Horsin’ around!
By Kimberly Fu
Star-BulletinMy head was spinning, the morning sun blinded my tired eyes and I was about ready to heave-ho in full view of passersby in beautiful Waimea town.
And I wasn't even out of the car yet. Great start to a brand-spanking new day.
But I was wide awake and nervously scratching my head at the task set before me -- hitching my first ride on one of nature's most majestic creatures, the horse.
Yes, I was terrified. But not of the horses themselves. They are beautiful, graceful creatures that bring to mind Black Beauty, Roy Rogers' Trigger, even Mr. Ed. It's the fact that they are also powerful creatures with well-muscled legs and massive bodies that could kick me to hell and back in less than a second that scared the bejesus out of me.
No doubt every first-time horseback rider has felt the same way. At least I hope that's true.
As we zigzagged our way past Waimea, up Pupukea and through the iron gates of the Happy Trails horse ranch, the terror finally fled and a sense of excitement set in. My sister and I locked glances. We would be riding horses!
This was a long time in coming. Since we were kids, Carolyn and I had dreamed of riding ponies -- doesn't every kid? But the closest we ever came to such animals was a donkey hitched to a tree at Pokai Bay Beach Park. And someone was always watching that donkey.
But that's the past. Within 15 minutes of arrival, the Happy Trails Gang had our horses saddled and ready to go. There were six riders and two instructors out on the trail Saturday -- it looked to be a challenging 90 minutes.
The fun began when we had to mount our horses. Riders could choose to use a stepping block or no -- I chose no. If tiny Martin Short of "Three Amigos" could hoist his butt up without a block surely I could, too. And I did.
But unlike Mr. Short, I kept on going. Thanks to speedy instructor Mark, I kept my precarious seat atop Noe. A belated thanks to you, Mark, and wipe that smirk off your face!
Then my horse, 20-year-old Noe, decided she wanted to pick up the pace and tailgated poor Bushes, Carolyn's horse. When I got the go-ahead to pass them Noe became excited, letting loose a brilliant "wind" as we pulled in front.
Bushes' wild neighing clued us in to her ill feelings. But hey, everyone (and every horse) has got to go sometime. And boy, did Noe go a lot.
Maybe it was the excitement of running with a team, or getting used to a new rider, or maybe she just couldn't hold it. I'm just glad I was upwind, though I was treated to Noe's fragrance once or twice.
I have to admit, being in the saddle is a great feeling. There really is nothing like it. And the gentle showers that poured over us from time to time just couldn't ruin the feeling.
With the flick of a hand or gentle dig of the heel, Noe would take me wherever I wanted to go. With each pace we took my fears fell away, and I was able to enjoy the views: the sun glinting over an opulent ocean, bursts of foam out by breakers that could have been hiding joyriding whales, spiraling views of green mountains and multicolored flora. There was always something breathtaking to see.
Occasionally, my fears would return. Going uphill was scary but I remembered to lean way forward to ease my horse's burden. Traveling downhill I made sure to lean way back, making Noe's trip a bit easier. And at certain points along the trail Noe would take corners at a brisk trot, trying to catch up to the rest of the "herd."
At those rough points I found myself praying to Noe instead of God, saying "Please, horsie, follow the other horsies," and "Please, Noe, let me get through this alive."
OK, and maybe a couple of squeals were involuntarily wrenched from me, but whatever Noe did I made sure to praise and pet her. After all, she was doing the hard work.
A few times we stopped for a bite -- Noe was hungry and would grab a taste of whatever exotic grass, weed or plant was available at the time. While she nibbled I was sure to sit ramrod straight in the saddle -- I didn't want to make a wrong move and fall. Mark had said some inattentive riders had stretched above and beyond a safe reach for strawberry guavas and found themselves sitting in "unpleasant" places.
As the polo announcer in "Pretty Woman" said, "Beware the steaming divots." See, mom. It pays to watch TV.
After awhile the riders' chatter died down and we focused on the beauty of the trail, the power of our carriers, and generally got lost in our own dreams. There's a peace that comes with being out in the countryside, roaming free, knowing you'll reach your destination in safety.
This ride taught me there's nothing to fear about horseback riding. If anything it helps you face your fears and brings peace of mind, opens you up to the world around you.
It gave me a greater appreciation of horses and all that they can do. It also made me realize the Pony Express mail carriers had to have a lot of guts to speed race across the country on horseback just to pass people their letters.
In any case, I will definitely see the pearly gates of Happy Trails again. I have a yearning in my blood now for more riding, and I count Noe as one of my best friends. Heck, she kept me safe and alive. She's my bestest friend!
As we dismounted back at headquarters and the horses were led away, I was sad. I looked my friend in the eye, had a few last words, we rubbed noses and she trotted away to be with her boyfriend Freckles.
While my legs ached for no more than two days, memories of riding will forever be burned in my brain.
If you've got a yen to go ride horsies, please do! It's an adventure everyone should take a crack at. And if you see Noe before I do, let her know I'll be by someday soon.
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