The setting sun makes a bright corona around orange ears as we ride directly into its fierce shine. The light brushes seedheads and the leaves of volunteer corn stalks with an auburn glow. A familiar, muscular neck defines my view of the edge of this cutover field.
When I last rode Solo on Friday, he felt flat, tired, depressed. It made me feel ill and I couldn't summon the energy to let it go. Determined to prove to him that his life wasn't over, we struck out on the trails on this heart-stoppingly gorgeous evening in early fall.
It only took two steps of trot to breathe the life back into him. It was like watching a cardiac patient gasp their first lungful of air after resuscitation. And it felt great. I let him strike into canter in the next field over and he rolled proudly along the treeline with the easy stride I know and love so well.
Fixed? No. He remains just trail sound. But my buddy, my partner, is still in there. He is not lost or gone, he is just a bit sad because he thought the fun had ended. It filled me with joy to show him he was still The Man, he could still explore the world in a swinging trot among the tulip poplars and the bottomland sycamores we both live to experience. It was a dose of much needed medicine for us both and I, too, feel like I can breathe again.
Beautifully said... you are a gifted writer and a true friend for Solo... thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat is a relief. I cannot not let a day pass if it feels like my horse did not enjoy himself. Good post.
ReplyDeleteThank you -- it is a relief indeed. It is such a mental challenge finding a balance for them to keep them happy no matter what!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful. You two will always have that amazing relationship:)
ReplyDeleteGlad Solo had fun. And this is beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteI know how he feels, sometimes a good trail ride does the same for me!
ReplyDeleteThat's great you guys both had fun :) I love the way you wrote the post :)
ReplyDeleteLovely description! Your dancing partner is still in there, and always will be. And it sounds like you've found a new dance that works for him. Wonderful!
ReplyDelete*sniff* *sniff* so sweet!
ReplyDeleteThanks, y'all -- keeping perspective is hard, we get caught up in the details and what we *could* be doing instead of remembering to enjoy what we *can* do.
ReplyDeleteYour last comment said it best - remember what you can still do with Solo.
ReplyDeleteI am having a harder and harder time each day we go to the barn - knowing my daughter's horse Hennessy's days are numbered. He looks at us like he wants to come out and play - breaks my heart.
Hugs for Hennessy.
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you, there is no "just" in being trail sound. A good trail horse is an awesome beast. :-) It's wonderful that you have that in Solo. It's great to hear about you two riding together. :-)
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Jo, and I totally agree -- I LOVE a good trail ride, the longer and faster the better! It's just a big adjustment for us seeing as he was leaping 3'3" oxers!
ReplyDeleteWhew what a relief, you are a true partner to Solo, so happy you could show him he's still The Man.
ReplyDeleteI have to find ways to do this also, with a horse that has stepped into a lighter discipline. It's hard on his ego. Good work!!
Jane, you are lucky to have such a phenomenal partner as Hudson! I love reading about him and would love to meet him, he has a truly amazing character and spirit!
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