Recently, my ride began like any other ride. I had requested my usual horse, Sahara. (She is absolutely beautiful!) Once I mounted her, I whispered “good girl” and rubbed her mane. It was hot, but we were going to venture through the woods, so we’d both be able to enjoy the shade.
My guide is excellent, and because I’m a “regular,” we tend to do the less familiar trails. (I’ve moved beyond the beginner trails. Thank God for progress!) I was thrilled to be out there, even though there were huge horse flies—for a moment I thought I was in Jurassic Park—and I had to traverse spider webs (and we later encountered a snake). It was just a wonderful summer day, and then I noticed that Sahara was really bothered by the flies. (I’m sure they were biting her because I’d been bitten.) I tried to swat them away, to no avail, and Sahara decided to solve her own problem—by rubbing herself against a tree.
I could feel her as she began to move toward the tree, and I realized that I was either going to be smashed against that tree or I was going to fall. I chose the latter. So, there I was…now sprawled up against her, looking up from the ground and laughing out loud. When I fell, she stopped immediately and just stood there beside me. My guide was horrified that I’d fallen, but I assured her I was fine. Honestly, it made me enjoy the ride even more. I felt like a true equestrian, and I got right back up, climbed up on my horse, and enjoyed that ride even more. It really was a great experience.
The Manna Chef 