Saturday was a big day for Horsecrazy Annabelle. We had a big trail ride planned with some friends. Annabelle had never been out on a long ride with a group before, and we were going to a totally new place to ride, so she was excited.
She loves to show off her skills. She was also hoping we would get to see a herd of wild horses, since we would be on the Hard Trigger Wild Horse Preserve during the ride.
We got up early and loaded the horses for the drive to the BLM Wilson Creek area south of Marsing. It was supposed to be a really nice spring day, but it was a little colder than we expected.
The horses were fresh.
The terrain was a little rougher than Annabelle had ridden before.
But she handled it just fine.
We stopped to take a few pictures.
About halfway in to the ride the girls wanted to trot their horses. We were up for the challenge, and off we went. Two of the horses got way in front of us, and we were left quite a ways behind with my friend T. T’s horse started to become very agitated because she wanted to lope and catch up with the other horses. T made her trot.
Suddenly the (expensive, professionally trained show horse) mare started bucking like a saddle bronc right in the middle of the trail. I mean really bucking. I scanned the rocky ground where they whirled and wished that I had medical supplies instead of beef jerky and licorice in my saddle pack. Or at least a flask of whiskey.
And I realized that T’s horse had not paid attention to her rider’s choice of attire that morning:
The shirt was so cute and fit T so perfectly that I had to take a picture of it. This is before the ride.
T eventually regained control of her beautiful, expensive, professionally trained show horse and we headed on down the trail. Horses can be so silly.
T was a good sport about it. She said “Who would have thought Annabelle could have handled speed better than I could?!”
The rest of the ride was accomplished peacefully. Annabelle and Grump forded three small streams without a hiccup. We climbed steep hills and slid down embankments a little muddied by the spring rains.
All the while Annabelle munched on beef jerky and red licorice. Guess I was a good thing I had them.
We had lots of fun and can’t wait to go back to Wilson Creek. Annabelle is sure we will see some wild horses next time.
As for me, the question I have long wondered has been answered.
Horses CAN’T read.
Chronicles of a Desperate Horsewife 
I’m gaining admiration for Annabelle. She must be gaining so much self-confidence by the challenges you allow her to tackle.
Thank you Carol! I think I can safely say my little girl is not lacking in self confidence. At least not related to horses anyway!
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Horses may not be able to read words but I eat them on a regular basis!
Dear Fractured, Please do not misunderstand….this story was one of triumph despite the inability of the equine to understand human language. No word eating required here! She Who Must Be Obeyed WAS obeyed in the end. 🙂 Connected by DROID on Verizon Wireless
Dear Desperate, In the never ending world of trying to understand a horse I was the winner for that day. After a couple of Margarita’s and much analyzing the “ride” I learned that I must read two books by “BUCK” to reconnect to the my horse’s mind! Or just forget it and RIDE…which is most likely what I will do.
Annabelle looks so little on that big gelding! What a little pro she is! Great job Annabelle! I am just so thoroughly impressed… Wow. Looks like a fun and exciting ride!