18 / Sport and Trail Magazine
That’s how you get a lot done. And before I tell you my BEST KEPT SECRET in the industry, I want to share with you a story that superbly illustrates the VALUE of what I’m about to share with you. (I’m telling you the competition is not going to like this). OK, sit back, and breathe deeply as you envision this moment with me:
The silver mare leaped forward, snorting hard. Her eyes wide with surprise as she looked behind herself at the deer herd leaping out behind her as they crossed over the trail. Tense muscles surging with adrenaline gave her a powerful urge to run. The timid, high-strung mare, her entire being already heightened from unfamiliar surroundings, gathered her haunches under herself; strong and lithe, ready to bolt should any further disturbance emerge.
A slightly worn, blue lead line snapped to her halter, muted her forward momentum abruptly. Puzzled, the mare’s body quivered with one thought, “Escape.” For a moment her claustrophobia rose strong at the restraint and then gave way to quietness as her eyes processed the situation; her keen Andalusian mind resolving it.
“You’re going to be just fine, little lady,” a low, familiar voice spoke closely beside her. “Come on now, simmer down.” The young mare snorted once
more, curling her head around to ensure the intruders in her white world had passed, and continued along through this winter’s wilderness.
Never had she been so exhilarated, and never had she been so far away from her familiar pastures that she had known all her life. Her race around them at home was always molded by their tall wooden rails and boards—and a safety that came from knowing every inch of them. It was her joy, but here, there were no fences, only leafless trees and colorless brush surrounding her. Her paradigm of youth, sheltered, could not have prepared her for this. The spooky way seemed endlessly pale as she gingerly made her way through the snow-white country. The only sound was the shshing of hooves as she, and the one she was next to, pushed forward with each step.
She lowered her head, and then settled back beside the shoulder of the wooly, bay gelding riding quietly beside her. He had been completely nonreactive through the entire ride; the sound of his saddle gently creaking every stride from leather cold and hard, and in a paradoxal moment, the mare felt comforted, giving way to a new demeanor that arose within her. As they traveled down the trail together, their quieted steps merged as one…