Riding Solitude

Washashe mare and I have had some nice quiet rides in the woods of late. Surprisingly, each time out this week, we have encountered only natural noises. No motors , no dogs barking, nothing but the sounds found in a peaceful glen or stand of forest. A wisp of wind through branches, fluttery wings overhead and the footfalls of the mare as she picked her path through the thick undergrowth, crunching branches and twigs as we made our way through some uncharted territories.
Sometimes we were interupted by the occasional flock of adolescent like crows barking and chattering on, like teens in a crowd.

For the stresses I am under right now, it has been just what any doctor would have prescribed for me! And
Wa has been extra calm. I wondered if something was up with her earlier in the week ,when I found her water trough thickly iced- late day- and she was a bit tucked up...worried me, but all seems to be in right harmony now.

Today's ride trumped the weeks already high marked times, by us in a very nice rounded trot. I was changing my posting stride every 3rd stride on the rising instead of sitting. My sister taught me to do it for better balance..as you can not do it unless you are over your leg. It takes a bit of concentration and rhythm out on the uneven trails. We were in that rhythm and I looked over to see movement of deer were bounding and trotting, almost with us as we strode by ...they stopped short and we continued on without the slightest snort or jump ,this day.

I think that was the ONLY time today I heard sounds, unnatural to the forest deep....Me laughing heartily!