My friend Karen is a Collie rescue connection. She and I often chat about horses as well as dogs. She was raised in these hills and had her own horse for decades. She hadn't ridden since her horse passed away of old age, some eight years ago.
The biggest hurdles to get over are often in our minds. Karen was worried that she was out of shape, too old, wouldn't know what to do, etc. (I know for sure that I'm out of shape and "too" old, but who cares? When I'm on horseback, I'm mentally a teenager). We took it slowly to begin with and then she found herself greatly relieved to be having fun, back in the saddle and loving revisiting her old stomping grounds.
I have the feeling it won't be as long this time, before she takes to the hills again.
Ah, green grass, sunshine, tee shirts and horses--what could ever be better? So happy to see you both out riding on a gorgeous day. Hope you get lots of chances to spend time on a horse's back.
ReplyDeleteJean, I had to give up my Sunday lesson to dig out tax audit paperwork, so the sunny outing of the prior day was a much needed boost.
DeleteLooks like you had a wonderful time with lots of smiles. I envy you wearing tee shirts in warm weather! I think your friend will be riding on a regular basis now that she's tried it again. It's like riding a bike, you never forget. And most of us are out of shape and too old, who cares.
ReplyDeleteGray Horse, It was very sweet, once she got past being worried.
DeleteI cannot think of a better way to spend a day in February. I'm happy for you both.
ReplyDeletee, It was an exceptional day and much appreciated.
DeleteThat looks wonderful at any age !
ReplyDeleteAnother Old Broad .
S&S, I don't feel old inside my head at all.
DeleteI've been put off riding again by having to use a western style saddle and not having a clue what signals a horse will respond to...but I've just met a local chap who trains horses for the topes so may just get back into the saddle again - much to the shock of the horses who have been having happy holidays....
ReplyDeleteHelen, Western isn't my passion but it got us out on horses, on a lovely day, so no complaints. (The scenery was more exciting than the riding)
DeleteThat looks wonderful! Meanwhile, over here, I go out bundled up in so many layers that I can hardly get my lags round the horse. And end up soaked, anyway. Have fun! (That should be legs, not lags, but iPad doesn't like going back...)
ReplyDeleteFrances, I still remember winter riding, in the U.K. and Northern Germany. Blogger and iPad are annoying to blog on:)
DeleteAm loving the blog
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Wales x
John, thank you!
DeleteGood to see that you're still galloping on, ER. That mental thing you refer to - yes, indeed it does get in the way sometimes. (I've had a little blast from the past, looking at your blog roll and seeing all the ones that don't post anymore, including the old me. Sobering. Are these people even alive??) Thank you for finding me at my new address.
ReplyDeleteDeborah, some must be gone for good. My capacity to search out new blogs to follow has diminished. Life has filled in many of the previously empty time slots in my life, which is not a bad thing. I do miss hours spent crafting words. Now, if I can get a photo and a quick paragraph up, I feel like I've climbed a hill:)
DeleteWe had two horses when I was growing up: Mr. Spock and Keith. Keith was shy and gentle. But...Mr. Spock was not logical at all. NO idea why we named him that. He had a crazy bone and would suddenly start galloping from a standstill for no reason. He was like a race car.
ReplyDeleteMaria, crazy horses are exhilarating. I never understood why my little sister would throw herself off my hand me down nags, rather that stay on and enjoy the ride.
ReplyDeleteI'm simply assuming the "old broads" were the horses.
ReplyDelete;-)
Annie, no matter which:)
ReplyDeleteHey keep posting such good and meaningful articles.
ReplyDeleteWhat you're saying is completely true. I know that everybody must say the same thing, but I just think that you put it in a way that everyone can understand. I'm sure you'll reach so many people with what you've got to say.
ReplyDelete