Being on horseback is my happy place, but more specifically, a horse I love.
Not just any horse. Not just any ride.
A ride where we look to each other for support.
That’s my version of heaven.
Katie was gone last week, and it gave me the chance to take three rides on my own. Two solo, one with a friend. Each around 3 hours total. That was good for Tumbleweed and we made a lot of progress with exposure.
On one ride (it’s where we go under the arched tree and ride through fields of knee high green grass) my mind went to a lovely place. I was humming the soundtrack “Heaven, I’m in heaven, and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak. And I seem to find the happiness I seek…” My mind, my attention, went deep into some other sphere.
A couple of birds flew up and Tweed spooked a da-dump, which instantly shook me out of my reverie. I laughed and reassured him that I was still there with him, but I wonder if he sensed that I was lost in thought, not really present and with him, and felt unsupported when the birds flew up.
At any rate, his da-dump was very mild and did not at all spoil my mood.
With Tumbleweed, on the trail is literally my happy place, my heaven, but I need to be more cautious about going too deep into it lest I be transported to the real heaven too soon.
I’ll leave you with some photos from around our place.
The old rust bucket planter
Roses
Peonies, that’s how you know it’s Memorial Day.
And one of the butterflies we raised with our grandson, Pilot. It’s our second batch of Painted Lady caterpillars. We successfully hatched four and released them to the world.
They flew off to their own fate, like we all do.
Happy Memorial Day!
I too can get lost in thought/ feelings when riding. As you both progress he’ll join you in the being lost in the moment. It seems he was looking out for you.
ReplyDeleteI was gone somewhere pretty deep at that moment. I only remember it was a really good thought, but nothing about it specifically. Tweed is getting there, but definitely not at the point where walking alone through some place away from home is natural and relaxing yet. Although, he did approve of the grass in the fields. There’s plenty of grass out there right now.
DeleteThose moments of bliss are the fulfillment of the joy horses give us. Those who don't ride won't understand it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place to ride! Thanks for taking us along on Tumbleweed!
There is a lady , Jenni Grimmet who is also a vet, who lives at Sand Point and rides her Morgans out on trails, she videos and mentions a lot of different and amazing trails in her area. You may want to check her out on fb. She is the one who got me interested in Cowboy Dressage.
It appears we have 17 mutual friends and a photo of her on FB looks very familiar. I just met up with a friend who brought another friend from Sandpoint last week. We didn’t ride together that day, since she was only familiarizing a new horse with the obstacle horse and I was heading out on trails. I’d like to get Jenni’s trails book, but it’s sold out. Looks like she rides a lot around Sandpoint. I’d need to get his Coggins if I go across state lines.
DeleteThe park near me has several very large sections. I’ve been containing myself to the equestrian area so far, and haven’t even rode all of it, but there is so much more. I keep adding new pieces each time. Once we leave the equestrian area of the park it is no longer dedicated to horses, so there are many more bikes, hikers, etc.
Yes, riding a horse you love out on the trail sends off all the positive emotions and bonds you in such a deeper way—especially the solo rides where you are less distracted talking to the other riders and really tuned in 1:1. But they’re all great.
SO much happiness coming through your post, love it!! Trail riding is like dancing with a partner. I have never heard the chipper song that matched your feelings so well. Your trail over look vistas are expansive.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous blooms! My peony are slowly getting acclimated to our soil. Currently in bud. Your grandson will remember sharing such a special learning butterfly experience with you. Complete with a stunning b-fly close-up.
Nice to read such a Happy Memorial Day post from you :)
It really is like a dance, and the horse you know and love like a partner that takes you away, & sweeps you off your feet. Our first two rides were like that. The third day ride wasn’t actually as magical. Tweed usually walks to me and puts his head in the halter. That day he walked away toward the pasture gate, like feed me please. He was grumpier and walked out slower.
DeleteIt’s really hard to know how much grazing to allow them right now. I definitely want to avoid another colic! Yet, he did seem to need more than the two hours he got that morning before the ride. I ended up bumping their time to 2.5-3 hours morning and night. We will see if that works or if they get too fat.
Part of it is also work ethic. Three hours of trails is physically (and mentally) challenging for him. Three days in a row may have been asking a bit much for where he is right now. I have windows of availability when I’m not otherwise committed, and I try to take advantage of them.
Your peonies should be open soon. They are such a delightful blossom and so many different kinds of them. I have two that are very different and bloom at different times. I need to plant more.
Katie is back, and it rained all night and will continue to rain later today, but we have a lesson scheduled and she has already confirmed. 🌧️ ☔️ I should have some fun photos for next Monday’s post.
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