From Saturday, April 15th..

Have you ever dreamt of doing something your entire life? Something held on from childhood daydreams only to be passed into adult life and perhaps stored under "that will never be me." Today my dream became reality, a brand new experience I will remember for as long as I live. Today I rode a horse at a full gallop and not only that, I did it well and was not afraid. Yeah, this is a horsey story...read on if you want the complete narrative.


Today we took the horses to the beach. The weather was predicted to be very warm (72) and sunny, as good a day as any to let the horses stretch their legs after a long winter. I brushed Baron until he shone like copper, tacked him up and loaded him on the trailer. I was giddy with nervous excitement. I'd not been to the beach since last November when I rode the 18+ hand Majesty and got dumped a half hour into the ride. But I knew today would be different. I was miles from that timid rider on an unknown mount. Today I was on a horse I knew and more importantly a horse I trusted. The hour and a half ride down to the Cape passed quickly. The morning clouds had completely burned off by the time we arrived, unloaded and mounted up. A gorgeous empty stretch of sand greeted us and the cold Atlantic had been warmed to a tropic blue. Our horses snorted and side stepped a few suspicious looking logs and beach debris before settling into a relaxed walk. After a little while we spied a sand bar that would be perfect for our first canter. Riding on the sand is good for building up strength in the horses legs and feet but it's still important to keep a eye out for proper footing, you don't want it too rocky. Our first "easy canter" quickly turned into a gallop when the two lead riders took off. Not wanting to be left behind, Baron's canter sped forth with a clatter of his hooves on the smooth beach stones. I'd never ridden a full-out gallop in my life. I don't really know how to put the experience into words except to say I cannot stop thinking about it and want to do it again! When he put his neck out and started to run I let him have the rein, got up off his back and tried to absorb every moment. The wind, ocean and sky, the spray of salt and sand, this beautiful and powerful creature carrying me. I felt no fear. It was a moment in my life, a perfect and unique experience, I will cherish always. We galloped up and down the beach over the course of the afternoon. I laughed out loud at one point when my horse dropped down to a canter. Baron tired!! I gave him a big pat with both hands on either side of his neck and told him what a good boy he was. His ears flicked back toward my voice, he was having fun too. In that moment I knew I was meant for this. I had overcome the fear I had when I began riding in '02. Fear and doubt had gotten me to quit for nearly two years before my dreams compelled me to go back and get it right. And boy did I ever!