Every Wed. for almost a year, we've been at Pacifica for Tesla's horse riding lessons. Tesla loves horses. And when I look back, she was always crazy for horses. I didn't piece it together until horse-loving folks told me, "either you have it or you don't." Apparently, Tesla has it. I mean Chocolate, Tesla's fav horse stuffy (that I tried to get rid of since it was so big), made it into a family portrait years back. Chocolate still sits on her bed.
Now, Tesla cleans stalls (poop), cleans horse shoes (make horse pick their hoof up to get picked at), brushes them, and rides them. When her teacher pushes her with strict detailed instructions, Tesla follows. A slight shift of weight, tug of the reign, or not properly holding in reigns makes a huge difference. So seeing Tesla guide her horse in a specific way, over logs, around barrels...well, I am impressed. The horse would wander if the rider isn't in control.
Last Wed, Tesla's horse got spooked. Hanging out with horses over this year, I get it. They are chicken about any sound or movement, imagined or not. When walking around them, you are supposed to constantly touch them so they don't get surprised, as in, "I'm here, and here, and walking around you here." Otherwise they might kick you.
I saw Tesla's fall happen. Lucy, her horse, bucked, and Tesla hung on as if to a bucking bull. It seemed like she was calculating the best time to fall off/be thrown off. She was calm as a cucumber. I've been on a few horses (before Tesla took lessons and I paid occasionally for touristy rides at her plead), and felt a few jolts...each time it was scary for me because you don't know what this giant animal will do.
Luckily, she's ok. Her ankle hurts, but not sprained She's resting at home for a few days. This is a part of being a cowgirl.
I showed her today a picture of her great-grandmother riding a horse with my dad on the saddle. She was an accomplished rider and horse lover. I never met her as she passed in childbirth with my uncle. I can't imagine how hard it was for my dad and uncle. I like to believe that through Tesla, she passed on this horse love. We never encouraged Tesla, but here is her passion. And I love it as I feel & see a connection with this amazing woman.
Fantastic story! I truly love the photos from top to bottom. Your father's mother, that smile! and what a beautiful image of her and your father on a most handsome horse. Wow! Yes, if you're going to be a horsewoman you WILL eventually get kicked, thrown, stepped on, knocked down and nipped on occasion. It's all part of it. Thank you so much for sharing this story. Love, Auntie.
Posted by: catholicpagan | 05/20/2016 at 09:19 AM