December 14th, 2009    Gratitude

We've had our horses here for awhile now, but our riding has been limited, mostly because we didn't have acres and acres to explore like we did back at our friend's farm. This weekend that limitation was remedied, as we got permission from our neighbor to ride anywhere we like on their 250 acres of vast fields, woodlands, and valleys. Today Rebecca and I went for our first riding adventure back in those woods.

Rebecca felt a little hesitant as it was Indra's first time in these new fields and  we were riding bareback with only halters and ropes. We did some emergency dismount training in the yard before we went out, and since her excitement was stronger than her apprehension, she was soon up on Indra's back, riding through the snow as we ventured over the hills.

Indra proved to be very calm and stable, and as we rode we talked about how this is exactly what we were hoping for when we brought the horses to live at Sweetwater with us. The freedom to just throw a halter on, jump on their backs, and ride. Today we're feeling very grateful for this freedom, and thankful for all the gracious neighbors out there who make it possible to savor life's adventures.

Back to the Journal