Do Horses Have a Mind of Their Own?

My wife says you need to love them.

I'm not so sure. As we are returning from our latest excursion, I'm reminded of one painful truth.

Horses have a mind of their own.

I suppose it started off innocently enough aboard the horse called Idaho. It was the day of the coral, well that is till my horse decided it was the day of the stall which he took off for more than once as we went around our loop. Leaving me with an immediate decision of ducking or cranial amputation by overhead bar.

Heading in the second time Idaho kicked a bucket sending utter shutters of concern pulsing through my ladies veins until she clearly identified two riders upon my horse. Yes, this was summer camp with the kids and it gave a whole knew meaning to the concept of "kicking the bucket."

I really should have seen it coming.

But, hey I'm a man. Right? And being the macho man that I am I showed myself fearless, or was it stupid? Anyway, day two brought us back to the coral again. This time for a trail ride.

Why did I choose the horse named Rider? I'm not sure. Thinking back, I'd much have preferred the horse with no name. None-the-less I boarded rider, with the child that wanted to ride with me.

Rider quickly identified his place in line as being first no matter how hard I pulled on the reigns. Even this was okay as we ascended above Junior Camp. What a beautiful site.

I know what your thinking.

What goes up must come down, and that with barn in view. But really, even this was not a problem.

Then the words were spoken and decided before an eye could be blinked. We were off and away to the base of Junior Camp. I could tell my horse was getting agitated with me, but I certainly wasn't going to let it boss me around.

That was until the return trip. About half way back my horse decided to break into a full gallop of which I could not dissuade its mind. Hooves pounding ground while I flew through the air was quite breath taking to be sure; yet the fact that I had lost all semblances of breaks was not comforting.

Apparently, all ended well for here I am recapping the events of my vacation with only one thought left running through my mind.

Horses have a mind of their own.