Happiness

The thing that I absolutely love about riding is that when I am in the saddle I think about nothing else but that moment. Yesterday, I had my first regularly scheduled lesson at my new barn. I had the opportunity to ride a show horse who gave me a nice challenge.

He is a 6 year old American Saddlebred gelding - big and bold at 16.2 hands and there ain't nothing "push-button" about him. I had to work for every nice gait and it was so damn fun. His trot is so big that I thought a couple of times I was going to end up down on the ground...16.2 hands wouldn't have been so nice then. But, I managed to stay on yesterday.

The first way around the ring was a little ugly. Actually, it was a lot ugly. I was humbled by how much I suck at riding and how much I still have to learn. But, by the second way I started to figure him out a bit and we had a couple of nice passes. Adam got it on video and I will try to upload some later. I know, I know - you're all on pins and needles.

Anyway. Yesterday was the first time since we arrived in Oregon that I felt completely at ease. All of this new-ness has left me feeling vulnerable and a little scared at times. I've had to push myself to leave the house to run errands in all of this traffic and craziness and I am very happy that I have a place to go to where the people are chill and into the same things I am.

Kobe was a happy boy too. He came along and got to run around with all of the barn dogs. The ride home was killer because in addition to having an ear to ear grin we got to listen to a cd changer full of new music thanks to Gary and Loni.

Yesterday was one of those days that I felt very lucky to be alive and in the place that I am. For your viewing pleasure, a view of Mt. Hood with the sun setting, taken on our way home last night.