My Imaginary Trail Horse

There’s a tree-lined trail that runs along the western edge of the property; somewhat out of sight of the barn. The trail is fairly straight, with a few rugged spots, a small hill and a canopied section where the trees block out the sun. It’s about as far from civilization as we can get, on a 10 acre property!

Sometimes when Xena and I explore more remote areas, I’m reminded of my trail riding holiday in Alberta. Xena was born in Alberta, and she places her feet so carefully whenever we’re walking over uneven ground, just like a trail horse.

As silly as it sounds, I sometimes imagine she’s my Alberta trail horse; sure-footed, brave and steadfast. So for a few minutes today Xena and I were in Alberta, when we come across a dead sapling blocking our path. It was our first time on this trail, so for a moment I considered turning back, but would an Alberta trail horse turn back? No! They’d just push forward and climb the next mountain.

The small tree was anchored at the root and light enough for me to move with one hand. As I held the tree out of her way, I asked Xena to squeeze between me and the sapling, a nearby tree and the steep incline at the base of the hill. It was actually fun to use one of the Seven Games℠ on a natural obstacle. Xena did great! She went through the squeeze, turned, faced and waited for me to join her. I allowed the sapling to snap back into place and Xena didn’t bat an eye. That’s my Alberta mare!

What We Did Today
3:25 to 5:40 p.m. = 2 hours, 15 minutes  Counting the Minutes

• Catching Game
  46 minutes of hiking over uneven ground in the hot sun. I think both of us were tired by the end of it, but still she allowed me to catch her.

• Shower in the Wash Stall
  I thought she was ready to try the wash stall again, instead of the gravel area nearby. She did fine, never once stepping out of the stall. She even drank from the hose for the third time, so I think we’ve pretty much mastered playing with water. We’ve been working on this goal for over a year.

• Trail Walking
  Lots of fun in Alberta today. Someday, she’ll be my Ontario trail horse — I can see it so clearly that I just know it will happen.

Squeeze Game℠ is a service mark of PARELLI NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP, INC.