Up here we have at least 16 seasons. We have 1st through at least 4th winter etc. Another season is “sprinter”, where the weather can’t decide whether it’s winter or spring.
That’s what we encountered on a harmless little after-work ride recently. We took one look at the north facing slope and it was definitely winter over there, so we opted for (mostly) south facing.
That side was better. We still encountered slippery ground and were post-holing through 2ft of snow to get to the dry-ish part and one of my favorite sunset spots.
‘We’ were 2 riders, 4 Mustangs and 2 excited Shepherds. On a cloudy, moody evening where it looked like it might snow or blow us right out of the saddle.
It didn’t. The clouds gave way to beautiful golden light and we caught spectacular views of snow capped distant mountains.
Tay Martin learned how to read the ground and adjust path and speed accordingly. She managed Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador Mustang Tiny from Salt Wells WY and her Devil’s Garden Mustang filly June just fine.
Tiny is special with a capital S – that’s only partially a compliment – and DG June was born a firecracker. Jennifer Martin messaged me shortly after Taylor lost her heart horse to old age and a failing body, asking me to send June, then a weanling we had gentled, home with her.
Not everyone wants a small, fuzzy bundle of dynamite for their first baby horse to bring along, but that’s what Taylor got. It’s been some kind of a ride, because June has big feelings and she’s not afraid to express them.
Taylor got frustrated, asked for help, and kept going. Over and over. At 3yo June is still opinionated. She’s also a pleasant, safe to handle, well adjusted and age appropriately educated youngster.
The point with a strong willed horse isn’t to break their spirit but to help them channel it. The point for a timid human isn’t to “cowgirl up” but to ask, learn, prepare and practice so we don’t need to just “be brave”.
Handling 2 willful Mustangs on interesting footing, on a chilly, breezy March evening at 8700ft elevation isn’t an entirely easy feat. But it’s doable, even enjoyable, and so good for the relationship between horses and rider.
We can all do hard things. Nobody said we should jump straight into the deep end, nor do we have to do it alone.
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#mountains#horses#sunset#winter#courage#joy#wild#adventure#makingmountainmustangmemories
