Riding with company

Today we had the pleasure of riding with company - Caroline and her lovely gelding Kevin.

It's quite rare to find others who are keen on trail rides. One has to go out and look for trail companions, so rarely do they drop into one's lap. So I am happy to have a keen accomplice.

We headed for the Bluebell woods, which were splendid in the sunshine. Really it is easy to forget what a lovely countryside we have here to explore and experience.

By now for me these rides are a matter of gaining familiarity with a countryside that is becoming an old friend. Indeed it is a friend who is old as well as an old friend in the conventional sense.

Caroline snapped an image of me riding Brena through the Bluebell woods. I am pleased with this as I have so few images of me riding any horse.

Normally I do not ride on a tight rein. However we were having a dispute over whether the purpose of the stop was to stand still or to put one's head down to graze.

Isn't it curious how Brena's markings break up her outline, providing surprisingly effective camouflage in the variegated sun-dappled woodland.

This is me looking conventional. The appearance is deceptive. It was too windy in the open to wear a broad-brimmed hat so I picked up the helmet. I like to wear something on my head whether I am walking or riding. What is my choice.

The woods were so peaceful. Hardly a single person was about despite this being a public holiday weekend. Experiences are personal, and the few people encountered are sure to be fellow lovers of this special countryside. The land exudes an aura of antiquity, drawing those in sympathy.

We made our way through the woods, first along a ridge and then gently winding downhill into a long sheltered valley. The rough valley floor made both horses take care of their footing, a learning experience, this making a virtue of necessity.

Riding back we ascended a shallow hill that lead back up to the main ridge. After a short distance we decided to open the taps. It seemed like a bit of fun at the end of a sedate ride. The horses throught so too. Kevin fooled around before settling into a crisp canter.

Brena started off by  arching her back under me, dipping he nose earthward. Unconsciously I must have been holding her back. Then I let her go, the big mare assuming a powerful yet steady canter.

It was as if Brena was saying "trust me". At speed she needs to be ridden with a forward seat. What she tried to tell me was that, if I let her have her head, she will carry me safely and well.

The sting in the tail is that she has a sharp, effective, buck. It has had me on the ground once before. But, I think, if I keep off her mouth then she will not buck. Brena just wanted the freedom to canter unimpeded.

I expect that too may riders have hung onto her mouth at speed. She wants an end to that restriction. Well, I like the freedom to work as I please. I can see her point.

It's curious how riding is about understanding. It's not really about "getting on and riding". Yes, one has to ride, indeed to "cowboy up" and get on with the business of work in the outdoors with horses.

But the truth - or is it gnosis? - is in forming that vital partnership between human and horse.

A horse links straight into one's unconscious. How does one respond to the lessons that such a connection must surely reveal?

Here are the horses resting and grazing after their ride. I wonder how many photos will show that chair, which incidentally is a veteran from Transyvania?

My thanks are to Caroline for being a great companion and for supplying the second and third photos. I really do like that shot of Brena grazing. It captures her nicely doing what is, on reflection, her favourite thing. What better than to see one's horse content?

Comments

[jess]

Looking good you guys! I just realized that I had the wrong link to your blog (the old one). Ive sent you an email though, and sorry for the delay! I am very jealous of your ride - I am only just learning to walk again, and already wanting to ride!
Ciao from Sydney :)

[White Horse Pilgrim]

It's good to hear from you Jess. As you can see Brena and I are doing pretty well. as you can see she is getting some good grazing on her rides. I do wish you a speedy recovery.