Adventure #17
I mount the horse, feeling somewhat like getting on the back of a motorcycle. There is one major difference: this is a living, breathing, mind-of-its own animal. Logically, I understand that these animals are tame and well-trained.
I heave myself up and over, straddling this large animal.
The wrangler instructs me to rest my foot on the shoulder of this beast as she adjusts the stirrups. Once everything is set, it is a sweet kissing sound that gets the horse, Maylee, to move. I begin to realize this mare is truly a gentle giant, and I begin to trust her.
We set off into the fields of Kohala Mountain. Breath-taking views of sprawling grasslands that gradually slope all the way down to the ocean. Maylee is easy to guide and I relax into the saddle, enjoying the views.
The wind sends the tall grass sideways and rushes over my cheeks. I look over to my mom. I have heard her talk about wanting to ride horses for my entire life, and today I am watching her dream come true. The pure bliss that washes over her face is priceless and it is a honor to be in its presence.
There is a long straight away, and as I ever so gently squeeze Maylee, she goes off trotting. It is a quicker pace and I giggle with delight. Gaining more trust and enthusiasm for this ride, we ride even faster, breaking into a canter. Maylee seems to love it as much as I do as she bounds down the trail. It is exhilarating. As the ride winds down I realize I am loving it far more than I imagined I would. It just goes to show, once again, you never know until you try.
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