Derina Pyles
Horse Sense
It was the type of summer day all trail riders dream about — sunny, warm, but a gentle breeze blowing every now and then to cool. As we ambled down the wooded path, the sound warned us we weren’t far from the rushing creek. Traveler quickened his pace as the talking water lured him in.
“Take it easy fella,” I warned him. “No need to get in a hurry. Remember if you drink too much cold water when you’re hot, you’ll get the bloat.
“Ah, Hay-Woman, you’re always warning me ‘bout something.” Though annoyed, I knew he considered what I said as his stride slowed.
We continued to maneuver our way toward the creek by going off course on a hidden path. Traveler carefully picked his way around each tree, paying attention to any dangerously low branches. Finally arriving at the widest and deepest part of the creek, a place few people knew about, he slowly eased his hooves onto a big rock and into the cool rushing water. Just below us, the creek narrowed and spilled over a giant rock. The result was a loud, rushing waterfall about five feet in width and three feet in height. Very substantial for a creek waterfall.
“Look at this place! The beauty always amazes me. I don’t think God could have created anything more beautiful than this place. What do you think?” I took a deep reflective sigh.
Traveler looked up from his drink. “Well, besides that pile of alfalfa waiting on me back in my stall, I guess I would have to say no.”
“Oh, Traveler, you’re always thinking about your stomach!”
“Well, food is life. That’s what that Pioneer cooking lady on the TV says.” He couldn’t help himself and giggled.
“I guess you have a point,” I grumbled in frustration. “But did you ever stop to consider how very lucky we are to witness the abundance of beauty here?”
“Abundance? Is that like Riverdance? The one that has that fun Irish music?”
“Oh jeez, Traveler, abundance means having a lot of something. Like, I must always have an abundance of alfalfa because you eat so much. This place has such an abundance of nature, peacefulness, wildlife…beauty.”
“You are right Hay-Woman. I may love my alfalfa, and having a lot of it makes me happy, but true abundance goes beyond food.” He was quiet for a bit, choosing his words carefully. “It’s about finding joy in the little things every day. Simple pleasures that are all around you and may not cost a dime. Like this beautiful setting we are in now. Living abundantly in the here and now!” He looked at me closely to see my reaction.
“That’s amazing, my furry friend. We should always try to embrace life’s abundance. Whether it’s a bale of alfalfa or this pristine creek.”
I patted his neck, and we continued our trail ride. It was the best day.
