For the Weekly Photo Challenge: Victory “focus on the win, the victory – that moment of glory and pride you’ll remember forever.”
2011: a life changing experience for me
I didn’t squawk when the opportunity arose to go on a girls-only, weekend long riding trip. But I couldn’t prevent the self-doubt from seeping in the week before I set out to leave. You see, whenever I was working with my horse, my hubby was always there, in the background, cheering me on. He was the one who would push me forward. He would give me a thumbs up, or a smile, when I was doing well. He would pat my back and gently shake my shoulders until my eyes met his and say “I know you can do it” or “See, I knew you could do it!” His confidence in me was unwavering, and I doubted that I would be a success without him.
Let me back track a bit; there are some things you have to understand first.
- I didn’t grow up with horses. I didn’t know squat about them. I knew that they had four legs, were pretty and that people could ride them (people can ride anything, if you know how to ride! I did not know how to ride!) I purchased my first horse eight years ago, because I was a child once, a child that had wanted a pony. Let me tell you, it wasn’t just a steep learning curve; it was more like a plummet straight down with a laborious, and painful, crawl forward. Inch by bloody inch.
- Mybaby has always had a bag of tricks up her sleeve. She is sneaky, and will get you the second you let your guard down. Right around this time, she was practicing the art of lying down, while I was riding her. Trust me, it was real fun.
- Mybaby loves water! And she does not discriminate against size! It could be a lake, a wide stream, or free standing water in a field after a heavy rain. If it makes a splish-splash sound, it is like a signal to her brain to have a bath. Also real fun, especially in the fall, when it is cold.
The weekend was nothing less than spectacular. By the third day, my apprehension had lifted and I was feeling incredibly relaxed. When we came up to the small ravine, I thought “we got this.” I brought my feet up higher to prevent them from being dragged in the mud and gave her a bit more rein. Her first step pitched me forward (it was quite deep) and I put my hands onto the saddle horn for stability. I looked up as her hind end came down into the water. Our eyes connected and I knew! I saw that mischievous glint! I opened my mouth to say “Don`t you dare…“ but she just smiled at me, and rolled to the left, effectively dunking me into the water.
This wasn’t just water; it was very muddy and mucky water. So mucky, in fact, that my boots sunk and became lodged into the ground. I had to simultaneously pull on them with my fingers, and heave up with my legs, so I wouldn’t lose my precious leather boots to the murky waters beneath me.
Now I know my horse was feeling pretty victorious at that moment. I could see the pleasure in her eye as I sat on the ground and began to remove the clumps of mud from my boots. But nothing, nothing, will ever compare to the glory I felt when I realized that one of my lifelong dreams had finally become a reality.
I love horses, so this post made my day. I really like your story 🙂
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Thank you so much Ella!
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I adore riding but have never owned my own horse. It’s a few years since I spent any length of time in the saddle, and it’s something I ought to start again now. Your mare sounds an amazing creature and a real bundle of mischief. I can understand why you love her so much. I really enjoyed reading this!
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Thank you so much Millie! That really means a lot to me! I just find riding so relaxing, out with nature, you get to see and experience things you wouldn’t when you are in a vehicle. I do hope you find some to ride, maybe in between writing your novel. 😊
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I never thought they had character. Wow! I learned something knew. Thanks! Great story, truly enjoy reading your blog.
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Lots of character! They are as much as an individual as you or I. Thank you for reading!
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So I’m not wrong for think my cat acts like human sometimes. I have to ask him “Are you sure you are a cat? He tries to wake me up by pushing his forehead toward mine. After I tell him I’m still sleeping, he’ll meow, then lays his body next to mine. lol
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Not wrong at all! He sounds very sweet and affectionate.
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My best friend had a horse when we were growing up and we rode a lot. I didn’t realize they could be mischievous. Kelly was such a gentle horse.
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She is very gentle too, but likes to play games, much like a family pet 😊
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They are such beautiful animals.
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Lovely post! You are brave!! Sounds awesome!
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Sometimes brave…she tends to bring it out in me ☺
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🙂
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Great stuff 🙂
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Thanks 😊 Made me laugh, remembering. Those clothes had a grey tinge to them for years…
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Hahaha guess those were there to keep u reminding of the good times 😁
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Yes the white belt I had bought, never to be white again!
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Hahaha happens something’s just dont seem the same after such adventures !
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This was fun for me to read, because i’ve only rode a pony around a ring a few times when I was very little. I can imagine the energy you feel letting a horse take you through the countryside; much better than a convertable, i’d guess. Kudos to your hubby for the constant encouragement.
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It’s exhilarating! Probably because I am still fearful, for the first 30 minutes, then she tries to pull some stunt and I laugh at her. I seem to think she does it to help me pay attention and to dispel my worries.
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🐴❤️🐴
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Whoa…you are stirring up ancient memories of an old pinto who one day just laid down. He didn’t want to go for a ride in the woods. I was, what, 11? 12? and probably weight 80 pounds. 🙂 Good times. I miss having horses.
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Glad I could create a sense of nostalgia for you. It does sound like good times, even if it was frustrating at the time. Thanks for reading, I really appreciate it. 😊
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So proud of you K! Enjoyed the post very much
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Thanks Flem! I thought you might like it. 😊
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Your post is my happy moment for today!! What a wonderful story!!
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Thank you Paula!! Sincerely, that was so great to hear!
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Great story. My wife grew up with horses on their farm. She used to be the one break them, even as a young girl, bareback just hanging on to their mane. Me? Not so much. Last time I was on a horse was about 30 years ago. She got spooked, reared up, threw me off onto a rocky trail. Laying on my back with the wind knocked outta me, looking up at her, all 2000 pounds of her, above me kinda freaked me out. I got back on that day and finished the ride, but haven’t gotten on one since. I’m an adrenaline junkie. And I’ve done some crazy shit, and still do. But that made an impression.
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No doubt! There have been a few incidents here too…Oreo bucked me my right over her head…I flew, literally…we didn’t end up keeping her…but I could never deny my desire to get back on, hence hubby having to push me on, literally. Does your wife miss it?
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Our neighbors have horses. She goes down there and rides sometimes. If we had more free time, I think she’d have one for sure.
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That is really awesome! I don’t think I could give them up completely…
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Wonderful story! Thanks for sharing. Good to know it was a victory for both of you.
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Thank you Karin!! She has been such a big part of my journey.
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Amazing how animals, whether a horse or a dog, can show such personality and independence.
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It is! And the looks they give you when they are debating whether they should listen to you or not…priceless😊
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Reblogged this on Equine Guided Growth and commented:
This mare must be related to Aurore d’Alegria!
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I LOVE this post! I so know exactly about “victorious mares”, we have two of those, a mother, a daughter, both seriously into mischief of all descriptions!
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She keeps me on my toes! It is why I love her so much!
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