June 03, 2010

Reckless riding



In my late teens, I vowed together with my best friends that we would never be square, boring adults.
Volvo, kids, the whole package. It sounded so absolutely Not Fun.
We would stay young.
I even remember something about wearing skin skirts (this was in the beginning of the happy 80ies) but at 47 with sagging knees and cellulites I don't find it such a good idea as I thought at the age of 18.

But maybe my 18 yo self would have approved of me Monday.

I have missed riding Fame being away so much, and as she had her vaccine she had the weekend off from work.
(Grumble, grumble)
This week I would stay at home though.
When Monday came I had planned to do some dressage training, but the weather had been lovely lately and the outdoor arenas were dry and very dusty, and it was warm.
Hmmm.

Instead I found my hackamore, jumped on bareback and headed out in the forest.
The evening was lovely, and Fame kept tossing her head and jogging.
Had I been a horse I would have been tossing my head too.
We felt GOOOD.

After splashing around a bit in the creek, we settled for the long and winding gravel road up the slopes of Grøttum, several kilometers steadily climb up one of the mountains.

Sometimes I get these wonderful moments of togetherness with my horse, and this was one of those occations.
I was just so very happy to be on my horse again, enjoying the scenery and the wonderful summer evening, and I could feel that my horse was just as happy as me.
I guess we both felt a little bit crazy.


And when we came to the start of the slope, I just gave her the reins, and let her go.
She started out in a normal canter, but soon the joy of being alive, feeling powerful and strong, made her take off.
And here I was, a middle-aged, grey-haired (un)responsible Mum clinging on my horse bareback and going at full speed so fast that it made my eyes water, and I had this itsybitsy feeling in my stomach about "will she stop?".
And it was wonderful.

And of course she stopped.
She's  a dressage horse, isn't she?
We just forget ourselves sometimes.

(To be frank, even dressage horses get tired after running at full tilt uphill for a long period of time. Hahem.)

17 comments:

Siri said...

Everyone needs that feeling once in a while, it's wonderful :D

and I miss the slopes of Sørkedalen :(

Anonymous said...

What fun! I'll bet you enjoyed it as much as you did.

Unknown said...

Bareback! Yes, your 18 yo self would be proud!

Grey Horse Matters said...

Good for you and Fame. It's always a treat to break free and just take a chance, have fun and forget about being a responsible adult.

Wolfie said...

Awesome. Bareback?....you go, girl! I enjoyed your ride very much! :-)

Claire said...

ooer..... you brave person you! very impressed...

RuckusButt said...

Reading this made me long for this kind of relationship with a horse. I think you both have a bit of a reckless side :) So much fun!

The Equestrian Vagabond said...

you are crazy! and what a wonderful ride!
- The Equestrian Vagabond

Kristen Eleni Shellenbarger said...

sounds like literally a breath of fresh air!! I love those days, thanks for including us on your ride! :)

Stephanie - Siouxzeegirl Designs said...

LOVELY!!!

Shanster said...

I wish I had some of your joie de vivre! Sounds fabulous!

jme said...

oh, i love those moments! glad you both had such a wonderful, exhilarating ride!

Once Upon an Equine said...

You and Fame are kindred spirits. Glad you had a fun ride after all your hard work and travels. Sounds like it was good for you both.

HorseOfCourse said...

Thanks for your comments all!

It was a wonderful ride.
I find that both blogging as well as riding is not occuring as often as I would like at the time being unfortunately.

allhorsestuff said...

Fame loves those times, just as much as you do!So glad that you did that and renewed the spark of childhood again..glad she stopped too!
Yea, Wa mare does stop on a loose rein, easier than a taunt one, at those times.
Loved it!!!
Kk

sanjeet said...

I enjoyed your ride very much!
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RuckusButt said...

Just stopping by again to say I hope you and your family are well. And that I miss your posts. Though I completely understand real life has you occupied right now.