brian and ann talk to us as we harness pearl.
yes, i'm in the driver's seat. just because you know how to ride,
doesn't mean you "get" driving a horse.
and my student was sitting with me.
what if i made a mistake?
pearl knows her business,
and brian was coaching.
and i certainly was...unused to reins that are almost as think as my horse's girth,
and the fact that her language is gee and haw,
and i had no leg to use on her!
i got to drive pearl today.
so did one of my students. and later a fellow staff.
hurrah!!!!!
pearl is an amish raised, 16 year old standardbred mare.
she is pearl, indeed.
A beautiful horse, Velma. How lovely to drive an old buggy too!
ReplyDeleteoh velma! I have tears!
ReplyDeleteI once had a harness pony just like pearl (his name was william ... I called him will-the-wonder-pony) he was a most amazing pony.... trained for saddle and harness (single, pairs or four-in-hand.... he was a very very smart pony)
oh how I loved will-the-wonder-pony
I lost my beautiful will to divorce, more than 12 years ago.... and a few weeks ago my dearest friends lost their heavy horse (shauna... friend of will-the-wonder-pony) to colic....
your post makes me ache for another harness pony... (hope you are enjoying it all - I LOVE the cart)
i will tell pearl that she's been admired when i see her next. brian invited me to come out to drive her without students, to learn it better. i miss having horses, so much.
ReplyDeleteI confess I am not a 'horse person', though I live in Alberta, which is a province thick with horseflesh for many reasons: pleasure, show, entertainment, labour, pure love... Still, I admire the great beasts, their intelligence and sensitivity. What a wonderful day you must have had!
ReplyDeletesome fine lasses driving a buggy. spring is here indeed!
ReplyDeletemargaret, is alberta where spruce meadows is?
ReplyDeleteand neki, well, you are kind.
and everyone, this is not a buggy, but it's called a buckboard. anyone remember bonanza?
mum, you look great driving!
ReplyDeletehey, girl, i was scared i'd dump my kid!
ReplyDeletems. velma....you looked marvelous!
ReplyDeleteyou're right about driving...it' a whole different thing! but a good skill to have, i think. especially if he/she's gotten too old or arthritic or fragile to ride (or us!!!)
aren't horses as much an addiction as art? :-)
so sweet and soft and smell so good...
i think driving is fine, but oh to be ON a horse...and then taking her home, grooming, chores. i do miss that experience.
ReplyDeleteWhat an experience, driving the beautiful pearl. It looks like it was so enjoyable.
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