----- Original Message -----
I constantly talk to my horses, each and every
one of them, especially while riding. Sometimes, it's telepathic,
sometimes I curse a bit, and sometimes I tell em I love em and can't live
without them. During this moment in time, especially if I'm training (my
word for just riding a long time) out on a beautiful trail with the sun
out and no bugs, I have the potential to sob at how wonderful life can
be.
*This post from Howard certainly stirred
me....we all have good days and bad days with our horses, difficult horses,
green horses, and horses that need to be "ridden" every step of the way. But I
can't help thinking some folks are so serious about this all, with all their
talk of the "right" bit, or no verbal cues, etc. Yes, I talk to my
horses, every one goes in a different bit.
Some, right now, are a lot more fun to ride than
others. One is just beginning to get enjoyable; mostly, for the last
year, she has represented a challenge, hard work, and a lot of hours on
the trail. It's a good feeling when we come back from a ride and she has
done well, but it is mostly taking small steps toward developing a trustworthy
trail horse, and hopefully a distance horse.
Yep, my most blissful rides were on Ashley (who
has been given to a little girl down the road). I could haul her out to a
trailhead, slip on her bit or hackamore, swing on bareback and head out.
Didn't really matter where, that mare went in forward mode on whatever
trail. I would drop my reins on her neck, cross my arms, and slump, legs
dangling and swinging, and lose myself in the scenery, the warmth of the day,
or thinking about things. She would get into her fast walk, unless i
felt like picking up the reins and cantering. I did more talking to her,
than using leg or rein cues. These were some of the best times I
have ever had while riding, and I wish everying could feel those kind of
carefree rides on their horses at some point. I know friends that
ride, that always worry on each ride their horses might spook or kick or
misbehave. They are NOT having fun. Of course, this mare of mine
could be a real handful in a large group of people! Then, you
REALLY had to ride her.
Karen