Riding

And God took a handful of southerly wind, blew his breath over it, and created the horse. - Bedouin Legend

Statue at the grave of Man of War at the Lexington Horse Park

A Friesian, at the Horse Park, which is a rare breed,   

with only about 1000 in North America.

If I weren't in need of serious butt-transplant surgery, I would tell you how much fun I had riding over the hills and rocks of Southern Illinois for four hours straight today. It was amazing but I am in fear of having to sit on the plane back to Cali very soon. My hiney my never recover.

My sister and brother-in-law are serious horse people.

My dear sister, Beth, on the trail

My wonderful brother-in-law, Philip

They love to ride for hour upon hour. I love horses and grew up with them.

But I haven't ridden that long, at one time, ever in my life. Four hours over rocks, through creeks, and under a canopy of glorious green trees. It was heavenly. Except my sister forgot to tell me that Spirit, her horse I was on, is terrified of mud after getting seriously stuck in it up to her chest once. I realized this hard fact when one minute I was on the trail then the next minute I was eating tree limbs. We worked it out, she and I. I had to snap out of my leisurely state and remember how to ride a huge, frightened animal, with a mind of its own. It was a bit of a job for a little bit but I love a challenge. And my sister told me I did a good job, so that was nice. Doesn't everyone like it when their big sister approves?

And, of course, Cowboy Tom, was there...

boy, i sure think that my husband's cute! :0)

 

Cherokee and Tom

 

And the adorable Martha Jane led us on the trail. She grew up near where we rode and really knows her way around the woods.

and sweet Daisy, my sister's dog, stayed right with us every step of the way. even when we came across a rattler in the middle of the trail.

It was a perfectly lovely day. I may never be able to walk again, but it was fabulous. Ooooh! My mama just brought me an enormous banana split. I may feel better sooner than I thought!

Comments

[Julie Prichard]

WOW What an awesome day!!

[sharon]

Looks soo fantastic Kelly!! I am really jealous right now, but happy for you!

[Renate]

Looks like it was fantastic. I can remember how I felt after a riding experience. All of a sudden, muscles you didn't even know existed are all aching...

[maigirlz]

Who's crazy ass hand is on the rattler? You and hubby are both cute and beautiful!

[Cat Dodt-Ellis]

That looks like some serious fun!!! And the horses are beautiful!!! The scenery is awesome!!! And you all look so happy, glad you got to make the trip!!!
xo,
Cat

[kelly]

that is my crazy hand, maija! but notice the rattler's head is now missing.

[pilar]

I noticed you went Bear Grylls on the rattler since its head is missing. To you keep the rattle? I am glad you and Tom had a great day or r and r plus fun. Miss you tons! xoxoxoxo

[Stephanie Wright]

Beautiful pictures! the rattlesnake gave me the shivers! I had a horse try to rub me off on a tree a couple of weeks ago. Hope your hiney has recovered!
have a wonderful day,
Steph

[Mary Beth Shaw]

What fun you are having - I just *love* Lexington, such a pretty area. And although I know nothing about horses, I really admire them.
You can have some of my hiney btw. I clearly don't need all of it :-)