When you get thrown off a horse, get back on again

Published 9:58 am Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Commentary By Ashley McCleery

The North Jefferson News



When I interviewed the Reid family for the Hitchin Post article last week, I started thinking about my first and only time on the back of a horse. Let me just say, I will never forget it.

I’ve always loved horses, but I never did have the typical obsession that usually accompanies childhood. While some of my friends collected horse calendars and dreamed of one day owning their own pony, I was perfectly happy cuddling with my kitties. But, I do have a deep appreciation for a horse’s beautiful mane, strong stature and agility.

My first ride on a horse was quite different than those pictures on my friends’ calendars. Instead of a dusty barnyard or rolling green pastures, I mounted my horse in a small pin in South Africa.

Although I was a bit nervous (OK, I was trembling), I couldn’t wait to venture onto the South African terrain with the majestic creature. The ride started off very slow as the horse leisurely walked on a narrow path through the woods and up several hills.

Since he was traveling slowly, I gained enough confidence to get my camera out of my bag slung over my shoulder and snap pictures of the rolling hills. After about 30 minutes on the trail, we graduated from the woods to sand. Before I knew it, my horse was galloping up a relatively large sand dune.

During the unexpected surge forward, I clung to the horse as much as possible. Despite the constant shifting of the saddle, I was bound and determined to stay on top of the horse. Well, the saddle slid to the right side of the horse, and needless to say, so did I. Then, I ever so gracefully fell on the sand.

After dusting myself off and picking sand out of my teeth, I again mounted my horse. This time the saddle was snug against he horse’s back and so was I. Once I regained my composure, I couldn’t believe the breathtaking view.

I was sitting atop my horse on a sand dune overlooking the Indian Ocean. Apparently my horse was just as excited to see the ocean as I was because he took off. Before I knew it, he was galloping, which soon turned into a full-force run.

Although I was hanging onto the horse for dear life, I couldn’t help but smile, even laugh out loud. I was riding a horse for the first time on the beach of the Indian Ocean. The crisp air, the crashing waves, the light blue sky, the majestic horse — I just couldn’t help but praise the Lord.

When I got back to the little ranch, I was sad that the adventure was over but ready to relieve my achy muscles. But, I think my horse was more tired than I was because he simply sat down on the ground and rolled over on his back, almost crushing my leg in the process. Rest assured, I was fine.

When I got back into the van, I just kept thinking how wonderful my experience was, but I also couldn’t help but laugh at how similar it is to life.

Life is an adventure. We may get stuck in sticky situations or difficult trials and fall off the horse every now and then, but we learn to get back onto the horse. Sometimes it may seem like it’s not worth the hard work, and then we come to the top of the mountain, look down and lose our breath to the view.