last thursday, i threw some quinoa and beef in the crock pot for dinner, headed to the farm, and for the first time in a very, very long time, i saddled up my horse and rode. and as always, it was the best feeling ever. ever ever! the whole world melted away and all that was left was the sunshine, the fresh air, me and casey.
there are a lot of questions when it comes to riding an older horse, and i’ve really been trying to sort my way through it. how much is too much? is it too cold out? is it too hot out? what if there’s something wrong that i don’t know about? earlier this year, the vet compared him to an 86-year-old human, suggesting it was time that he just sit out in the pasture for the remainder of his years, and i fought back tears at the thought of never riding him again.
but when it comes down to it, i know to go with my instinct. just like horses do. and that instinct tells me that riding casey is the best way to keep him alive and healthy. well, both of us, really! he needs it as much as i do, emotionally as well as physically… and hey, it’s not like we’re training for anything! just a nice, easy ride. it’s pretty amazing how much better your outlook on life is after seeing it all from the saddle. and watching those fuzzy ears perk up the way they do, i know he loves being under it!
and so, as the afternoon faded into a perfect evening, i snuck off, saddled up, and forgot about absolutely anything other than heading into the enchanted forest on my valiant steed. because we’re never too old for fairytales, and we’re never really growing up. okay, case? okay! 🙂
It's good you followed your instincts. A ride every now and then will keep him young at heart!
YES! I love you and I love this post!! I rode when I was younger and every time I get in a saddle again, this is exactly how I feel. You wrote it perfectly. And I bet you're right that every time you take him out he's as happy about it as you are!
Looked like a magical little evening. The lighting is awesome!
The lighting is just gorgeous!
Ok one of THE best tswift songs! Thanks for reminding about that gem 🙂 I am so extremely jealous of you, like can I visit and ride your horsies ?! I used to ride and miss it, enjoy every second!
this story. oh my heart. i feel attached to horses with my family living in louisville and lex. esp with my aunt running a horse farm. ANYWAY, the relationship you two have is something no one else will ever understand and you'll treasure always 🙂
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what a wonderful companion and what a nice ride you two had! you make me want to own a horse
This is so sweet. When I was younger an elderly neighbor would take a walk everyday. When he'd walk past you he'd say hello and, without fail, happily exclaim "walking keeps me young!" <33333