Going Solo

[debris4spike]

One of the things that most people think about horse riders is that they must love the freedom of going out when they want - Yes, there is something to say about that.  However as you know, last year I was injured, then ill ... then DJ was injured ... then I ended up with depression.  So, last year I actually ended up doing little riding.  This year DJ & I have been escorting Ros youngsters ... so t has been good for us both, but not out by ourselves.

This morning was different - Toni is in Turkey, and Ros had to take her dad to the doctor ... so, it was just DJ and me .. and rather that chicken out, I did it!

I got him in, groomed and tacked ... got on ... and headed off up the road.

The ruite we took is only a mile each way, but it has been 2 years since we had been out by ourselves - so is an easy option ...

Or, so I thought.

We didn't see many cars, I will admit, but we saw some of the biggest lorries I have seen in year - add to that tractors, and even a car pick-up truck ... the road was busy.

Just as we got to the crossroads where we were due to turn round, we then had a loose dog barking on a wall.

BUT

DJ was brilliant - he didn't spook at all - even when a pheasant flew out right in front of us.

Yes, he did get a cuddle, and more importantly an extra couple of carrots, before his feed.

Then back to his field ith his halo shining brightly.

Comments

[auntiero.livejournal.com]

I can't tell you how much this post makes my heart leap about giddily for you and DJ. This is beyond awesome!

WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[debris4spike]

Thank you - it has been a long hard road over the last couple of years - but this morning was truly special.

[jaded-jamie.livejournal.com]

That is *so* beyond fantastic. I is very happy for you and DJ! *hug*

[debris4spike]

Thank you - it was the most amazing morning.

[louise39.livejournal.com]

this morning was truly special.

Three cheers for you!! A day to celebrate and even DJ got an extra treat.

[debris4spike]

It was just such a lovely morning.

[ayinhara.livejournal.com]

Good for you. That must have been a confidence building ride. As a rider and horse owner I completely understand. I almost never ride alone. When Levi worked for his keep at a riding stable nearby, I could have taken him out by myself whenever I wanted to do so. However, I never did. If I wanted to ride him we would join on of the rides going out. It's definitely safer, which is what I cited, but it was also somewhat chicken of me.

[debris4spike]

Yes it is much safer - although to have had the ride I had today was brilliant for both of us.

When I worked at the stables I used to ride Jaykub, then DJ by myself - but part of that was to escape the yard! I was also riding other horses all the time.

Now I did almost chicken out - but, so glad I didn't ... a perfect ride.

[kazzy-cee.livejournal.com]

Well done both of you! Give him a carrot from me :) He's growing up LOL!

[debris4spike]

Thanks Karen - must be the fact he is now 10 that has done it ... providing he doesn't backtrack when he is a teen!

[oldgreymare.livejournal.com]

Whoooo Hooooo and congratulations to you both. {{hugs}}
Pat on the back for you and a pat and carrot for DJ.
I am sure you have been walking on air for the rest of the day with such a fantastic feeling. Sounds like our DJ is maturing quite nicely.

[debris4spike]

It was a lovely ride - and just sucha positive experience as well - Brilliant.

[ukchrisp.livejournal.com]

Aww - good boy DJ - iread today on teh front page of our local paper about a girl who was riding along one of the roads locally and had a car hit her horse - killing it and injuring her back, i remembered back to passing by her and her friend just a few days before the incident.

[debris4spike]

Yes - one of those things that is always at the back of my mind - and that is probably why I don't ride by myself too often.

So sad.

[ukchrisp.livejournal.com]

In this instance she was riding with a friend, the car came down the country road too fast and ploughed straight into her horse, I've had other cars finish up on my side of the road because they are going too fast, it has a 40 mph limit but they go much faster and cut the corners.
There isn't any warning signs along there warning drivers about horses which is what they are campaigning for now, there is a petition at one of the local animal feed merchants to try and get the council to erect signs and a walk being done next month to make drivers more aware -hopefully it'll do some good.

[debris4spike]

I have patients moaning about horse riders - and my comment is always if you are going to fast round a corner - anything could be there - horse, granny, kid on bike ... pile of bricks. Drive properly don't blame us riders.

Do you think she will ride again?

[ukchrisp.livejournal.com]

Apparently she's sat on her friends horse in the yard but is still too nervous to venture out on the road yet.

[debris4spike]

I don't blame her. When I lost Jaykub, and I wasn't even there, I rode the next day. It is hard, because it is our love and emotions tied up as well.

[act3scene1.livejournal.com]

I'm glad to read that DJ did so well! I remember you mentioning his fear of such things.

Did you have a good time? I know that most of my friends who still ride tend to do it as a social activity. I used to also, but I also enjoyed an occasional solo ride, just to get out and clear my head. It was nice.

[debris4spike]

I was so pleased with DJ - and he still seemed pretty relaxed when he got back - so I was pleased that he also appeared as if he had enjoyed himself.

It was lovely - but I do like the social side of riding, and as ukchrisp pointed out, it is a dangerous sport - so it is a case of safety in numbers, as well.

[aa-eve-aa.livejournal.com]

glad you had a good ride *cuddles dj too.... from very far away*

[debris4spike]

Thanks - *g*