Derina Pyles
Horse Sense
“Hay-Woman, are we going riding today? I’ve finally recovered from all the kids camps this summer.” Traveler eyed me suspiciously.
“Umm, how about I give you a bath and we can plan a day next week to maybe traverse the obstacle course.”
“Traverse the obstacle course?” He looked perplexed. “If you mean do the obstacles, I’ve done that 1000 times. What about a nice trail ride? I saw you put the automatic flag up in the arena, we could practice that?” He continued to watch me intently.
“Okay, Traveler, I think it’s time we had a little talk.” I sat down on a hay bale. He moseyed up to me with a concerned look on his long face. “While you were away this summer, being a summer camp horse, the neighbor next door –
Traveler interrupted, “The one who trains the cow horses?”
“Yes. Well, He asked me if I wanted to ride one of the new prospects. He was going to be out of town and needed someone to just keep the horse riding. I was heading out to work with him now.”
“Put miles under its feet, like we always like to do with the young ones,” Traveler stated proudly. He had heard my philosophy on that so many times when I spoke to owners of young horses.
“That’s right smarty pants,” I winked at him as I tried to keep the mood light. “He also said I could practice the automatic flag, desensitize him to the rope, and ride him through the cow pastures. Traveler, I have had so much fun,” I said, trying to not let my excitement get away from me.
“I can do all that stuff too Hay-Woman.” His voice was sad now, dejected.
“I know you can Traveler,” I went to him and put my hand under his chin. “But you don’t enjoy it as much. You would rather saddle up and go for a long trail ride. I love that about you. This horse was born and bred to work cows and really enjoys it.”
“Well, I can learn to enjoy it.” He tried to act enthusiastic but I could see it was only an act. We sat in silence a few moments, both thinking of the right words before I spoke.
“I think, sometimes, in life, we must be ready for transition and change. What I mean by that is, I may find another discipline of riding that I like, but that change doesn’t mean our relationship is ending. It could just look different. It’s important, and part of life, to grow, adjust to change. Just because I am riding a new horse and having fun, that doesn’t at all mean I don’t enjoy our time together. I should have told you when you first got back but I thought I would hurt your feelings. It was wrong of me not to discuss it with you. I’m sorry, friend.”
Traveler looked at me with his big brown eyes. That could always melt my heart. “Shew”, Traveler blew as he shook his head, “I thought I was being put out to pasture.”
“Well, you kinda are, but not in THAT way.” We both looked at each other and laughed. “Come on, that pasture is calling you. Make sure you roll around and get good and dirty. When I get back, that bath will feel mighty good.”
“You got it Hay-Woman.” My best friend pranced toward the pasture gate ready to accomplish his mission.
