So here I am 5 days before we leave to head North to South Dakota - to ride Mount Rushmore. A circle of friends have been planning this ride for about 8 months and the time is finally here.
We start our adventure with the Just Right Horse. Having this goal has forced me to ride - and ride a lot - and ride in tough situations. Trail riding is an adventure in problem solving. JR has it figured out... you go the shortest way to go home. He seems like a white freckled carrier pigeon and always wants to turn to the road that will lead to the highway home. He will always pick the right path in the mud however-- he wont hop over streams but will go when I ask - in a direction he didn't think of. He doesn't crop hop up steep inclines or loose rock, but uses his strong haunches to engage 4 wheel drive and moves with great power.
We have traveled over 60 miles this summer, doing things I never dreamed of doing. But more importantly, developing my relationship with JR and dealing with Fear and Anxiety. It has been a successful journey.
I have ridden with some amazing people on this journey. It all starts with Susan Engle and will never end because of her. She was my first contact in the world of natural horsemanship and truly the best friend I will ever know. We know the truth about each other - we accept the truth - we encourage the truth and she is an never ending conduit of the best stories and one of the funniest most amazing horse people I know. How did I ever get this lucky?
I have been fortunate to have partners in crime that are good and decent human beings. Deb Scott and her " oh there is only a little mud - it doesn't last very long..." encouraging my waning confidence and providing a great example of determined horsewomanship - while chatting to keep me calm. We rode almost all of the miles together this summer.
Then there is Kathleen and Izzey - it is hard to believe we have been friends for such a long time now - they are the creators of this Bucket list adventure - and ever encouraging every step on any adventure --- be it driven or riding. So here we are... preparing for a new one together. I am privileged to have their commitment to my success and their own - knowing we tell it like it is.
So here I am - prepping and planning. Today was JRs appointment for Health papers, Coggins and shots. He loaded on the trailer with no argument - even in the 97 degree heat.
At the Vet clinic - they were very complimentary of his health and what good shape he is in. Said he was excellent and then talked about how much fun we would have on our journey at Mt Rushmore... how beautiful and amazing it was. Jr was not terribly impressed - and is not a fan of anything the vet had to offer. However - I will say that when Dr Wooderson came out to chat - he got very close - relaxed and sniffed his hand.
So now on to the final planning - get ready cause here we come!
