I know, you might be thinking, "No one loves a horse like a girl." And that would also be true. This horse is my gelding, Dusty. The girl's name is Ruby, at the wondrous and amazing age of 13, with all of its tragedy and triumphs. The Memorial Day weekend was Ruby's second visit to Soggy Bottom.
I think Ruby is a natural equestrian. This weekend she was able to ride three times. She rode Emily's horse, "Bama." Ruby pays close attention, follows instructions, and is fearless. She is not afraid of the horses nor the hard work that horsemanship requires. She groomed with meticulous care. She shoveled horse manure from the barn without complaint.
Sunday evening a storm came up and she ran out to our western pasture to bring the horses into the main corral. She was disappointed they did not follow. She was worried that they might be struck by lightening. I was worried that Ruby might be struck by lightening.
Before we went out this morning I said to Ruby that you cannot be a real cowgirl without a pocket knife. I then gave one to her. She took it, clutched it to her chest and beamed. She said "thank you," of course, but the smile said gratitude like I have seldom seen.
We then talked about how the young gelding would respond with both Bama and our mare, "Red," out of the corral and away from him. We talked about the security that horses get from being in the herd and that we were basically cutting Dusty out of "safe company." He acted as I said by running wildly around the corral and whinnying with abandon.
This morning she and her mom rode about a mile east of our house. On the way back Bama decided it was giddy-up time and took off at a full gallop. Ruby had not given this command. She brought Bama back to a trot and then a walk. I asked if she was OK and she said, "It was awesome. I loved it." With a broad grin she asked if she could ride some more. Was there any other answer than "yes?"
This is the second time I have had the privilege of introducing someone outside of my immediate family to horseback riding. I am only teaching them the most basic stuff. They won't learn barrel racing from me. But I enjoy it immensely. I love to watch the confidence that shines out as apprehension dissolves. It is a pleasure to see whatever tensions and pain the rest of life gives them become unimportant, if only for a few hours. The care and riding of horses puts everything else into perspectives. It is one of the most therapeutic things I do in my life. I become more whole helping someone else discover a new skill, a new joy, and new friends.
