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Got up this morning intending to head out to Eureka, visit some friends I haven't seen in a long time and help with a trail ride, staying on the ground of course. Before leaving I figured I'd better wear my boots so that my feet wouldn't get stomped on. They fit the same as usual.
The drive was glorious. If anyone has ever driven or ridden through the Kansas Flint Hills at this time of year, you know it's very green, especially after all the rain. On the way, I figured maybe I might ride during the schooling session if there aren't very many riders. After leaving the highway and taking the turn onto a familiar dirt road I was still thinking maybe. It's about a 20 minute drive with lots of curves and hills, and trees, and a river with a new bridge they were just building the last time I went that way. Still thinking maybe.
Then I turned into the driveway and without thinking parked in my old spot. Still thinking maybe. Walked into the barn, hugs all around, discovered there were only 3 riders - 3 munchkins. This was my speed. Sally said I could rider Rahza, a nice little gray Arab I've known since he was 4. I knew his habits and quirks. This was doable. As anyone can probably guess, I spent the whole morning on horseback. They let me brush the backs before they saddled and I even saddled my own horse. Remembered how! Spent most of the ride bringing up the rear calling "Hup, Sierra!" to the horse in front of me and giving pointers to the little girl riding her. "Flopping the reins around only makes the horse wonder what you want. Use your feet to tell her to go!" Pretty soon she was yelling "Hup Sierra!" too.
When the ride was over, Sally let the girls brush the horses and give them treats. I managed to sneak a few treats to Amber, my favorite pony. Amazing thing is that she acted like she remembered me. Haven't seen her for 2 years. That was cool.
Sure feels good to be back in the saddle.
The drive was glorious. If anyone has ever driven or ridden through the Kansas Flint Hills at this time of year, you know it's very green, especially after all the rain. On the way, I figured maybe I might ride during the schooling session if there aren't very many riders. After leaving the highway and taking the turn onto a familiar dirt road I was still thinking maybe. It's about a 20 minute drive with lots of curves and hills, and trees, and a river with a new bridge they were just building the last time I went that way. Still thinking maybe.
Then I turned into the driveway and without thinking parked in my old spot. Still thinking maybe. Walked into the barn, hugs all around, discovered there were only 3 riders - 3 munchkins. This was my speed. Sally said I could rider Rahza, a nice little gray Arab I've known since he was 4. I knew his habits and quirks. This was doable. As anyone can probably guess, I spent the whole morning on horseback. They let me brush the backs before they saddled and I even saddled my own horse. Remembered how! Spent most of the ride bringing up the rear calling "Hup, Sierra!" to the horse in front of me and giving pointers to the little girl riding her. "Flopping the reins around only makes the horse wonder what you want. Use your feet to tell her to go!" Pretty soon she was yelling "Hup Sierra!" too.
When the ride was over, Sally let the girls brush the horses and give them treats. I managed to sneak a few treats to Amber, my favorite pony. Amazing thing is that she acted like she remembered me. Haven't seen her for 2 years. That was cool.
Sure feels good to be back in the saddle.
