Running Freely

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Just the other day I went to the barn with the intention of riding Bell. I got her halter and lead and then I went out to the field. The first horse that came to me was Dawn, the most wonderful horse in the world. She is the definition of an honest mare. She's getting old, but she'll do whatever you ask of her, without a hesitation. She's the only horse with whom I feel completely comfortable doing whatever on and off the ground. I've done so many things with her, most of which, were first times for me. I swam in a quarry with her, I've cantered bareback and jumped, went to my first hunter pace with her, fox hunted with her. Just name it. You know when people say "This horse has gotten me to where I am today. Without them, I wouldn't be half as far." Well, that's this horse, Dawn.

And so, out of impulse, I just decided to put the halter on and get on her. No, I was not using a bit in her mouth, no, I wasn't using a saddle, and no, I was not wearing a helmet. But that's okay. That's how much I trust this horse. I wouldn't be able to do that with Bell. Not even close. As much as I love her, we haven't gotten to that point of mutual trust yet.

And so we were off. We walked around a lot, and I barely had to use the rope. I would lightly touch her neck so it was as if I were neck reining, but not really. Just a slight touch and she would understand. After a while of walking, we trotted a little. And then finally, after a while of warming her up a bit, we galloped. I let go of the rope (careful as to not make it so that when I let go, she would trip on it, of course) and flung my hands in the air, and we ran. We ran so freely it was amazing. The wind in my hair, her nostrils flaring, her hooves beating the ground in a rhythmic tune, I was taking everything in. The best part about it was that I didn't feel one ounce of fright. I trusted her and she trusted me.

It was wonderful to be able to do that. I'm afraid that'll be the last time I do that with her, because of her age. But that one ride, I will remember forever. She was having such a great time. In those short few seconds, made my whole life worth living, just to feel that freedom, real freedom. Just to live in the moment, to have fun.

Below are pictures of Dawn :)

"Take it all in, never forget this night, take it all in, take it all in, this is what life's all about, so take it all, tonight."