Laugh if you must...

[judow]

Well folks, I did something today I haven't done in 47 years. I visited a friend and at her request met her friends - horses. 2 Tennessee Walkers. 2 Islandics, 1 Spanish horse, 2 Quarterhorses and a really sassy free roaming donkey. What a great setup she has. Her home is adjacent to open space land that is shared by horses, mountain bikes, runners, walkers - anything but motor driven. My afternoon started off with bonding with Digger, a little less than 14 hands Quarterhorse. Digger is probably the most patient horse I've ever encountered. I combed and brushed him, cleaned his hoofs and got his mane and tale looking quite nice. I then saddled him and not to be fooled, walked him a bit and then tightened the saddle again. I was quite surprised that all this came back to me. I did need help with the harness as I couldn't remember how to slip off the halter and put the harness off. Besides I wasn't sure if Digger had a taste for fingers. After all was accomplished and my friend gave me thumbs up we started out, the three of us with me in the middle. Probably a good place to be for an old lady who hadn't been on a horse in 47 years. The ride lasted about 2 1/2 hours and was simply grand. I survived one event of shying. The horse in the front got scared and shied which in turn frightened Digger who in turn upset Zeddie - just like the domino theory. The one event that proved to be a bit unsettling was when the saddle cinch just snapped and I found myself staying in the saddle until I reached the ditch. It felt like slow motion but I know it happened in an instant. When it happened I thought Digger had shied and I couldn't understand why I couldn't stay with him. Being the gentleman that he is, he didn't go very far and just waited patiently for me to collect him. Fortunately we all had night straps that are used for gripping to help you settle into the saddle (didn't have those when I was riding). It's a strap that you put on either the right or left side of the horn. Anyway it made for a great makeshift repair. Got the strap off that gave way and used this strap in its place. Not particularly safe but this happened at the end of ride. Much better than an attempt at riding bareback and holding a saddle at the same time.

Well I do think driving Agatha is safer than this but I intend to add this to my list of things to do that make living worthwhile. My friend is delighted to have someone ride some of her horses and I am delighted to do so. I think perhaps I can become horse savy again.

I am delighted that I didn't back out and I did think about it. At my age even a rocking chair can be daunting.

So that was my day. How was yours?

 

[JPSmit]

The ride lasted about 2 1/2 hours and was simply grand. ....
The one event that proved to be a bit unsettling was when the saddle cinch just snapped and I found myself staying in the saddle until I reached the ditch. It felt like slow motion but I know it happened in an instant.

So that was my day. How was yours?

Sounds awesome!!! but, based on those two comments, take two advil and tell us how you're walking tomorrow.

 

[Guest]

There are only three things I don't like about horses:

No throttle

No brakes

Has it's own mind

Glad to hear you're o.k. I had one try to put me into a barbed wire fence and I aint ever looked back.

Kelly came home w/ a saddle once...the only thing I forbid her to do. Last year a local girl fell off onto asphalt and sustained a severe head injury. She almost died.

...aint gonna happen on my watch.


I don't like the critters at all.

 

[Guest]

Years ago,after having dated a girl for 3 years who's family had a horse farm,I came to the conclusion that a horse is nothing more than a 1200lb. squirrell.The only bigger waste of money than race cars are horses. Dont get me wrong. Lots of fun,but a race car,you can close the garage door and leave it alone. A horse will kick the door down to be fed. Good horse sense is not getting one.

 

[JPSmit]

Now Now friends, we are in no position to criticize anothers hobby or anothers source of joy. Trust me, cars are as perplexing to people I love who love horses. That's the very best part of a world with choice.

 

[Banjo]

I can understand the allure of horses. There's a deep down piece of me that always wanted to be a cowboy, or at least be in the old west. I tried riding some when I was a kid. I got bucked off a few times and decided I was safer on my dirt bike. Still... horseback riding is so cool. Glad you had fun. hope you're not too sore today.
Someday I want to take one of those tours someplace like Yellowstone, or somewhere in the Rockies.

 

[judow]

Well gentlemen, to my surprise I am walking and feeling quite good today. I do have a bruised derriere but that part of my anatomy is fortunately covered from the public eye and I now have a badge of courage - or at least for a few days.

My first love is of course my LBC's but I now think I have a second like maybe love.

The quietness of the ride, the sound of the wind through the trees, the smell of the pines and the overall gentleness of the area was very appealing. A contrast to the roars of Agatha and Onslow but just as exhilerating (sp?).

 

[14dna]

Lucky you Judy;
I was raised on a farm and we had two horses, a full grown, and a Shetland pony (cantankerous little devil).
Also 85 head of milk cows. I miss being around animals, as they will not cheat you or steal your car.
Honestly, the quiet and comfort of horseback riding is second to none for me. I'm internationally jealous.

 

[elrey]

Good for you! And the Icelandic is a handsome breed. I have a friend with a pair, sturdy, and not too far from the ground if you fall! Glad you were only bruised and not put off by the experience.

 

[Silverghost]

Icelandics are somewhat unique to the horse world....much like our beloved LBCs are to the auto world. They are the only 5 gaited horses. The Vikings and Norse warriors used to ride them. They are extremely sturdy and surprisingly gentle to ride. We have friends with an Icelandic horse farm in BC. We got to ride them and watch a demo where the rider rides using only a stiff rope ring - no saddle, reins, etc. Your rocking chair comment is very appropriate as that is the description of the riding position for an Icelandic - "Imagine you are sitting in a rocking chair". You should ride one if you ever have the chance.

 

[judow]

I apologize to Digger. I said he was a quarterhorse. I guess I just wasn't thinking - perhaps the ditch roll did effect me after all. I should have proofed the post.

<span style="font-weight: bold"> </span> <span style="font-size: 14pt">Digger is an Islandic! Good thing he's so gentle.</span>

 

[aeronca65t]

Excellent!

We live on the edge of horse-country here in New Jersey, very near the US Equestrian Team HQ in Gladstone. Visitors to the USET are always welcome.

We don't ride but we often stop by the USET just to look at the horses. They are magnificent. And the "barn" is nicer than my house! Sometimes, they are out practicing in the dressage ring, which is pretty neat.
Jackie O. lived nearby and was a member of the USET. We never saw her, but some of our friends did when they would stop in.

 

[Stewart]

Lucky you Judy;
I was raised on a farm and we had two horses, a full grown, and a Shetland pony (cantankerous little devil).
Also 85 head of milk cows. I miss being around animals, as they will not cheat you or steal your car.
Honestly, the quiet and comfort of horseback riding is second to none for me. I'm internationally jealous.

They may not steal your car but the will steal your beer if your not paying attention.

 

[Guest]

The quietness of the ride, the sound of the wind through the trees, the smell of the pines and the overall gentleness of the area was very appealing. A contrast to the roars of Agatha and Onslow but just as exhilerating (sp?).

Then get a canoe :wink:

JP, I'm not capping on anyone's hobby.

I like Judy and would prefer to keep her in one piece. :thumbsup: