Embarking on the journey

I walked down the center aisle of the barn, my walker banging and clanging with every step I took. Large fans blew cool air across my face and brushed bits of hay past my eyes. Curious horses peeped anxiously over their stalls to see what was making such a commotion in their otherwise serene environment; several barn cats looked annoyed as they scurried out of my way. 

I stood there for a few moments, pondering this new experience, as I inhaled the scent of horses, fresh grass, sweet feed, hay. Coming from around the corner I heard a quiet voice say “You must be Mary… I am Dayna.”  The riding coach greeted me with a warm smile, and after talking briefly about my riding experience, she said, “Let’s go meet Annabelle.” She directed me to a beautiful bay, a Tennessee Walker with big soft brown eyes that gazed sweetly at me. I ran my fingers up and down her silky slick coat and showered her with kisses. Annabelle responded by gently nuzzling me with her velvet brown nose as if it to say, ‘’don’t worry… you are safe with me.”

Dayna showed me the importance of properly preparing the horse for the saddle, how to pick her hooves up to clean out the accumulated dirt, and which brush was designed for different parts of the body. I picked up a curry comb and began slowly working  in a rhythmic pattern, then used a soft brush to polish up the shine on her coat. This process was not only important for the physical well-being of the horse, but also for developing an emotional bond between the horse and rider, a bond that happened very quickly between me and this sweet mare.

 After the grooming process was complete, Dayna placed the pad and saddle gently on Annabelle’s sturdy back, showing me where the withers were located, how to tighten the girth, and the correct way to secure the bridle. It took a little creativity and a few trials and errors before we figured how to get me up into the saddle, but once in place, I slid my foot into the stirrup and picked up the reins. I felt as if I had reached the top of the mountain after a long and tiring climb. I knew right then I had found my spot in the world and that God was revealing his wonderful, beautiful promise for my life. I sat peacefully for a moment, taking in the experience, then smiled as I guided Annabelle into the arena.

 I spent most of the first lesson slowly walking around the enclosed pen, allowing my body to get used to the movement of the horse, as Dayna explained step by step everything that was taking place.  I was soon able to let go of the tension and anxiety that had been stored up in me for so long, and after a few laps around the arena, I felt my body relax and fall into rhythm with the horse.

When I felt comfortable and balanced in the saddle, Dayna said, “How would you like to try a little trot?”  I couldn’t believe my ears… this was huge… for the first time in my entire riding history, I was going to be allowed to have freedom with this beautiful animal; no lead lines, no people constantly hovering over me in fear just waiting for me to fall.  I was being treated just like every other student. This had never happened to me before, and I didn’t know what to think, but I knew in that moment I had found the perfect coach, an incredible barn, and I was beginning the journey of a lifetime.