My niece has been here visiting me for awhile and we've been getting a good amount of horse time. Lessons, evening rides, feeding and lunging and all kinds of good things. It has gotten me out more and it has been satisfying for her.
I'm surprised at how mannerly my mustang has been towards her. Oh, maybe I shouldn't say surprised, since I wouldn't have put her on him had I not trusted him, but I'm pleased with how he has come through. He's been infinitely patient and willing as she works through all the dos and don't of catching, saddling, and riding.
She took a couple of lessons with Janet and has had a little trail riding, a little arena work, and a little groundwork - the pupu platter of horsewomanship.
You won't catch this modern girl in Wranglers (well, not yet - I'll work on that) - no, she likes to ride in her leggings or her jeggings and a flannel shirt. 'Course, mid-day, in Bishop, in the height of summer we've had her strip down to a t-shirt and leggings so that she doesn't suffer from heat stroke!
Smokin' knows his job pretty darn well and that makes it nice to learn - he'll test, but he doesn't get flustered or annoyed. He's my steady boy and I know I can count on him.
Last night was, sadly, the last evening my niece will have to ride here - today we are off to Bridgeport for a work thing (me) and she'll be busy taking care of Bella.... then tomorrow we head to the resort for the final leg of her visit with me.
She's the only other horsey person in our family -so it has been particularly fun for me to see her riding. I personally think there is nothing better for a teenage girl than having a horse. A horse takes up a LOT of time and requires being outside, in shape, and devoted to the care of another being.
A horse is a good mirror and can teach a person a lot about herself. A horse can also easily turn a bad day into a good day - just by being a horse. And smelling so darn good.
This horse will be remembered long after he's gone (and I hope he's not gone for a long long time) as a horse I can absolutely trust. He has taken care of numerous riders and he's got the stamina and patience to do anything. He makes the rider work to do the right thing, but is so responsive when he gets the right cue and he tolerates the learning process.
I love you, Smokin' Joe!
Hopefully my niece will continue to ride and maybe even get a horse of her own one of these days. I'd love to know there's another one of "us" in the clan... horse crazy and proud of it.
I'll treasure this time with her and I hope she looks back on it fondly as she continues to navigate the rocky road of teenhood. And I'll miss her when she leaves for home.
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