Happy Trails To You

December 27th, 2012

"Nice horsey. You just stand there and eat grass. Don't move, and we can remain friends." :)

As most of you know, Shelby is the horsewoman. She has loved horses since before she could walk. She competes in 25-mile endurance rides, jumps fences, works as a surgery tech at a horse hospital, and practically lives at the barn.
I, on the other hand, have never been very fond of the 1,000 lb. creatures capable of trampling me into the dirt. Don't get me wrong, I think horses are the most beautiful, majestic animals on earth. I even took riding lessons for a while when I was a kid. I love their soft muzzles, their sweet, hay, fresh air scent, and their big, liquid brown eyes. What I don't like is being stepped on, bucked off, or chased by them.
But, after over a decade of not riding, I took a trail ride with Shelby and two of her friends. It was comical. I had a heart-to-heart talk with the horse I rode (Amber). I asked her to not make any sudden movements, or better yet, not move at all.

Nike



Shelby & Nike



Once I managed to get on Amber, the exceptionally tall horse, after standing on a tree stump for five minutes, the trail ride began.

Kentucky is a horse-friendly state. You know how most cities have dog parks? Well, Lexington has horse parks where people can bring their horses and ride for free!

Katrina led the way with me close behind. Shelby and Joy rode in the back. Katrina was a great instructor and had the patience of Job for putting up with my complete lack of skill when it comes to horses.

We rode for over 1 1/2 hours. It was 32 degrees.  

Aside from the fact that my entire body was frozen by the end of ride, I had a marvelous time! :) I look forward to a trail ride in the spring someday.