Breathe

"Smile, breathe, and go slowly"
Thich Nhat Hanh

This morning I got up and felt anxious. Today was the day I was going to learn to saddle and mount Blackie. Now to most people, that doesn't sound like huge achievement but for me, it was.

My son decided to join me and take some photographs to record the event. I think he was taken by surprise by the sheer size of the horses in the stable. Blackie is not the largest horse, she's about a medium size horse - but still formidable in size.

We drove to the farm and my stomach was getting tighter as we approached. It was an absolutely freezing cold morning and I knew the arena would be even colder. As we drove I was thinking about my biggest fear. I was really scared of putting my foot in the stirup and then having it slip out as I swung my other leg over Blackie's back, landing me firmly on the ground.

Much to my relief, that did not happen!

The first thing Rose taught me were some grooming techniques. She introduced me to the "curry comb" (yes Menis, the curry comb lol I discovered it was not an Indian meal). She taught me how to properly comb the horse and Blackie clearly loved it as I circled the comb over her neck, back and sides. She kept bending her neck back to look at me with her beautiful big brown eyes, as if to say, "ooooh, that feels good..more, more more!"

Next, I learnt how to saddle the horse and place the reins over her head and up. Blackie lowered her neck obligingly. Then, I slowly walked her out of the stables and into the arena. I stopped myself from looking up at the ceiling because I figured I would see it soon enough once she tossed me to the ground. Blackie walked alongside me beautifully and I was careful not to get trod on by her massive hoofs.

I led her to the mounting block where Rose showed me how to put my foot in the stirup properly and swing my right leg over her back. I took a breath and said a silent prayer that this was not going to be a disaster captured on film by my son. As it turns out, it was so cold, the batteries froze in the camera so there are no pictures of my first time mounting and riding Blackie. There are witnesses however!

I swung my leg over Blackie and joy of joys I successfully landed my butt in the saddle! I felt like shouting WOO HOO but those of you who know me, know that I don't do that very well. lol I stroked Blackie on the neck and Rose gave me instructions on how to walk her. I grabbed the reins, pulled them close, nervously squeezed my legs into her side, made that tk tk sound and she began to move! My heart began pounding.

"Oh God," I thought. "This is it. She's going to figure out I don't know what I"m doing and bolt and I'm going to be tossed off and be on the ground looking up at that damn ceiling!"

Instead, I learned to pull the reins in the direction I wanted her to go and it worked! She went! As we walked I was really surprised at how smooth it was. I thought I was going to be jolted around, but not at all. The walk was smooth, graceful and peaceful. If Blackie sensed I was a rookie, she didn't show it. She was very patient with me. I did what I call a free dismount and I gave myself about a 7 out of 10. There was no mounting block to land on. I had to swing my leg over and slide down the side of Blackie to the ground. Again, I did it with no spills. It was a wonderful moment. My son watched as I fed Blackie a big fat carrot that she seemed to enjoy tremendously!

The best part of my first ride? The ride home. As we drove down the country road, my son looked over at me and said, "Good job today Mom...good job." "Thanks!" I said proudly. I was tired and my lungs were not working very well. And although I was proud of myself, the moment felt even better to think that my 14 year old boy was proud of me too! Wow. Breathe...well, I tried. lol

I'm not sure what Rose has planned for me next week, but I'm already feeling a little less anxious and looking forward to some more challenges and adventures with Blackie.