[Leica] (NEW) STORY SERIES AS A TEST FOR THE NEXT BOOK? :-)

[steve.barbour at gmail.com (Steve Barbour)]

I love it Ted,  I suppose when the Noctilux wound up in the cow manure was a 
different trying day....


Steve



On Sep 27, 2012, at 8:42 AM, <tedgrant at shaw.ca> wrote:

> 
> 
> Rent a Horse
> 
> 
> 
> Prior to my first assignment to the ranching country of Alberta it became
> 
> necessary for me to ride a horse as I had I never done so.   However I
> 
> survived only due to the success of my first riding assignment. I found
> 
> myself offered other projects involving mounting horse back. I can
> 
> assure you it had nothing to do with my riding ability.
> 
> 
> 
> With new assignments booked I was determined to really know how to ride and
> 
> do it right.  Thus saving me enduring the constant "city slicker" remarks.
> 
> 
> 
> Approaching the "Sun Dance Ranch", a rent-a-horse riding stable near
> 
> Ottawa, I arranged a schedule of daily riding lessons and was about
> 
> to mount for the first lesson.
> 
> 
> 
> The training approach was an hour a day for a month. Starting as a
> 
> rookie I found myself on a gentle horse riding around the corral and
> 
> familiarizing myself with the feel of the animal. On the back of my gentle
> 
> old horse and riding tall in the saddle of the cowboy, I loved it.
> 
> 
> 
> The first couple of days on the trails of the property I was
> 
> accompanied by an instructor who soon felt I was confident enough.
> 
> And suggested I should ride by myself.
> 
> 
> 
> The first day riding alone was exciting, somewhat like the first
> 
> time you were allowed to drive the car solo.
> 
> 
> 
> We plodded along for approximately thirty minutes, when my horse sensed
> 
> it was half time in the hour ride, it turned and  headed for the
> 
> stable.  I tried to turn it's head to ride on farther to no avail
> 
> Plodding was over and like a bolt of lightening she headed for home.
> 
> 
> 
> With me hanging on for dear life and within sight of the barn, it reverted
> 
> to a docile gentle mare and sauntered up to the hitching rail as though
> 
> nothing had happened.
> 
> 
> 
> Explaining my experience to the stable hand, he just laughed and
> 
> said, "the old girl can't run that fast."  But as he lead her to the stable
> 
> she turned  and looked at me knowing she had me.
> 
> 
> 
> One of the instructors heard the story and a few days road along to see if 
> the horse would repeat itself, of course nothing happened, it did the 
> usual plod along with the occasional canter back to barn.  Now I really 
> looked stupid with my story of the wild ride.
> 
> 
> 
> Nothing occurred for several days as I ventured out on my own. Sure
> 
> enough almost to the thirty minute mark her head came around and we were
> 
> off for the barn lickity-split.  I knew that horse was out to kill me.
> 
> 
> 
> This time I didn't say anything, I didn't want them to think I was an 
> idiot.
> 
> But the horse and I looked at each other and we both knew this was
> 
> going to be a competition of survival.
> 
> 
> 
> I remembered what an old cowboy told me about horses, "they will try you!"
> 
> If you don't show who's boss, they will beat you every time."
> 
> To-morrow would be a different story!
> 
> 
> 
> The next day prepared for the usual gallop back, as soon as her head came
> 
> around, much to her surprise I pulled-up hard on the bridle.  It
> 
> worked, she stopped and stood there. Round two for me.
> 
> 
> 
> Each day after, it became an enjoyable ride with her, the pace of the ride
> 
> improved! I was comfortable with a fast canter and my ability
> 
> to where I felt I could ride with the Albertans.
> 
> 
> 
> On the final day I took a couple of cameras to hang from shoulders and to
> 
> get the feel of riding with equipment.  It was an enjoyable ride, me
> 
> feeling at ease. I stretched the time as it was the last day.
> 
> 
> 
> Lulled into a false sense of riding comfort I wasn't prepared for
> 
> what happened.
> 
> 
> 
> She made-up her mind it was time to turn and go. Before I could respond
> 
> I was given the test ride of my life, she flew along the trail at full
> 
> gallop .
> 
> Me hanging on dearly to saddle horn  and cameras I didn't realize we were 
> back at the stable yard and she came to an abrupt stop putting her head 
> down,  sending me and cameras through the air into the manure pile.  She 
> gave a kind of snort looking at me as only a female can! I swear she was 
> smiling!.
> 
> 
> 
> "You have to show 'em who's boss!" Cameras were Ok, my riding dignity was 
> somewhat bent!
> 
> 
> 
> End of lessons. Next rides were for real rounding-up cattle and 
> photographing the action there of. which I id hold my own!
> 
> 
> 
> And it produced one of my better books.  "WORKING COWBOY'S OF CANADA!" And 
> a subcequent edition "WORKING COWBOYS OF 
> AMERICA.!..........................
> 
> 
> 
> I'VE NEVER RIDDEN SINCE! J
> 
> 
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