I’m not an experienced horse rider, but I have had the opportunity to ride horseback. Riding a horse is as unpredictable as waking up each day. You never know what’s in store. On more than one occasion, I’ve found myself in precisely the opposite position of where a rider should be. As the saying goes, “back in the saddle again!” which is what I’ve done each time I’ve landed on the ground. Sometimes, the launch was at the discretion of the horse, but not always. I’ve been known to leap out of the saddle in an act of self-preservation. I prefer a hard fall on soft grass to a disastrous landing on asphalt.
Knowing when I’ve had enough to walk away is equally as important as getting back on the horse quickly. It isn’t for the benefit of the animal; it’s about calming my own fears and frustrations. I can’t deny the dare-devil in me, but I’m not a glutton for punishment. The idea is to weigh the options. Do I face the challenge head-on before I have time to manifest reasons to walk away? Sure, there’s the risk of not staying in the saddle. The alternative is to turn my back for no other reason than a bruised ego. I’ll take my chances over any regrets because I refuse to believe that I can’t do it better next time.
I approach life and horseback riding similarly. Living and riding both expose me to beauty and blessings. Both knock me down from time to time, but neither force me to get back in the saddle. The choice is always mine. Sometimes, it’s wise to sit on the saddle of a tied-up horse. Living life and riding horses are better enjoyed when personal foolishness and fear are tamed.
