4.16.08 _ Horseback Ridng

Wednesday, April 16^th

This afternoon I met Jon’s co-worker, Linda, at G.E. She drove us to the stables where her horse Ruben lives. Ruben is a 14 year old Icelandic horse (once Icelandic horses are taken out of Iceland they are never able to return to Iceland!). Linda thankfully had an extra pair of boots that I could wear. After changing shoes, we prepared to go outside to pick Ruben up from the field where he roams with two other horse friends. When we got Ruben back up to the barn we brushed him down and cleaned his horse shoes (I’m not good at cleaning out horse shoes but hopefully I will get better!). Once Ruben had enough to eat, Linda led him out into the practice area. Here she taught me how to mount, dismount, go, stop, turn, and trot. Really excited, but kind of nervous I got on Ruben. The size of Ruben made it a little easier (I can see the top of his back at eye level) if Ruben were taller I think I would have needed help getting on top!

After walking and trotting around the practice area, we took off down a trail with Ruben and Linda on her bike. Ruben was so cute – he did not want to leave Linda’s side! Riding on top of Ruben was very invigorating. The last time I had ridden a horse like that was when I was 5 or 6 and my Grandma Chatfield’s co-worker Dee took us out to her farm to ride horses in the field behind her house. Riding a horse more in the open and not with a guide holding the horse is so COOL!

The trail we took looked like it could have been out of a movie! There were large stones and beautiful forests. At the end of the trail, we turned to head back and Linda asked if I wanted to trot up the hill. I said “Sure!”. Linda rode up the hill to wait for Ruben and I. Ruben was not happy that Linda was leaving without him. But, once we started trotting he happily trotted up the hill. That was awesome!!!! So, when we came to the bottom of the next hill Linda asked if I wanted to trot up that hill. Again, I said “Sure!”. Thankfully, though she mentioned that if I felt like it was too bumpy I could hold onto the ‘lip’ of the saddle. Once Ruben was told he could go he took off trotting and then decided to gallop! The gallop was much smoother than the trotting though it was much faster. Upon further play-backs in my head about the last ride up the hill, I realized that we went faster because I was unintentionally squeezing with my legs to hold onto Ruben more. That gesture told Ruben to go faster though!

Once we got back to the stable, we brushed Ruben down and put all the gear away. I brought carrots for Ruben, next time I will have to bring more carrots for him! As soon as he was done with a carrot if I didn’t have one ready for him he would start coming towards my hand with the carrots in them. After saying goodbye to Ruben we took him back to the field to be with his friends again.

Then, Linda drove me back to her house for dinner. Everything was DELICIOUS! She made a tomato pie(?). The dish was a crust filled with creamed milk/cheese/tomatoes/green onions. I will definitely have to get the recipe for it! Then for desert Linda had made a cream of vanilla (?) with pieces of chocolate in it. OOOOH MAN!!!!!!!! That was soooooooooooooooo GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hopefully, I can get the recipe for that too! : )

Linda showed me the scrapbook she had made for her niece. I told her that in the U.S. we have scrapbooking parties. I am hoping to set up a time when Linda and Lena (both ladies work with Jon) that we can get together and scrapbook. (Thank you Mom/Dad & Grandpa/Grandma Chatfield!!!) I really enjoyed spending the afternoon/evening with Linda and Ruben. I am excited to go back to ride Ruben and I am looking forward to getting to know Linda and Lena better! : )