Precious Connections

You know I like to share moments. Moments when kids connect with a horse. Moments when they think no one is looking and the vibes between their horse and them are peaceful, restful, loving, and memorable.

Riders stand quietly with their horse, taking into their very being the smells of their horse, sounds of barn routines, and sights of other riders cooling out their horses. They watch kittens and cats scurry here and there, or dogs sleeping lazily by a tree. Sometimes kids are talking on the mounting ramp. Maybe a group is getting ready for or returning from a trail ride or class. The barn is a busy place!

When I ask a rider like Cristina or Jordan what they are thinking about, I often hear, "Oh nothing." Or perhaps the answer is, "I don't want to forget this after I go home."

Over and over again on this blog, I've cited moments when riders connect with a horse, allowing themselves to just 'be' for a moment. They stand together...connected to the soul of their horse, and it is beautiful.

The connection may be seen in a breath or a split second, but only if you are observant and happen to have your camera handy. Often the horse is asleep in their arms or it is a reassuring pat. Best of all, it is open acknowledgment of a shared trust between horse and rider, and that trust is one of life's most precious gems.