Baby's Day Out

Last Sunday was a big day for Madge. We took her on her first trip to the local riding park. Sure, she's been away from the barn before for a few shows, but this was her first official trip on the trail.

I wasn't too worried about her behavior, because she's proven to be a very well-behaved girl when she's in halter--thanks to hours of ground work over the past ten months. However, I did bring Travis along to have an extra hand, just in case she got loose.

Travis and I loaded up the girls at the barn with no trouble. Madge started riding in the trailer with her mother when she was barely three months old, so we've never experienced any trailer problems with her. *knock on wood*

After an uneventful drive with a full load (we had Maxine and Belle in the trailer, too), we arrived a the park. There weren't many people there, so I parked the rig and headed back to unload the girls.

That's when I noticed something amusing. Every other person in the parking lot stopped what they were doing to watch us unload the trailer. As they leaned in to chat with friends, I could hear their conversations in my head: "I wonder what breed they have?"; "Is the handler any good?"; "Are they going to step out nicely or shoot out of the trailer like a rocket?"

How do I know what they're saying? Because, I do the same thing--we all do.

Confident in Madge's training, I opened the window, clipped on Madge's lead line, and unclipped the trailer tie. It was her first time in the rear stall, and I didn't want her to back out by accident, so I asked Travis to hold her by the window while I opened the door. Then, I stepped inside and backed her calmly out of the trailer.

Success!

Emily arrived a few minutes later and we tacked up the girls, including Madge. This was her fourth time with the bit and she's holding it well, thanks to a tip from my trainer. Molasses is your friend!

After a quick warm-up, we were off. I'd like to say that I have something more exciting to tell you, but it was a relaxing, uneventful ride. We passed a few people on the trail, said hello to a couple with an exited (but tightly held) dog, and even ventured a few steps into the river. Madge accepted it all like a seasoned veteran.

Toward the end of our ride, while we trotted through the field, I noticed something curious about Madge--she kept her eye on Maxine the entire time, as if to ask, "Am I doing it right?" She's so damned attentive!

To be honest, that's the biggest personalitly difference between Madge and Maxine. As wonderful and broke as Maxine is, there's always a little piece of her mind that's thinking about something else. Each ride I have to work to get her full attention, which could take five seconds or 15 minutes depending on her mood. Madge is the exact opposite. Except for bouts of youthful vigor, Madge's focus when in halter is always on her handler--human or mule.

"How'd it go?" Travis asked as we returned to the trailer.

"Great," I replied. "She didn't bat an eyelash at anything. Not even the meandering bridge with no rails."

"Did you expect any less?" he asked.

"Not really," I smiled.

Photo: Madge plays with her bit as we get ready to head out on the trail.

Making Dreams Come True

Other than a few minutes atop my friends pony when I was about ten, I've never ridden bareback. As someone who took up riding later in life, I often envy those who got to spend hours of bliss riding atop the furry backs of their childhood equines. There's no substitute for the experience--and fearlessness--one gains as a young rider.

I've always considered the though of riding Maxine bareback. However, it was always one of those thoughts I never quite took seriously. "Sometimes I still lack a little confidence in my English saddle, so how could I handle riding bareback," I'd say to myself. "Besides, I don't know if she's ever been ridden bareback, so it might not go well."

Then on day, as I watched my friend effortlessly hop aboard Maxine while we putting up our mules after a ride, my thoughts turned to desire. It was obvious that she had no problem with a bareback rider, so it was up to me to take the next step. That's when I set my goal to ride Maxine bareback--at the walk and trot--by the end of the summer. (We'll leave cantering for later.)

When my husband asked me what I'd like for Valentine's Day a few days later, it didn't take me long to answer...

"I want a bareback pad."

"You want a bareback pad?" he asked.

"Yeah, a bareback pad," I replied.

"Why do you want a bareback pad?"

"To ride bareback, silly. Besides, they come in red and if you spread them out they kinda look like a heart, so it's perfect for Valentine's Day."

"But, where can I find a bareback pad?"

"Check the bookmarks on the computer, Sweetie."

"Of course, why didn't I think of that." *eye roll*

After dropping my not-so-subtle hint, I wasn't too surprised when I opened my Valentine's Day gift, but I was definitely ecstatic to see that Travis had fulfilled my wish.

The next weekend, I took my precious gift to the barn. After a feisty English lesson--Maxine recently had a flake of alfalfa added to her daily diet, so she's been a little head strong lately--I threw on my new pad and exchanged her Kimberwick for her curb bit.

I passed my trainer as I walked to the mounting block.

"Well, here goes," I joked. "Hope I don't kill myself."

"You'll be fine," she replied. "Though, I do want to compliment you for changing into a stronger bit first. That shows good horse sense."

Personal observation: There's one thing I know for sure--a fool and his horse are soon parted, I try my hardest not to be the fool!

As Maxine stood quietly at the mounting block, I swung my leg over and gently lowered onto her back. With a easy leg cue, Maxine eased forward into the walk, and I didn't fall off! Yippee!

Grinning from ear to ear, I giggled every time my weight shifted as Max turned a corner. With no mane to grab for security (dang mules!), I definitely had to rely on my seat and legs for balance. Comfortable, but not completely secure in my seat, I decided it that I'd save the trotting for later. For now, I would simply enjoy the fact that I was halfway toward my goal.

After about 15 satisfying minutes, I dismounted, gave Maxine a peppermint, and thanked her for making yet another one of my dreams come true.

Photo: Me and Maxine on our first bareback ride.