Slightly over four years ago, I posted my last blog entry-a bittersweet post after the Camp Fire. A week of excitement at completing our first endurance ride followed by the living hell of surviving the Camp Fire-my heart was not into writing.
Cowboy and I completed the fun 10-mile ride at Cache Creek and finished the 25-mile ride at Gold Country in July 2019. Within days of completing that ride, I had an accident-rider error, as nearly always. I was quickly getting off but neglected to kick my foot out of the stirrup so I grabbed my leg and pushed off of Cowboy landing to a pop which ended up being a compression fracture at L3.
All of 2020 was pretty much physical healing time, with 2021 and on being the battle of mental healing. Comparing the two-the mental recovery is by far the most difficult to overcome. I call it a battle as on one side you have mind-numbing fear paralyzing the mere thought of getting out there and riding while the other side is the deep love and passion for everything horses. Thankfully, not one single loved one or friend ever suggested I walk away from riding.
I am actually thankful the accident happened. I spent an entire year working on ground work-learning to listen to what my horse is telling me and growing as a rider. Realizing, there will never be a day when I will know all there is to know-which is perfect-a lifelong adventure!
By November of 2021, Cowboy and I did the 10 mile fun ride at the Kristina Chesterman ride, the same venue we had completed right before the fire. The draw to continue riding distance was still there-fear and all. Thank God!
This year we are back on trail. What started as Cowboy Chronicles is now MidLife Horse Girl. In addition to Cowboy and Beau-there's a new filly in the herd. Aur Grae Shahleen, the sweetest little grey Arabian filly ever-yes, I am biased. I hope you enjoy our continued adventures!