Nothing Like a Good Thing

(Wow! My 300th post!)

Friday started out ghastly hot! I guess I have selective memory when it comes to summers in Nebraska. I seem to recall dreaming of summertime a few months ago when we were buried under three feet of snow. Although the humidity is typical for July in Nebraska, the last couple of summers have been rather mild and we are a bit spoiled. We did finally get a short break from the high heat indexes on Saturday and part of Sunday and I managed to get a few rides in on Windy as well as a friend's gaited horse.

With regards to gaited horses, I have heard so much about "ride the glide." And like those mule people before them have said about their breed, the gaited horse owners also say "once you go gaited, you won't go back". Although I have ridden one or two gaited horses for a short period of time, this was the first time I rode one for any distance. After all the hype, I was half expecting the clouds to open up and angels appear singing hallelujahs when the horse moved into her gait. We covered ground quickly and easily. Admittedly, the ride was smooth and I didn't have to change my body position while going through the different gaits. It was kind of like driving an automatic when you are used to a stick shift.

I never "saw the light", so to speak, nor did I come home and stick a "for sale" sign on the heads of my stock horses. I like my quarter horses. I enjoy the walk, trot and canter. Whether sitting the trot or posting, I like the challenge of syncing up with the horse; matching her gait, whatever that might be. There may certainly come a time in my life, for whatever reason, I might consider a gaited horse. But for now, I love the rush I get galloping across the field or down the road on my mare. That is my horse of choice.