I love horses. I was able to ride them somewhat frequently as a little girl growing up in Oklahoma and those are some of my favorite past times. Any time we were near a ranch, I’d beg to ride. By the time I reached high school, my friends and I would head out to Draper Lake, rent horses at the stable, and take off down the trails. Those horses were bound to be old and tired, but it was almost like they enjoyed playing with us too.
When they’d get too hot, into the lake we’d all go.
There was a certain narrow inlet they seemed to know was safe to cross. Depending on the horse you got that day, he may have been a real swimmer, taking you up to your thighs in the water. Or she might have been just a slosher, barely going in up to her thighs, so you could hold your boots up high, and stay completely dry. If you’ve never been on a horse that decided to go for a swim, it can be a bit of a frightening experience.
I used to laugh hysterically when friends would hoot and holler as their horses ran into the water.
I remember the first time I got a horse that was a true swimmer. She started into that water with force. She wasn’t messing around. Suddenly, I was the one hooting and hollering. It’s not just the coldness of the water that made me scream. It was a bit terrifying to feel my horse working that hard underneath me, and almost entirely under the water.
But once you’ve done it, it’s a magical experience you look forward to.
You emerge on the other side, both of you refreshed, like you’ve just climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. From that point on, it’s a bit disappointing if you end up with a horse that only wants to slosh through the shallow water. You’ve grown up a little bit. It’s like a rite of passage, of sorts.
“Growth and Comfort can’t ride the same horse.” ~ unknown
The sloshing horse, that keeps dry on your bum, with your boots held high to the sides, won’t bring you growth.
The swimming horse, that takes you for a thrill ride through the lake won’t keep you comfortable.
They’re two completely different horses.
Thankfully, in your life, you get to choose which one you want to ride.
The fresh water of growth is mighty fine.
Come on in.
to more love,
Crystal
