Well hello there!
I hope everyone's Saint Patrick's Day was safe and happy. Personally, I enjoyed a home cookout of steak, broccoli, and mashed potatoes with green gravy. But I know you don't want to hear about that. You read for the lulz. Nothing wrong with that.
Spring break is coming to a close and I'll be headed back to Tucson in a couple of days. While I've thus far managed to enjoy my time away without thinking too much about impending project deadlines, I did not escape my week of freedom unscathed - not by a long shot. Sunday morning, I took my horse Sassafras out to the local equestrian park for a ride. She's a speedy little thing and never passes up a good gallop when I offer it to her. She also has an irrational fear of tractors. (That's foreshadowing, folks, take note). So, we were sweeping around the big warm-up arena at a pretty quick pace (not her fastest, but a gallop nonetheless), and I was feeling good. I had a chipper little tune from the 'Up' soundtrack playing on my iPod and a lovely view from between Sassy's fuzzy ears. Life was wonderful.
Annnnnd cue disaster! No less than 200 feet away, a little red tractor started plowing an arena on the other side of the park. Sassafras just couldn't help herself and darn near jumped out of her skin. Two months out of the saddle had left my grip a little off. That speed, an English saddle, and sharp swerve to the right sent me flying right over Sassy's head. I don't remember much about the landing; but I can tell you it was spectacular. I somehow managed to avoid scrambling my brains on impact, but I smacked my back so hard it took me a good two minutes before I could feel or move my legs. My immediate reaction was "Oh crap, Dad was right - I am going to end up paralyzed!" Luckily, it wasn't long before I could stand up. I won't lie, though, some part of me wished I'd stayed down. I hobbled a few steps toward my horse, who was standing a few feet away and looking positively pitiful. Her nose was nearly in the dirt and she was staring at me with a look of sheer misery. Poor girlie has always been sensitive about my using the eject button. I think she has abandonment issues.
I took stock of my injuries - bloodied back and shoulders, bruised hip and elbow, and a cracked ego - and hopped right back on to finish our run. Five days later, I still can't sleep on my back or sit down without whimpering, but I haven't let it stop me from riding. I'm going out tomorrow for another gallop. Here's to hoping the tractors take a day off.
Until next time, be blessed!
