PUTNEY — It's going to be a hard day. I'm trying to be extra kind with myself today. I set this day aside from work, so that I may follow wherever it takes me.
One year ago today, I catapulted off my horse Ruby in a barrel race and, today, she leaves for her next stint, as a therapeutic riding horse.
At the time of my accident, I was in between appointments to diagnose some dizziness and balance issues I was having, but I felt my problems were in check.
When my horse Red came up lame earlier in the year, I started riding Ruby, a former slaughter-bound rescue, forgetting she was not well-broken in some basics - she needed more work in bending and turning, but I was willing.
I wore a helmet that day, which I hadn't always, but it was early in the season, thus I hadn't had Ruby out much yet. Also, it was a new bit, and there was that previous dizziness.
I'd had a good day at the show. Classes were over but for a “jackpot” barrel racing class. Four were entered, five were needed to run the class. Since things had gone pretty well for the day and because I wanted the kids - participants were the younger set, fast kids on quick, agile horses - to be able to have a go, I gave my $5 and went for it.
I remember turning all the barrels, albeit slower than everyone else, and urging Ruby “home” after the last.
That's all I remember. When I came to, I was slamming the ground hard with my left eye.
Ruby had apparently taken a step to the right (the direction of the out-gate.) I can't tell you what happened after that.
Suffice it to say we tried to counter each other's movements, and down I went. They tell me I rolled, which I don't remember. But considering my body shape, I believe it!
* * *
In the time since my accident, I've ridden several times. Once was at a barrel race, the pattern for which I just walked, with Ruby hot to trot, as they say, since she knew that's what was expected of her in the past.
My confidence shrinking, though, I soon started trucking Ruby to Southern Vermont Therapeutic Riding Center (SVTRC) in Newfane for a weekly lesson on her.
The lessons boosted my confidence, and I was thrilled when PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) instructor Lorna Young soon reintroduced two of my loves, trail riding and turning barrels, even if it was only at a walk.
I also stretched outside my comfort zone a bit, and rode Ruby in Townshend's Annual Holiday of Horses Parade, with my daughter riding beside me.
Lorna recognized Ruby for what she is: a kind, gentle, reliable, large-hearted horse, always aiming to please.
When I stopped my lessons for the winter, Lorna asked me if Ruby could be available for SVTRC's program.
At the time, I told Lorna of my plans to send Ruby to an area trainer to show her some of the basics that had been missed. That would mean she would be ready to ride when I (optimistically thought I) would be.
Well, as spring drew nearer, I knew I wouldn't be ready. I cancelled the trainer, and I offered Ruby to SVTRC on a free lease.
A few weeks ago, Ruby was tested for position of therapy horse, and passed with flying colors! Today, I will bring her and leave her there. It's a day of mixed feelings for me.
I'm very grateful for the wonderful home she'll have there. And I know she'll savor the attention, and she'll do her job well.
But I'll miss her.