Sunday, February 13, 2011

Sunday Rewind

I'm missing my horse and equine therapy.  Because of this, I was reading through some of my earlier posts, way back when I first started this blog and my only followers were my parents.  I thought I'd recycle it since it made me smile today.

One afternoon I was alone at the livery when a small, hatchback car pulled up and out stepped an older lady. At first glance, I estimated her to be in her late sixties; she moved with dignity and spirit, but when I got closer, I realized that she was much older. She leaned on the fence, delight at seeing the horses all over her face. I could tell that she had a kindred horse spirit. I met her at the gate, wondering if she was stopping by for a ride even though we didn't have one on the books.



No, she hadn't stopped for a ride, but saw the horses and they brought back so many fond memories she just had to stop. In her eighties, she was car camping alone at nearby Olive Ridge campground. She explained to me that her kids were grown with kids of their own and didn't enjoy the mountains as much as she did, so she just packed up her car and headed up the mountain. She was too old, she told me, to sleep on the ground so she chose to sleep in her car, which was much more comfortable and if she got cold she could just turn on her heater.


I invited her into the yard to meet the horses, but she declined. She did tell me that one in particular reminded her of a horse she had as a child, so I brought that horse up to the fence. I don't remember which horse it was that I took to her, but I do remember the look on her face as I led the horse to the fence. It was as if the clock had been turned back and she was a child again, the delight absolutely radiating from her. She completely forgot I was even there, she was so lost in her memories. I stood quietly holding the horse watching her go back in time. The horse was as entranced as she was and stood absolutely still while she ran her hands over the horse and murmured her memories.


I'm not sure how long we stood there, the three of us, but it was an absolutely magical time. When she was done with her walk down memory lane, I offered to help her up and just lead her around the yard. She turned me down, but said that she may come back the next day to take me up on the offer then. We chatted a bit longer, then she drove off with a big, child-like smile on her face. I watched her drive away, absently petting the horse, and hoped against hope that she would come back the next day.


I didn't work the next day - I wasn't scheduled - so I don't know if she returned or not, but I'll always remember the look of absolute joy on her face. I can't quite explain the feeling I got from being a small part of her trip down memory lane.

9 comments:

Funder said...

This is a wonderful story! Love the new header pic too.

cheyenne jones said...

Now thats the type of person, who probably has a real story too tell!

Linda said...

I agree--she probably does have a story to tell--just the little bit you told of her says alot. That was sweet of you to bring her a horse.

Mrs. Mom said...

Yeah. I knew it. Said it before, and it'll be said over and over again...

I heart GunDiva... cause she ROCKS.


(BTW- I had to turn down pony therapy today. Just couldn't do it. BUT--- this week there will be more, and I will get some pony slobbers to send your way.)

Now Cowgirl Up out there. Its MY job to get all mushy and crap, not yours! ;)

Rising Rainbow said...

I believe I do remember this story. I liked it then and I like it now. You just have to wonder what was going through her mind. Those untold stories always intrigue me.

Sorry your lesson was once again cancelled. Hopefully that snow will melt off soon and the footing will be good.

Rachel said...

Love this! There's just no match for wonderful childhood memories. And it must have been so rewarding to be part of bringing that back for her.

(And horses just seem to have that *sense* about these things, no?)

Momma Fargo said...

Great story! And I know the joy of touching a horse. It is pure magic!

Shinyfluff said...

what a beautiful story : )

Shirley said...

Great story!I wonder if the horse was sharing her memories.