
I know nothing of horses, no I am not a big city girl but just never was around horses. My grandparents had chickens and pigs, no horses. As a little girl I of course wanted one as all little girls seem to. It never happend. Maybe one day when I get my land in Arizona or New Mexico I will have one or more. They are beautiful to me, mysterious and fascinating. Our little miniature guy at the rescue Midnight is a character but all he requires from me is carrots and some good back scratches. Except for the time he stood on Andrea's toe while she was wearing flip flops but thats her story to tell.
I was showing one of my favorite blogs to my nephew this weekend. It's Bridget's from Heart of a Cowgirl. We were looking at her horses and Jake asked me if I remembered our first riding experience. I cracked up laughing, of course I did. Let me share please.
We took our annual summer trip and went to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. (a very special place for me) We decided to try something new and head to the riding stables. I just remember telling Jake if the horses didnt look like they were well taken care of we would leave. I didnt want to encourage any abuse.
When we got there everything looked great. The horses were clean and beautiful or it seemed that way to me with my limited knowledge. The stable lady (sorry, I know that is probably the wrong terminology) was very nice and this is what I told her.
" I have never driven a horse before and never has Jake" "We want horses that are sweet, old, tired and ready to take naps" She looked at me with amusement. "You mean ridden a horse?" "Ridden, driven whatever, I want a lazy horse." She laughed again and said " let me introduce you to Hoss". "ummm, Hoss? he sounds large."
She brings out a big thick horse that looks like one of the babies in the picture above. (we did not take pictures, I wouldnt allow it) He was very chubby with a very large butt. She said he was the best horse they had for a first timer. Well that was me. Yes, I want Hoss. I introduced myself to Hoss, let him smell me all over. Scratched his head and said "how do I get up there?" She brings over a set of wooden steps and I hoist myself up on Hoss expecting him to take off at a full run at the idea of a moron on his back. He did not. Jake gets up on his horse who immediately takes off for parts unknown. Now what the hell do I do? Hoss isn't moving and Jake is gone. He is only 11 years old and knows less about horses that I do. The stable lady assured me that Jake's horse walked to the trail head. He knew what he was supposed to do and he did. He stopped at the trail head and waited for us.
Behind me is a guy wearing a huge ten gallon hat who swears up and down he knows all about horses. The trail guide told us to make sure and not let our horse get to close to the one in front. They may be tempted to nip the rump of the horse in front of them. I paid close attention to her instructions but the guy behind me did not. He constantly let his horse get too close to Hoss's butt. Of course he tried to nip my baby Hoss. I had to turn around and be quite rude to the guy and tell him to "back off, didnt you hear what she told us?"
The ride was beautiful. The woods were gorgeous and Hoss was very gentle. I talked with him the whole ride and tried very hard not to irritate him in any way. While on the trail, Hoss decided to wander off into the woods for a snack. The trail guide yelled at me and told me to make Hoss get back on the trail. I looked at her like she was crazy! How was I supposed to make him do anything? He needed a bite to eat and who was I to tell him different? Eventually Hoss sauntered back on the trail. At the end Hoss picked up a bit up speed. That was a little alarming but I held on. The trail guide gave us carrots to feed our horses afterwards and I think that's why Hoss was in a hurry. I just dont get that, I would run for a nice slice of pecan pie but not for a CARROT!
I thanked Hoss profusely for the ride. Gave him lots of scratches and kisses and got the hell out of there. Jake was fine by the way. He loved it!
We had a good laugh this weekend and I will always remember and enjoy my experience with Hoss.