Despite the unfortunate rain, I'm planning to mount a horse soon.
Nearly 20 years ago, I was young in body, but not so much in my core strength, or so it seemed. Therefore, when the horse slightly sped up from a walk to a trot, the rhythm naturally changed. The horse's movement became more pronounced - though there are times when some horses barely let you feel their movement.
I remember how my lower back ached painfully. Sensing this, the horse I was riding appeared to make an effort to minimize its movement. The instructor observing this commented, "This horse deserves an award." I suppose back then, I was unable to effectively handle the horse's movement.
I imagine myself rigid atop the saddle, hands clutching the reins too tightly - how uncomfortable it must have been for the horse. After riding, I would suffer from backaches, shoulder pain; those days were far from exhilarating.
However, I didn't want to give up. While not exactly similar, there are aspects of horse riding that resemble a romantic relationship: you trust the horse, but not necessarily believe it. So, I strived to build a good relationship.
Nowadays, I consider the horse's feelings while also expecting them to understand mine. I have established this kind of relationship. As we approach the hot summer when the bugs will increase, I understand it will be a challenging time for the horse. But during the time I spend riding, I'll make sure to keep the horse focused, to keep its attention from straying - a skill I've come to appreciate, I suppose.