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Horse Tales Blog

Great Horses in History

January 10, 2021 by horsetalesltd@aol.com Leave a Comment

war-admiralThe greatest match race in American Horse Racing History Seabiscuit Versus War Admiral Information compiled from Thom Loverro a Washington, D.C.-based writer “Horse racing was in its  heyday, and Seabiscuit was an enormous cult hero,” said Laura Hillenbrand, author of the bestselling book “Seabiscuit.” “He was the number one newsmaker in 1938, a star with the kind of  magnitude you don’t see today.” This race between two legendary horses was an event for the times, with America trying to climb out of the Great Depression.

“It captured the imagination of the public,” said Edward Bowen, author of “War Admiral.” “It had all kinds of social implications,” he said. “The race gave people a temporary respite from the daily hardships caused by the Great Depression,” said Allan Carter, historian at the National Museum of Racing. Seabiscuit was the underdog, the Cinderella Man of racing. “He was the horse from the other side of the tracks who became a champion,” Hillenbrand said. War Admiral was the regal ruler of racing, the son of the great Man O’War (though Seabiscuit was related as well) who had won racing’s Triple Crown in 1937, an aristocratic horse that seemed unbeatable. Furthermore War Admiral was the favorite of the established East Coast, while Seabiscuit was the upstart from West Coast racing. “It really was a territorial thing,” said horse trainer and racing historian John Shirreffs. “Anything west of the Rockies in those days in racing was not really taken seriously. That helped make this a big national event.”

Match racing between two horses had been common in the 18th and 19th century, it became less common in the 20th century. Still, there were some historic one-on-one races that took place, but none as big as Seabiscuit vs. War Admiral. Seabiscuit, who was also related to Man O’War through his son, Hard Tack, had fallen out of favor with its owners, a lazy, underachieving three-year-old who was pawned off to horse owner Charles Howard for just $8,000 in 1936. Howard hired trainer Tom Smith to work with Seabiscuit, and, as has been well documented in books and film, he and jockey Red Pollard began a remarkable rehabilitation of the previously-disappointing horse. After winning a few races in the East, Howard shipped Seabiscuit out West, where he would become the darling of racing and established his reputation as a winner. He would win 11 of 15 races in 1937 and was leading money winner in horse racing – the same year that War  Admiral was winning the Triple Crown and given the prestigious American Horse of the Year Award. Horse racing dominated the sports pages during this time, and sportswriters began clamoring for a match race between War Admiral and Seabiscuit. “A horse race had the potential to attract a frenzy that would be difficult to imagine today,” Bowen said. “Horse racing occupied a higher place in the public consciousness than it does now. Baseball, boxing and horse racing were the dominant sports of the time. And this horse race had all the ingredients that made a terrific story.”

It had a hero – Seabiscuit – and a villain in War Admiral.  “The media made War Admiral the villain,” Bowen said. “Bob Considine, one of the top sportswriters of his time, wrote an outlandish column that painted War Admiral as a spoiled kid who never had to work hard in his life. It was completely trumped up, but it reflected the image that other people had – that War Admiral was not a true champion. He had a piece of his hoof sliced off in the Belmont Stakes and still won the Triple Crown. He was a very game race horse himself.” His owner, though, Samuel Riddle, was not game for a match race against Seabiscuit. At least not in the beginning. Howard, Smith and Pollard were willing participants, eager for a chance for their horse to go up against the Triple Crown champion. The owner of Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness, Alfred Vanderbilt, was eager to host the race.

But Riddle balked several times at attempts to make the match race. “Horse racing in the West was considered second rate,” Hillenbrand said. “War Admiral’s owner did not consider it dignified to have his horse run against a horse like Seabiscuit.” War Admiral did not fare well in starting gates. He hated the contraptions, and cut off a piece of his hoof struggling in the gate coming out of the Belmont Stakes, but was such a great horse, still managed to win the race. If Riddle was going to race his prize horse against Seabiscuit, he wanted it without a starting gate. They would use a bell to start the race, which gave the advantage to War Admiral. He was a speed horse – a fast starter – and the horse that got out front first in these match races often wound up winning. Seabiscuit liked to run with the pack and then take the lead. Remarkably, Smith would change Seabiscuit’s racing style – something very difficult to do to a horse at this stage of their racing career. Secretly, he set up an alarm clock to get Seabiscuit to take off at the sound of a bell, until Seabiscuit became fast right out of the break.

Before the race, Pimlico’s starting bell mysteriously disappeared, so track officials asked Smith if they could use his bell. “No one was ever able to confirm if Tom (Smith) took it,” Hillenbrand said. “But reporters said there was a sparkle in his eye when asked about it.” An important, emotional part of the Seabiscuit story was the rider. In February 1938, his jockey, Red Pollard, fell while riding Fair Knightess, another Howard horse. Pollard suffered chest and rib injuries, along with a broken arm. Howard picked a friend of Pollard’s and a successful jockey, George Woolf, to ride Seabiscuit. It rained in Baltimore in the days leading up to the race, and Seabiscuit did not like muddy tracks. The night before the face, Woolf walked the track in the dark, and found one particular track that was hardened a few feet from the rail. It would be Seabiscuit’s path to victory.seabiscuit

The match race dominated the news leading up to the event. The country awaited the showdown between two great horses. Vanderbilt feared that Pimlico, which could handle a crowd of about 15,000 comfortably, couldn’t handle the crush of people that would want to see the race. So he scheduled it on a Tuesday, figuring the work day would keep the crowd down. But the country stopped for Seabiscuit vs. War Admiral. More than 40,000 people descended on the Baltimore track. An estimated 40 million more – including FDR – were listening on the radio. “They didn’t know what to do with all the people,” Hillenbrand said. “They funneled 10,000 people into the infield. People were hanging from the rafters in the grandstand. Thousands more were outside the track, hanging from trees, standing on rooftops.

All of America was holding its breath for this race.” Hundreds of reporters descended on Pimlico. The track was lined with newsreel cameras. Here is how the legendary Grantland Rice, reported on the race: “A little horse with the heart of a lion and the flying feet of a gazelle yesterday proved his place as the gamest thoroughbred that ever faced over an American track. “In one of the greatest match races ever run in the ancient history of the turf, the valiant Seabiscuit not only conquered the great War Admiral but, beyond this, he ran the beaten son of Man O’War into the dirt and dust of Pimlico…the drama and the melodrama of this match race, held before a record crowd keyed to the highest tension I Seabiscuit gets a carrot from owner Mrs. Charles Howard in Baltimore the day after the big race. Photograph: AP have seen in sport, set an alltime mark.”

On November 1, 1938, the 5-year-old thoroughbred Seabiscuit defeated former Triple Crown champ War Admiral by  four lengths in a match race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Seabiscuit, who was 2-1 on the board at post time, while War Admiral was 1-to-4 on the board shocked War  Admiral by getting off to a stunningly fast start and wound up winning the race by four lengths, posting a time of 1:56 3/5, breaking the track record. Thousands of fans descended on the track. It was a glorious, historic moment on the American landscape, with each horse playing its part. Seabiscuit was America’s darling, but War Admiral was his dance partner to racing immortality, the two of them stopping the world together on the first day of November in 1938.

Filed Under: Horse Tales Blog

In Maggie’s Own Words…

January 10, 2021 by horsetalesltd@aol.com Leave a Comment

Margaret Stillwell

Life is a funny thing. You can travel many miles, and spend years wearing different hats, but if you are lucky, you get to return to your childhood endeavors. Such is Margaret Stillwell’s story. From grade school through her master’s degree, she would sketch horses on her assignments. Her instructors once stated that she didn’t need to put her name on her paper, they knew it was hers by the horses drawn all over it.

Margaret StillwellMargaret (or Maggie, as she is commonly known as) raised three sons, and taught school, grades Kindergarten through college level classes. She has passionately ridden and studied horses all her life. It was her lifelong dream to own her own a working facility, planning it as early as 12-years-old. She poured over catalogs picking out buckets and blankets, tallying up the costs lying on her canopy princess bed. Finally, her dream came true, and she designed and built a ten- stall barn, with all the amenities. She trained, gave riding lessons, organized and conducted kids horse camps, and boarded horses for 18 years. A series of injuries and a long recuperation led Margaret to art. Through extensive training at the Milan Art Institute and the recreation of self, her sketches of horses morphed into colorful and poignant abstracts that whisper of wildness that forges onward in faith. Her artwork represents the journey of life with all its sweetness and challenges. Stillwell conveys adventure, exploration, beauty and a soul connection in her equine art.

The trust, shared challenges, and respect for a four-legged partner is that special feeling of connection – its love. Her equine art is often inspired by the local mustangs, her cowgirl friends, and her own experiences in the saddle. Margaret Stillwell paints romantic narrative abstracts with a contemporary  impressionistic style. She often begins with inks and charcoal, moving to acrylics, markers, spray paint, collage and then finishing in oil paint to develop depth. She has had her work featured at the Northern Nevada Arts Gallery in the Brewery Arts Center of Carson City, East Fork Gallery and Prism Gallery both in Gardnerville, and will be showing two pieces in the “Myths and Legends” show at Nevada Fine Arts, in Reno this January.

She has painted commission pieces for folks all around the country and has sold internationally. Stillwell is a bit of a gypsy and paints in one of her three studios – on her ranch in Nevada, in her hacienda in Arizona or her cabin at Lake Tahoe. She lives with her two horses, two dogs, a cat and a very good man. In Maggie’s Own Words… Horse Tales is very proud and honored to publish the great works of Maggie Stillwell. Her exceptional artistry is remarkable and her style is one of a kind. This month’s cover is and will remain one of my favorites and I hope you enjoy it as much as we at Horse Tales have enjoyed presenting it to all of you. Besides being a phenomenal artist, Maggie is a true through and through horsewoman.Margaret Stillwell

You can see that in her paintings. She has captured them in such a way  that they communicate and live with comfort on her canvas. She knows them, loves them and has great respect for them.
Maggie tells me that her earliest thoughts were of horses. “I remember being about 4-yearsold and wanting to be a jockey. Horses were always in my blood, and I begged for a horse, a dog, a ranch and a pick-up  truck from the time I could talk.  Which sounds normal if you grow up in a rural lifestyle, but I grew up in suburbia with parents who didn’t even want a cat. I finally got my first horse at about 10-years-old. My folks didn’t think I’d stick with it, so I got a bridle, a halter, a brush and an old $200 mustang mare from Nevada – a blue roan. She wasn’t fancy, but she taught me
everything a good horse should be. She was worth her weight in gold. We rode everywhere bareback and barefoot. The rest, as they say, is history. I’ve had horses ever since, except for a few years in college and when my kids were little.”

Sharon DeCarlo See more of Maggie’s work on:
Facebook – Stillwell Fine Art
Instagram – LatigoLady
Go to www.stillwellartgallery
Email: mastillwell@icloud.com
775-450-6795

Margaret Stillwell

Margaret Stillwell

Margaret Stillwell

Margaret Stillwell

Filed Under: Horse Tales Blog

The Will James Society awards their first Scholarships to two Nevada Students

November 15, 2020 by horsetalesltd@aol.com Leave a Comment

By Sharon DeCarlo, President of the Will James Society

Congratulations Olivia Ross-Dee on being the first ever winning recipient of the $1,000 Will James Society Scholarship for Girls!

On the morning of October  25th 2020 at the Chappell Ranch in Gardnerville, Nevada it was my great pleasure to present the first Will James Society Scholarship for girls to Douglas High School graduate, Olivia Ross-Dee to help with her education to become a Veterinarian. Olivia’s scholarship application was beyond good, it was more than complete and very impressive. Meeting her in  person was equally impressive. I felt like the WJS could not have chosen a better young woman to award this scholarship to. Olivia grew up with animals all around her. Her Mom owns and  operates a Pet Sitting business and Olivia was a great help to her Mom. Olivia is also an equestrian and had her own horse from an early age. She enjoyed English riding, jumping and trail riding.

As her gelding aged, he developed arthritis and Olivia became incredibly involved with his treatments and the vet work that helped him stay as sound as possible and free of as much pain as possible. From this experience she became super passionate about helping animals and her life became vested in the world of animal health and her goals to become both a large and small animal veterinarian.

Eager to get a head start and all the education and prerequired classes out of the way as fast as possible she signed up for the Jump Start program in her Junior year at Douglas High school in her home-town. The Jump Start is an award winning design thinking and social entrepreneurship program which empowers high school students to create prosperous futures. Needless to say, this requires dedication and lots of hard work.  While still in High School Olivia also took advanced classes at the Western Nevada Community College which included a late-night math class. Her next step was to attend the University of Nevada and while it is still to be determined she wants to go to Colorado State Veterinary School. Olivia is one hard working dedicated young woman with a great future and has set the bar high for herself and I have no doubt she will accomplish all she has set out to do. “I give credit to my Mom who has supported me my whole life and pushed me to be the best person I can be and to work hard for what is important”. Olivia told me that this scholarship will help so much as her Mom’s business, as all small businesses during this Covid crisis, has slowed down right now. “It means a lot to me and my family! Thank You!”

William James Chappell Awarded First ever $1,000 Will James Society Scholarship for Boys!

Congratulations goes to William James Chappell, an exceptionally fine young man that sent an outstanding scholarship application to the Will James Society complete with impressive grades, high praise, and recommendations. He exceeded our expectations, and we are pleased to name him the winner of our very first Scholarship. Speaking of names, isn’t William’s first two names coincidental or is it? William grew up working with animals at his Mom’s business, Chappell Ranch LLC which instructs the young and old about horses, safety, care, and provides hands on  learning which teaches young people to be responsible caring individuals that learn to work as a team for the betterment of the group and of course the animals. He knows hard physical work as well as how to study and earn top grades in school. As William grew up his Mom gave him more responsibility with the students and the horses. He told me he really loves working with the kids and the horses. “One of my favorite jobs ever was being Camp counselor at Wild Willy’s Horse Camp”.

William graduated from Sierra Lutheran High School and then attended Western Nevada
College during the summer. He then attended Truckee Meadows Community College, and is now enrolled this semester at the University of Nevada, Reno. His plans are to finish his associates
of science degree at WNC and continue at UNR where he plans on getting a biochemistry degree. William told me that this scholarship will help to further his plans to use this degree to improve hay growth, improve sustainability for crops and pastureland, supplements to improve animal health, etc.

However, while all those fields will be opened to him, he plans on going to graduate school to study acupuncture and oriental medicine. Then with his skill as an acupuncturist he plans on treating both people and animals with a focus on horses. Another of William’s great interests in life is martial arts, which he took at the Methodist Church in Gardnerville. He received his black belt in 2017 and soon after was asked to be head instructor for the class which he did until 2019. Will explained that “all of these wonderful experiences working with kids and adults has taught me to be patient, humble and open minded, and in a place of continual growth.” William gives  credit for his opportunity to learn and grow-up with these great values to his Mom, Kim Chappell who he states “has supported my passions and dreams and has remained my example of hard work, determination, honesty and success!

About The Will James Society www.willjamessociety.org
The Will James Society (WJS) was formed in 1992 as a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the memory and works of the phenomenal western author and artist Will James.The WJS is the primary catalyst for a continuing and growing interest in Will James and his many contributions as an author and western artist.

About WJS Scholarship Program
The Will James Society offers two Scholarships, one high school graduate girl and boy, each year. Applicants can already be attending colleges and taking classes when applying for this scholarship but must have at least 2 years still ahead of them.

Application Deadline: April 1
The WJS Scholarship is intended to recognize exemplary youth participation and interest in western heritage, literature, western art, farming, ranching, veterinary services, horsemanship and all agricultural interests including research and community service type careers. Annual Scholarship Awarded: $1,000. Previous scholarship recipients are eligible to reapply each year for a maximum of four years.

Eligibility Requirements:
1. High School Graduate
2. Post Secondary Enrollment
3. Minimum of twelve hours per semester
4. Maintain a minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
5. Parent, grandparent or legal guardian must be a member in good standing of the Will James Society.
6. Scholarship Applications are available online at www.willjamesociety.org

The Will James Society has another program in which the Society will gift new Will James Books free including shipping to schools, county and state libraries, Senior Centers, Children’s Hospitals, military bases and other worthy institutions. Applications for book-gifting can be found on www.willjamessociety.org.

Please consider becoming a member, you will receive the official Will James Society quarterly magazine Cowboys North & South and you can join the fun at our national yearly Gathers and fundraisers! For Membership Applications go to www.willjamessociety.org.

 

Filed Under: Horse Tales Blog

Ruby … You Got Game!

October 14, 2020 by horsetalesltd@aol.com Leave a Comment

By Kim Chappell

“The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.” – William James

Attitude is everything. When I think of leadership and the characteristics of leadership, attitude is top on the list. Your attitude is your personal philosophy in life and it seems that all other  leadership characteristics fall under this umbrella. We know we have to be strong, confident, capable, responsible leaders when we work with our horses (and in life in general), but without the right attitude (or personal philosophy), how can we sustain these other leadership characteristics if our attitude is weak, sketchy, or inconsistent. I dare say we can’t for very long. Attitude is the main ingredient that gives strength to everything else. In my horse camps leadership, and how to develop stronger leadership skills, is the topic. Horse’s look for a leader, they need a leader, and without one the rider is at the mercy of the horse. Good leadership is the key to good horsemanship. But along with this, one must possess the right attitude, especially when the ride becomes challenging.

Your attitude is a choice and one you actively have to decide on. When things are going great it is easy to have a good attitude. When things go south, it is more challenging to decide who you will be in a given moment. When the going gets tough one’s attitude can start to tank and sink like a boat with a hole in it! I see it with the kids all the time. As their coach and trainer it is my job to help them develop a winning attitude and teach them how to sustain it… especially during difficult times. The following story is a great example of a student who made a CHOICE to change her attitude and in turn achieve her personal best in horse camp.

Ruby is an inspiration to me and to all her fellow riders. In camp this week, I was astounded at the transformation one of my students made seemingly overnight. It was a complete 360 from who she was on Monday and who she came to camp as on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. She had just flown in from Boston to visit her grandparents and to attend horse camp. Monday was a challenging day for her, meeting new people, being a beginner horseback rider among novice riders, having a coach, and just being the new kid on the block. She was easily discouraged and would give up far too quickly. This was challenging for me as I tried to connect with her, but in the end it seemed she just wanted to be left alone, although I continued to encourage and support her efforts.

Later that day I pondered how I might be able to reach her so that her experience in the camp could be rewarding and joyous. I thought about the different approaches I could take and what I could say. I reflected on her first day and recalled how she hung back with Morgan, her horse, as we dismounted and tied up for break. I noticed that rather than scurry off like the rest of the campers, she spent extra time stroking Morgan’s face as the two connected on a deeper level. There was an energetic bond between the two of them that seemed to embed itself in the other. As I reflected further on this, I let the idea of “what to do” go and intuitively sensed this would work itself out.

The next day as Ruby rode, I found myself doing frequent double takes as they trotted by, Morgan in self-carriage and Ruby in correct position. Finally I just had to stop the whole camp to ask with genuine interest, “How are you doing what you are doing? And who are you today? Holy Cow! I don’t ever think I have ever seen Morgan connect so quickly and willingly with any one person. How are you doing that?” To which Ruby shrugged and went on her way, as a small smile crept across her face. As the camp progressed, I continued to marvel at this transformation which seemed so effortless.

As the second day ended, I complimented Ruby on her riding and off she went. On day three of the camp, the connection between Morgan and Ruby was even stronger as they continued to ride in unison. This beginner student of 3 days was creating her own kind of magic. So much so, that I said out loud, “Ruby… You Got Game!” At the end of the camp, I asked her to share her secret regarding how she accomplished such a dramatic change. A bit reticent to tell me verbally, I asked her if she would share it with me in writing and if it would be OK to publish it in this month’s article. “The way I changed between Monday night and Tuesday was that I knew that my performance and attitude was not at the level that I wanted it to be at. I set a goal before the camp that I would try my best to not get annoyed. When I did get annoyed, I was a bit disappointed, not in the horse but in myself.

You could say I’m determined if you wanted, I wouldn’t say that myself, but whatever. What I did that night was I told myself, “You flew a 9 hour flight to Nevada to go to a horse camp to have fun. Do you think you are going to have fun when you’re grumpy? No, you won’t. So tomorrow you are going to try hard and have fun.” And I guess that’s what happened and that is how I have a winning attitude.”( Ruby, age 10). This example of attitude in the saddle and out of the saddle, truly illustrates the idea that attitude is everything and that attitude is a choice, not a given. Ruby demonstrated this to the nth degree and I admire her greatly for coming to this realization on her own.

Her ability to learn was there all along but she had to come into the arena in the right frame of mind and with the right attitude. How do you react with your horse when things are not going your way? How do you react in life when things are not going your way? What can you do to change your attitude and in turn change your experience? These are this month’s coaching questions.

Kim Chappell, M.Ed, Instructor and Equine-Facilitated Life Coach. For further information on riding programs and Equinefacilitated life coaching, you can contact Kim at kkc827@aol.com.

Filed Under: Horse Tales Blog

A Celebration of Love for the Horse!

October 14, 2020 by horsetalesltd@aol.com 1 Comment

Gianna-ToscanoBy Sharon DeCarlo

I would like to introduce Gianna Toscano, a truly beautiful bright spot in a rather chaotic upside-down world that we are experiencing right now. So refreshing and positive is this young woman  that I just had to interview her after reading her wonderful school assignment paper entitled “Ode to Horses”.

Gianna is a 15-year-old Sophomore student at Damonte Ranch High School in Reno, Nevada. As a school assignment she was asked to write a piece about the thing that she was most passionate about. As it turns out she absolutely loves horses, this is not an unusual thing, many of us ladies can remember growing up wishing, wanting and craving the ability to have a horse or be able to ride and spend time with them.

Gianna said she has always loved horses, and while her friends learned to read adventure books geared for young readers and teens she was selecting books about horses. Gianna looked for books with pictures and illustrations of horses, cowboy, cowgirls, rodeos, jumping horses and everything and anything to do with horses. This fueled her desire to be a horsewoman and she yearned to know all there was to know about them.

Knowing how horse crazy Gianna was and being the kind of grandparents that live to make their grandkids happy, they gave Gianna 10 riding lessons as a birthday gift about 2½ years ago. Gianna-ToscanoBecause of this wonderful gesture and gift and her parents giving her the green light to go on, Gianna was able to pursue her education and contact with horses. Now Gianna gained even more passion and love for her childhood dreams and in a short time she has become a wise and talented horsewoman. She credits and thanks her family for this opportunity. The stable’s that Gianna currently rides with and receives instruction from is Maplewood Stables just south of Reno.

She credits her instructor and mentor, Elisabeth Beasley, for advancing her knowledge and riding skills along with the great Maplewood horses she handles and rides today. Gianna rides English style and jumping is her favorite of all the English riding forms. She also enjoys trail riding and loves to go to Tahoe and ride the beautiful Tahoe Trail head. Maplewood has provided Gianna with some great allaround horses such as Lorelei, a good solid horse that has taught her a lot.

But now Gianna states, “they have me ride several different horses in order to give me a wider education on how to handle different personalities, situations and challenges.” Gianna’s plans are to further her horsemanship in college and hopefully be on a Hunter Jumping team. Besides having her own good horses one day, Gianna is interested in becoming involved with the rescue horse advocacy. I was so impressed with this young lady’s description of her daily journey with the horse that I felt like I should share it with all the Horse Tales readers as I knew some of you would find many of her expressions and feelings as those you have experienced as well. Her heart is solidly embedded in these wonderful creatures and you can tell that every minute she spends with them is precious, unforgettable and important to her. I hope you enjoy every warm description and heartfelt word in her Ode to Horses!

Gianna-Toscano

Ode to Horses
By Gianna Toscano
A Celebration of Love for the Horse! continued
I wake up to the bright sun shining through my blinds,
7:00 am on the dot,
I am awake as planned.
Apprehension always fills my stomach.
Always the first meal of the day,
Before I even have anything to eat,
And before I feel the usual sense of calm.
7:30
I’m dressed and ready to drive to the stables,
Where I feel truly at home.
Expensive breeches that are comforting to wear,
Like a smile or a hug.
Boots that required time and effort
To mold to my legs,
As though they were all along.
My hair tied back,
Not the most elegant or attractive hairstyle,
But my favorite one.
8:15
I arrive at the stables,
Driving along the winding, bumpy, dirt road.
Riders are in the distant arena,
Elegant and beautiful
Like the best dancers one could imagine,
I can’t keep my bliss from showing.
I smile
Finally, the road ends at the wooden barn.
I am at long last, at peace.
I excitedly clamber out of my car.
I’m full out grinning at this point,
Like a maniac.
8:30
I walk slowly,
Assuredly,
To the pasture
Where the horses are kept.
Aspen trees line the path,
And the creek gurgles alongside it.
They whisper and laugh,
Some inside joke that I get to be a part of.
The sky is blue and there are few clouds.
The air smells crisp and cool,
With subtle hints of dust, manure, and hay.
It’s a very nice morning.
I reach the gate,
Unlock it with confident,
Knowing fingers.
It creaks when it swings open,
But it’s like a sigh,
Not a scream.
I shut it gently behind me.
I walk quickly towards the horses,
Unable to contain my excitement any longer.
Crossing the creek,
My boots are wet,
My socks are wet,
A cold, but familiar feeling.
I have a halter in hand,
I loop it around my horse’s head.
We’re connected now,
We walk together, back to the stable.
8:45
In the stables,
I let out a contended sigh.
I know,
In my soul and in my bones,
That this is where I need to be.
I wrap my arms around my horse’s neck.
She’s soft,
She’s warmth,
She’s calm,
She’s home.
I bury my face
Into the soft fur of her neck.
Breath in deeply,
She smells like dust
And sweet sweat.
I am instantly at ease.
I release her from my embrace.
Pick up a brush,
Polish her coat until she shines,
Beautiful and bronze.
I easily and carefully
Place her saddle on her back.
It sits there,
Waiting for me to fill it.
My friends are here by now,
We trade laughs,
Smiles,
Stories,
And gossip
Like tarot cards. It’s the best feeling in the world,
Getting to be yourself.
9:00
I climb gently
Onto the back of the horse.
I pat her neck soothingly.
I wait for my friends,
We ride together to the arena
In easy, comfortable, silence.
I listen again to the jokes
Of the trees and the creek.
I laugh with them inside my head.
In the arena
I ride with strength,
And confidence.
An easy companionship
Between me and my horse.
Her and I work together well.
We canter and jump,
And together we fly.
The jumps aren’t high
But flying is flying,
No matter how far you get off the ground.
Adrenaline pumps through my veins.
Riding is amazing.
It’s exhilarating,
Calming,
Terrifying.
10:00
We ride down from the arena
Back to the stables.
Sweaty and tired and exhilarated.
I slide smoothly
Off my horse’s back
I land hard on the ground,
Jolted back to reality.
My legs feel like they’re on fire,
So does my soul.
I lazily walk my horse inside.
I slide her saddle off,
I brush her and hose her down.
She smells nice,
Like sweat and happiness.
I walk her outside,
And climb back on,
No saddle this time.
The bones of her back
Press hard into my thighs.
It hurts,
But it is a good pain.
I ride her back to the pasture,
Again listening to the jokes
That the aspens and bubbling creek
Have to tell.
And I laugh.

Gianna-Toscano

Filed Under: Horse Tales Blog

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