Ride, Sally, Ride

On a lazy, sun-filled summer day, our neighbors suggested that I take their polo pony out for some exercise. Sounds simple enough, right?A gentle trot through the woods might be just the thing on a beautiful morning. So, I consented and my neighbor saddled the horse and we were ready for our outing. I mounted this gorgeous beauty with the shiny brown coat that stood at least fifteen hands high and thought to myself, “This is going to be a fun day.”

Off we went, through the woods with a gentle breeze blowing the trees making everything seem perfect as we trotted along. Maybe for me, it seemed perfect but obviously not for the horse. The horse that decided trotting was not for him – he wanted to gallop. And gallop he did! 

He took off at a run with me in the saddle trying as hard as I could to get him to stop or even slow down. It did not happen! 

Somehow as we flew through the woods, we managed to miss every low-lying branch and limb coming out unscathed. I don’t know how but we did. I was screaming the whole time we were riding. These were blood-curdling screams (my sons can tell you about my screams). 

Shouting: “Oh God, oh God – please help me, please help me! Stop! Stop! STOP!” 

I was screaming for help out in the woods alone, surrounded by trees, trees, and more trees. 

After what was – I’m sure—were only minutes that felt like an eternity, we came to a clearing, and there on the other side was the barn where the pony had been kept for the last few days. 

We were still moving at a gallop and I was still screaming for him to stop, still trying to stop him as he raced toward the barn.

As we got closer, I noticed that the door was open (that’s good). I was sitting high in the saddle when I realized that even though the door was open; this was more a garage than a barn and the opening was not as tall as we were (that's bad)! 

Oh great!!! 

In just a few seconds I was either going to be minus a head or my butt was going to be flat on the ground and the rest of me with it! Either way, it wouldn’t be pretty. 

I knew I had to stop this horse. “I think I can! I think I can!” 

Still screaming for help and still trying with all my might to get control of the situation and the horse, I realized we were only yards away from the door opening. When, all of a sudden, and I’m sure with no help from me, the horse came to a screeching halt – and I mean HALT! 

I just knew that I was going to sail right out of the saddle and over the horse’s head but somehow, I stayed glued to the horse’s back. 

I am certain that it was God’s hand holding onto me. I think he finally answered my prayers or was tired of me screaming, “Oh God, oh God, oh God!” 

After regaining my composure, I dismounted, walked the polo pony into the “stable,” handed the reins over to the owner, and quietly walked out like nothing had happened.  

My knees felt like wet noodles and I know I shook for at least an hour – this just wasn’t one of my best days. 

How often do I go horseback riding, you might ask? 

You know how everyone will say, “If you fall off the bike (or in this case the horse), you need to get right back up and try it again?” 

NOPE! Not me! 

I have many other less stressful things to occupy my mornings. And, they don’t involve screaming till I have no voice or dodging tree limbs that will leave me senseless. 

Yeah, just give me the simple life. 

~ Jeannie Joyner