My kids, my husband have had horses for 20+ years. I lived the dream through them. Two years ago, at 63 we bought back my daughters old show horse. She’s a mare and 22-and she can be a hand full. I had my doubts it would work at first, but we have bonded and most days its a good ride. My saying is “put on your big girl panties, you can do this.” We are lucky enough to have a place to ride on our property and have been on some trail rides. I know that feeling being out there, beauty, peaceful and everything good all at once. I have a coffee cup with the same John Wayne saying. Enjoy the ride!!

I enjoyed the ride with you….thru your wonderful words, it brought back the days of my youth when I rode my own horse….felt the wind, the sun and the clip clop of the horses hoofs flipping on the road….just a wonderful day of riding mes you feel alive! And I love North Carolina…. its my favorite state….that and West Virginia and Pennsylvania…all so lovely country side for riding a horse! Thanks for sharing your event at riding….it brought back wonderful memories of my youth….I miss the ride! Yes, grab it while you still camp it, because once your bones get too old and brittle, you dot dare ride a horse. Boy do I miss it…..sometimes when I drive down this one road, that bumpy road almost feels as if I am on a horse again, going up and down with the wave of the road……makes me feel as if I’m on a horse again….its why I drive/down that road when I can….because it gives me that same country road ride feeling as if I’m on a horse again….its one thing you never forget…thanks fir the ride! Its just as lovely to read about it. Boy do I miss my horse!

Dearest Rebekah,
I just knew you would be riding one day! I can’t wait to see the pictures when you are on your soul-horse, Merlin. Thank you for your wonderful posts! I enjoy them so much!
Your Farmgirl Friend,
Diane

You’re more than half way there. Fear, smear. BTW, Merlin is drop-dead gorgeous and he really does smile.

While I read your blog today, I held onto every word. As a young girl, I went horseback riding with my grandfather as much as I could and enjoyed every moment of it. Now that I’m in my fifties I would be just like you. I would love to have that opportunity to try but it would be scary. Living on a farm has always been a dream of mine.

Ok! Now you know the peace and joy of riding a horse who is well suited to you! This is the way it should ALWAYS feel. Every time. Every ride. Until you are a real bonafide professional trainer. THEN you ride Merlin. You will be happier this way, trust me! I know you love your MM but whoever sold him to you should have known they were doing you a greet disservice. Shame on them. ANDRE is the MAN! (Well, HORSE! ) I am so glad you got to experience horses the way it’s supposed to be!

Oh my !you should have been a writer! You missed your calling! That was soooo enjoyable and hilarious to read! Wow! You lucky girl! Oh what joy horses bring! I too am a farm girl at heart! My husband and Zi built a farmhouse in Boise Idaho last year on our 26 acres! We have the dogs! A cay we named Gypsey who came wondering through our hay field in kitten stage! Three darling Nubian goats named Oliver,Popye and Rueben! All that’s missing is my LIFELONG great of owning a horse! I want the wood barn too! Soon I hope! I rode when I was young and now at 57 I have brains and know I can get hurt! Ha! Scared like you and figured the same as you that if I didn’t ride I would just look at this magnificent creature and pet and feed him or her? Not sure yet! I want a paint! Well ! You have really inspired me to face my fears and go for it! God will help us! Right! Ha! Enjoying the beauty of nature! Animals! Friends family and let’s not fogey great farmyard decorating and food! Ha! Every day matters! Oh the blessings we have! Your new friend,Cindy , Write to me if you get a chance! Thanks for the terrific heartfelt story! Loved it!

My heart was pounding right along with yours Rebekah. I’m proud of you for taking the chance to ride again. I could feel the fresh cold air on my cheeks and hear the clip-clop along the trail. Your words took me through every horse memory I have right up from when I fell passionately in love with them when I was 9 till this very minute! I never had one of my own as a youngster and I was too busy being a career gal in my 20’s and 30’s to make it happen and doing other fun things instead. But when our daughter turned 10 ( I was 47 then, now 52) she and I signed up for riding lessons together. She was so brave and quite a natural little rider. No fear in that girl. I however was terrified and very fearful but I got on each week and did my best. My instructor was very patient and never pushed me beyond my limits or the horses for that matter. Eventually I over came my fear and began to feel more comfy in the saddle but it took me almost a year to get there! I thought I was close to finally being able to get my first horse back then but finances changed and we stopped lessons. Our daughter never really fell as hard for horses the way I had as a girl, but she has some great memories of her riding ( and a couple of shows she did ) and we will always have our memories of learning together. I love your message in this post. We all have things we are afraid of and it’s best we just get over it and get on with it if we are to have any REAL adventure in life! You go City Farmgirl! You got this! With more help and practice you’ll be on your way. BTW… the horse I eventually felt the most comfortable on was a huge 16 1/2 hands part draft horse and part Hanoverian. He was a bit stubborn and could be a bit skiddish too but over all he was a big love. I was crazy about him! Your Andre made me think of my Bandit! Hugs from the Beach, sister! xo Deb

Good for you! Fly, Fly, Fly women. You did it and it was so great. You have half the battle over. Do you know how many people can not trailer their horses? Many I can assure you. Some are problems with the horses, some with the person who is trying to trailer them.
I do not know if you noticed but your horse Merlin is very attentive of you. See the ear’s , one is toward you and one toward the camera person. All except the last pic and then one is toward the camera and one toward something going on next or behind the car. You really have nothing to fear unless both ears are pointed back and flat then best to get off quickly. I also noticed that your boots have your heal pointing toward the ground that is good. I am not a fan of the split rains and two hands holding the rains. All the horses I rode and trained went for neck raining very quickly and I felt more secure with one hand on the rains and one free to grab the horn should my horse get testy (spooked or just in a bad mood). I am a 72 year old cowgirl who, when young rode her friends horses, then later got her own. I had great friends that taught me to ride both a western saddle and bareback. Believe me when I say that if you get to a point of riding bareback there is nothing greater than feeling the horse in tune with you and you with him/her. Your horse will always be testy when he goes for periods of time not ridden. Then it is best to put a training lead on him and get him to go around and around until he seems to want to go the other direction. This will take the testyness out of him and he will come to you willingly. That is called Joining. It simply means to be one with you and you are the boss. Ask your trainer about it. It will also give you confidence.
Well, happy trails to you and don’t give up. Remember you are at least half way there and go out with a carrot or apple to Merlin and talk sweetly to him, watch his ears that tells you a lot. Horses just love being talked to that way.
Always a cowgirl now in my heart,
Kay

Yours was the first blog I’ve read and I have to thank you Rebekah. Pure enjoyment!

My husband and I trained horses and trail rode for many years. We would go camping with our horses for the most wonderful vacations. The key to enjoying your horse or horses is…..to keep on ridin’. Enjoy.