Sabre

Ever since I was a little girl I have had an intense love of horses.

My favourite TV shows were Follyfoot and Black Beauty. I read the Silver Brumby series, International Velvet and of course Black Beauty. My best friend at primary school, Kay, and I would spend hours galloping around on the back of brooms or hobby horses and sometimes one of us would be the horse and the other the rider, with reins made out of skipping ropes. When we were at Intermediate School we would go riding at the Dude Ranch in Henderson Valley. The ponies walked a well worn track with us on their backs.

When my parents asked me what I wanted for my birthday or for Christmas, my reply was always the same. I wanted a pony. I never got one.

I organised riding lessons for my daughter a few years ago so I could join in and live vicariously through her - but she didn’t like it and gave it up after 3 lessons.

It has been my life’s regret that I never got to go to Pony Club, learn to ride or to own a horse.

So guess what? I am having private riding lessons on a beautiful 18 year old thoroughbred called Sabre. Sabre is a cancer survivor too. He’s had surgery and radiation treatment. He’s an ex hunt horse, but you’d never know it. He‘s a super mellow old guy, perfect for carrying about a middle aged woman reliving her childhood.

As soon as I looked into his soulful eyes I fell in love. He is a sweetheart. I can’t tell you how much I look forward to seeing him each week. At the moment it is all “heels down”, “grip with your legs”, “elbows in” “squeeze, kick, kick” and “too much knee in your rises” - but I’m looking forward to it all becoming second nature. Riding is the best feeling in the world. I’m hoping to work from home a day or two a week next year so I can keep seeing Sabre.

Horses are special and my intense love for them has not diminished with time. It makes me so happy.

When my oncologist told me to do stuff that made me happy I don’t think she meant for me to hop on a beast that could kill me if I fell off - but that’s what I have done. Sheridan looked a bit horrified when I told her. I guess she doesn’t want to waste all the effort she’s put into keeping me alive - but my brush with death has emboldened me. Life’s short and I can’t help but feel that I am living on borrowed time.

I don’t think there can be a greater love than a girl and her horse. Here are some links to stir a love of horses in you: https://youtu.be/8u5NgC4lZ8s and https://youtu.be/CqwJoEGyGMY

Do stuff that makes you happy ❤️ 🐎