As though I had Wings....

I think there are a lot of sayings about how good a horse is for you.

I think they should include mules don't you?

What can I say?

I had a friend who was going to come riding with me. I had visitors who were going to come and visit this summer and distance themselves...who wanted to come riding with me.

So far none of that has worked.

So I walked out to the pasture yesterday to see who would come to me while I was holding a halter and lead rope.

Sunshine.

She is my all around go anywhere little mule. The mule we tried so hard to sell at one time. 

The mule we nearly gave up on when she had a severe injury.

When Rich and I started riding her at parks and other places, people started to notice her. Some even offered us a small price for a small mule.

She isn't a pony, but she isn't tall either.

She is just right for me now. Easy on easy off, and a mature mindset.

Well, put all that aside.

I've been really nervous about riding solo. I was spoiled last summer with Molly coming to visit and ride at least once or twice a week.

I realize now, I'm back to just me.

I took Siera last week on some of the steep hillsides after we toured the ridge top. She did fine.

Nothing like those long ears!

I guess I am tired of waiting and I have no one but myself to blame.

I weighed the risks of riding solo in the WildWood and decided that I can safely do it with these two.

Accidents do happen, I know that.

However.

The calm I felt after riding yesterday was immeasurable.

I felt a peace so overwhelming.

I want to think again of dangerous and noble things,

I want to be light and frolicsome,

I want to be improbable beautiful and afraid of nothing,

as though I had wings.

~Mary Oliver

I've always loved to ride.

When I was much younger I got hooked on riding my Uncle's horses.  I started riding at a very young age.

Normally I got stuck with the pony, which was fine by me.  He wasn't the 'nicest' pony in the world and was always a challenge in one way or another.

But I could get on and off all by myself without ever using a saddle.

My father took this photo of my sister and I ... I think when we were teenagers.

I'm the one on the pony called Thunder.
He was the Devil Pony.  But then again, he was a great trainer for all the little tricks that equine can have.

Then I grew up and started riding Cheyanne...
She was always a bit of a challenge too.  She was quirky but such a great ride.

Along came Badger and he was my main 'go to' animal.  I could ride this 15 hand guy bareback and he'd never let me fall!
Although I needed a bucket to mount him or a ditch in the woods.

So this morning I am having riding withdrawals.  Really I do.  I get into that cranky mode where I am struggling.  I need to get my ride fix.

And today we are moving the Dexter cattle and it is supposed to thunderstorm on and off all day.

But tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful and sunny.
I WILL get my fix!

Siera says she is itching for an adventure.
I want to prepare her for my 4th of July One Mule Parade anyway!

She is certainly an incredible mule.  So unlike any other equine I've ever had which suits me fine.  
Each one has an individuality which makes them special.