I’ve been so busy lately, all i’ve been able to do at the barn is clean the stall, give a few treats, then I had to get going. This past weekend I was off work so I decided I needed to work out my horse. I remembered how great it felt to ride and how much of a stress relief!
I hooked my mare up in the crossties, grabbed my bucket of brushes and combs from my tack box my boyfriend made me, and got to work. Gently I brushed her back where the saddle would rest and her belly where the girth would squeeze. I braided her forelock and tail and let her mane rest flat on her neck.
I patted her butt as I walked behind her back into the tack room, pausing in front of the saddle. Taking a breath I reminisced on the last time I rode. When i say it’s been awhile I mean months. Since it’s been so long, I don’t know how my mare is going to act. Will she buck? Try and throw me? Take off and I slide off?
I picked up the blankets and the saddle but left the bridle. Balancing the heavy western saddle on my right arm I set up the rack next to the crossties for it. Angel shifted her position and gave me a look as if saying “is that the saddle?!” I just gave her a smile, a treat and a kiss on the nose. She let out a grunt and shakes her head.
I lay the blankets evenly on her back, pick up the saddle and with a heave plopped it on her back. She perked up with the new unfamiliar weight on her back.I adjusted all the straps and straightened the girth. Lifting one stirrup and laying it over the horn of the saddle I reached under and grabbed the girth. I began threading it through and tighten it up. Angel pushed out her stomach.
Once I finished cinching up the saddle, i went back to grab the bridle and reins. It felt good feeling the braided leather. It’s been awhile since she had the bit in her mouth as well. Before putting tossing the reins over her head, I gave her a treat. Looping my arm under her chin, she dropped her head and I slid the bridle on. She took the bit like she’s never gotten out of it.
My boyfriend opened up the door to the arena while Angel and I walked in. I lead her in a circle to face him as he slid the door across the rusted rollers to hug the other side. I picked up the stirrup again to throw it over the horn of the saddle to make sure the girth was tight. Roger came over to hold Angel for me to mount. I put my left foot into the stirrup, grabbed the reins and the seat of the saddle and swung my right leg over her back.  Shortening up my reins and giving a gentle, yet firm enough, kick to her side to say “lets go”, we were off. The first few laps were at a steady walk, then I loosened up reins and gave her another kick. Her pace picked up we were trotting, I began to post, which is to move in synch with the horse's gait. One more tap to her side and we were cantering. I felt like I was flying. I heard Angels hoofs pounding the ground in a beautiful melody. Her breaths were heavy but corresponded with our movement. I brought her back to a walk with a “woah,” and took her around a few more times then outside and back in before finally getting off. I was so proud of my mare for being so well behaved after not being ridden in a while. I made sure to give her plenty of treats and pats on the neck for a job well done.  Angel has a clean stall to rest in after our workout. I gave her a few more treats and kisses before I had to leave.
It felt great to be back in the saddle, I don’t know if anyone who isn’t a “horse girl” will understand.