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.