After Margaret and I had such a fun time at the fall hunter pace, we opted to go again this spring! This time, while I rode Rejoice again, Margaret rode her horse Jester and had a friend ride Ladyhawke. All Kennebec Morgans!! Jester and Rejoice have the same dam and Jester and Lady share the same sire. Unfortunately instead of a lovely late spring day, we had one of the first intensely hot and humid days of the year. It was definitely a bummer, but the ride was mostly in the shade of the woods and we had a great time! most of the fences were 3' coops but we found a small log and this hay to jump haha Until we didn't. 😑 We brought along a third friend who rode Margaret's older mare, Ladyhawke. She's a good rider but hasn't known Ladyhawke for very long and didn't realize how much of a cranky boss mare she could be at times. She kicked Jester right in the front leg just about halfway through the ride, and while the cut itself ended up not being a big deal in the...
Day Twenty Two: Describe the importance of riding in your life
I ride and own horses because they define who I am. I simply cannot imagine my life without my horses. I don’t ever remember not having horses in my life. I think for me loving horses is an inborn trait! I enjoy the responsibility that comes with owning horses and keeping them in my backyard. I like working hard, getting blisters, and feeling tired after a good ride or from putting up hundreds of hay bales. Riding and showing allows me to set goals and create hopes/dreams for the future. My horses’ good health and my riding accomplishments make me very proud. My horses give me comfort, teach me patience, and accept me for who I am. I know I will never be without a horse in my life.
Horses represent power, beauty, and strength, which are all traits I think woman want to possess. Since “power” and “strength” are often masculine qualities, horses offer me a chance to be those things in a more feminine way. There is nothing quite like riding a good gallop across a field, mastering a dressage concept, or soaring over fences to make me feel strong and powerful. But often this power is coupled with gentleness as well. Horses appeal to both of my feminine and masculine sides.
I appreciate the communication between a horse and rider. It is subtle and complex, and unlike any communication between humans. It is more sensitive and pure. My relationship with my horses is something that I treasure and I know it can never be recreated with a human being.
Also, I think women are nurturers, and therefore we often revel in taking care of our horses: I know I get a lot of enjoyment out of brushing, feeding, mucking, and worrying about my horses! I think women like myself are attracted to horses because they not only represent something to care for (and care for very deeply), but also because it allows us something to give ourselves. When I am riding or showing, it is MY time. It is a break from my work/family/home responsibilities.
Also, I think women are nurturers, and therefore we often revel in taking care of our horses: I know I get a lot of enjoyment out of brushing, feeding, mucking, and worrying about my horses! I think women like myself are attracted to horses because they not only represent something to care for (and care for very deeply), but also because it allows us something to give ourselves. When I am riding or showing, it is MY time. It is a break from my work/family/home responsibilities.
I remember writing my college essay back in 1997 about the importance of horses in my life and what they taught me. I was accepted into all four colleges I applied to, so it must have been decent. ;-) Of course, having looked for it now to post here, I cannot find it.
My mare Sparky (left) and FW Volo, 1997 |
Sparky's got the sweetest looking face. I know that's rather unrelated to the post... but still!
ReplyDelete