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Is Aitch a horse in wolf's clothing, out to show me who is truly the boss? Why do I have this feeling that I've abandoned him to some terrible fate? Should I continue to ride him or move on to Starz? Why is this all so hard to handle? After all, horseback riding is a hobby, not my profession. I refuse to make this activity like ice skating was for me; I made that sport a metaphor for life, in a million different (and generally mentally unhealthy) ways. Not going there again. Period, end of sentence, drop voice.
Tomorrow I'll venture to the stable to talk with Kelly, my riding instructor. Must make sure she understands that Aitch is a very good horse who had a not-so-good rider on his back on Sunday afternoon. Don't want Kelly having any negative feelings about my boy, Aitch.
I've decided to get back on Aitch this week. DH asked that I wait 48 more hours until my bruised leg is better. He doesn't want to risk a blood clot flying around inside my body. O.K., I got that. Good plan. However, I must make certain that no matter what happens between Aitch and me, I will not end our riding relationship - if end it will - on a sour note. He's a gorgeous, sweet horse and I have great fondness for him. And, the more distance I put between the accident and the present, the more I feel that this event was likely entirely my fault.
This mishap was an important wake-up call. H-e-l-l-o? Riding requires constant vigilance about one's environment. I'm pretty sure that I had gotten just a little to big for my breeches and was thinking I was getting better at this riding stuff than perhaps I truly am. Will speak with Ms. Kelly about this too. 'Humbling' is the word that best describes the effect of this event on me in terms of riding. Never forget a horse is a 1,000+ pound animal who can move faster than what seems like the speed of light and has a mind of its own. The minute you think you're the one in charge, you stop being mindful of the signs that should alert you to something that's about to happen.
Alright, big lesson learned. Onward - with Aitch or Starz - but still on a horse. Never, never, never give up.
Hi, ERL! I am planning on taking Kelly's advice about all of this. Whatever she suggests is what I will do. If it's Starzz (thanks for the correction in spelling of his name, BTW), then that's who it will be. If she wants me to get back on Aitch, will also do so. Leg is healing, swelling way down, bruising seems better. All is moving in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the tack store in Fair Oaks not being open on Wednesday. Maybe you could go after you ride or on a Saturday and I could meet you there?
Thanks for your continued support of my riding efforts (such as they are!).
Hugs, LRRH