Stirrups in Full Swing

They say when you fall off a horse to hop straight back on.

What if you forget to hop back in the saddle? What if months go by and your hands don’t pick up those reins?

Well… That’s what unfortunately happened to me. In 2015 I endured the stress of grade twelve and a part-time waitressing job. I never had the time to ride and so this carried into my gap year. I rode occasionally but sadly my boots did not fall back into routine. 2017 rolled in and again, riding was few and far between.

It wasn’t until last Christmas that I finally realised what was missing from my life. I saw the happiness shine from the eyes’ of my mothers’ clients. My mother has brought her dream to life; riding lessons at ‘Whispering Pines’ (But that is a post for another time!’).

It happened when I least expected it.

My partner and I were travelling to Toowoomba for the night when I spontaneously browsed horse deals during the drive. Occasionally I had looked at Facebook pages but none of the ads had ever spoken to me. It was rather odd really. After I lost my old mare in 2016 I never thought I would feel that connection again. It was at that point that I saw her. A beautiful QHxTB Mare. Her eyes were so soft. It’s what I love most about animals. As William Shakespeare once said, ‘The eyes are the windows to the soul’.

Immediately I felt something when I scrolled through her photos. I don’t care what people say but I will always believe things happen for a reason.  The rest was a hope-crazed blur. I messaged the seller within several minutes. When we arrived at my Partner’s house, he went grocery shopping, and so I took the opportunity to call the buyer. When he returned I told him we were going back to Stanthorpe and leaving at 5 the next morning to pick up a horse. I expected him to think I was joking, or even a judgemental lecture about rushing into things. I have learnt so much from that moment. I remember how Ben looked at me. His smile was so warm and he kissed my forehead. I learnt that day that love can be shown in so many different ways. I learnt how special support is when it comes from the right person.

I made a few calls and to my surprise, even my mother was excited for me. It seemed, I was the only one who hadn’t realised what I needed most.

When we first met.

I knew she was what I wanted instantly. Her owner was sweet and her love for horses radiated when she spoke. I felt instant trust and I so placed it in her and the horse. She trusted me too, incredibly so, as I paid the horse off in an arrangement after I picked her up.

On our way home!

Giving my girl some food for the road. 

Just unloaded off of the float.

Ben had never floated before, and yet, he did it for me without a second thought. Like I said, love is shown in actions, I felt it that day and I feel it now reminsiceing. Having someone believe in your passion is what is most important, I believe anyway.

It has now been six months and I ride at least once a week. I would not have it any other way. My heart is so so warm with what I am surrounded by. My family, friends and fur babies. Even Stanthorpe itself. My heart is so full. I am so lucky. This horse has given me back parts of myself I didn’t even know were gone. Zala has found her forever home.