm glad you got to ride!
ReplyDelete