According to the philosophy of karma, we were all animals at one point throughout our many lifetimes. Personally, I am still mulling over this theory. One thing I do know is that we cannot underestimate our non-human counterparts with whom we share the planet.
It was a lesson I learned recently when I went horseback riding for the first time. I’d never done it before so I signed up for a trail-riding lesson at a ranch in Oakville.
After we signed waivers and received introductions to the ranch team, it was time to get our horses. As I waited impatiently with the group for the matchmaking between horse and rider to begin, I wondered which horse would be mine. One by one, a ranch hand would disappear into the barn and emerge with a new horse, appropriately pairing it with someone from the group. The large Belgian horse went to the six foot guy in our group. Daisy, the demure palomino was matched with the pretty, petite blonde.
Soon, one of the ranch workers strolled out from the barn, leading an auburn mare with a long mane. I watched as she confidently tossed her majestic head and stopped in my direction. She made direct eye contact through the long thick brown eyelashes as she stared at me daringly. I couldn’t look away. “Who wants to ride Red,” the ranch hand said, without looking up. That was my cue. “I’ll ride her,” I said.
She stood obediently as I climbed onto her back. I was told she liked a long rein and as a novice, I assumed it meant she was easy to work with. But as soon as the ranch worker moved away, Red began to move, tossing her head back and forth, forcing me to loosen the reins a bit more.
“Whoa,” I said, pulling on the reins slightly. She stopped. Ok, this wasn’t so bad.
The group started to move and Red took her place in the line. The first fifteen minutes were easy and I was comfortable as she strode cooperatively behind the horse in front of her, so I let the reins looser and stroked the auburn neck. She was beautiful.
We went along for a little while until she decided to stop for a bite of grass. No problem, I let her take a nibble and she continued to walk. Then she stopped for another bite, this time a few mouthfuls. I clicked my tongue and she started to move again. A few more feet and she moved off the trail to the side and started to eat without stopping. The lineup behind us ceased and I didn’t know what to do. “Come on,” I urged and pulled back gently on the reins. She just kept nibbling, paying no attention to the tugs. “Let’s go girl.” Nothing.
“You have to kick Red,” I heard a yell from behind. It was the ranch hand who paired me with her. I kicked her sides gently. Nothing. I kicked harder and pulled back on the reins, this time firmly. She lifted her head and moved.
After some time, the leader stopped, halting the lineup of horses for a quick break. Red moved off the trail again and started to pull grass. “How do I get her to stop?” I asked the lead.
He smiled. “For the first little while, they like to test you. They want to see what they can get away with.”
“Ok, so how do I get her to stop and listen?”
He smiled again. “We’re taking a break, so it’s ok for now.” My question hung in the air, unanswered.
“Ok, let’s go,” he finally said and his horse started to lead the way. Red was still eating.
“Ok, girl,” I said. “Let’s go.” I pulled the reins, kicked her sides and she moved. Ten more feet and she started veering to the side. “No,” I said and tugged again. A few more feet and she swayed again. I steered her back on the trail and kicked her sides as I firmly said, “No, lets’ go.”
The remainder of the ride was a little tense on my part, but I kept a firm grip on the reins and made sure we stayed on the path. When she decided to jog on occasion, I went with it…after all, she had to have a little fun.
As the ranch came into view, Red picked up her pace, strolled directly to the trough, and began to drink. The lead hand smiled and said, “I’ll let her drink before you dismount. She’s pretty determined.”
When I dismounted, I watched them lead her into the barn. I followed. She had intrigued me. I had to stroke her again and as she munched on hay, she looked right into my eyes and I stepped back so slightly.
The mirror reflection looked back at me. The strong, independent female that intrigued and yet intimidated. I suddenly understood the frustration and fear of losing control.
I smiled.
It was only the first date. The struggle would be there for a while, but I figured I’d go back again and build my relationship with this strong willed mare. It was only appropriate that I experienced what it was like from the other side – karma dictated it.
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