Monday, May 31, 2010

Go loses much of its appeal when you can't stop

It's true. But one of the reasons I ride is the sheer joy of being able to cover ground in the swift and athletic manner that is only possible from the back of a horse. Nothing compares to the euphoria of flying along a beach at a dead gallop, the surge of powerful muscles rocketing you forward, the sheer elation in soaring over a five foot oxer, the athleticism of the dance-like sweep of the canter half-pass, until...your life flashes before your eyes as you realize you have no say-so over speed and direction. It's terror on a primitive scale when you know your survival is in sincere jeopardy.

It occurred to me, upon reflection from the safety of my office chair, that the horse isn't particularly happy in those moments, either. He's lost harmony with his closest herd member--me, the rider--and one thing a horse wants is to get along with the herd. It's that survival thing again. The reasons for this unhappy situation can be myriad. That's not the point. The point is, we've gone from a place where we're all having fun, to a point where none of us are. We're each solely concerned with--that's right--our own survival.

It's a lot like life. There is joy and freedom when Go and Stop are both options, and when none of the participants are in survival mode. When we keep an eye out for each other, and stay sensitive to loss of balance, Go is bliss.

8 comments:

  1. And here you are: GO-ing with your new blog! And we're all going to ride along with you...

    congratulations!
    and xo

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  2. Congratulations on your new blog, Susan! I love the title and can't wait to learn from your horse.

    ~ Krista
    Domestic Diva Mysteries
    Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen

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  3. Susan, this is terrific. I look forward to hearing the other life's lessons you've learned from your horse. Clever idea.
    Grace

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  4. Susan, what a wonderful blog. And excellent idea! Love the way you capture how it feels to ride a horse. I haven't ridden since I was a kid, but your words brought it all back vividly.

    - Heidi

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  5. What a beautiful horse, Susan. Congratulations on your new blog.

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  6. Great post, Susan! Congrats on your new blog! I love how in a few words you've captured and conveyed the wonderful energy and thrill of riding a horse. Well done! Peace, Lisa

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  7. Thanks, everyone. This is fun...and I'm certainly not lacking for material!

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