Our Five Ring Circus: Back In The Saddle (Never) Again

Monday, October 11, 2010

Back In The Saddle (Never) Again

The weather was beautiful today, and Dylan had the day off from school, so we headed to the stable to visit our horse.


The visit started off well! Okay, so despite the fact that it took a half hour to untangle the burrs from Cherokee's mane and tail, it started off well. The kids and I worked hard, but we couldn't quite tame the pouf that was once his forelock.



Dylan wanted to ride, but we didn't have time for it. We compromised with a bareback ride, with me leading.

Two of the stable dogs were out, and kept circling around us as we walked. One of the dogs ran into Cherokee's leg, and Cherokee spooked. He began to canter away, and ripped the lead line out of my hand.

I watched in horror as Cherokee took off with my baby boy clinging to his back...with nothing to hold on to but the mane. Nothing will ever compare to that feeling of terror clenching my heart.

It all happened in a matter of seconds, but it felt like an eternity. I firmly told Cherokee to stop, as I ran alongside him. He was just out of reach. It was hard to keep my voice calm, when all I really wanted to do was scream and lunge at Cherokee to stop him, but I knew that would only spook him more.

Dylan managed to hang on until Cherokee slowed down, but ended up being thrown from his back right before he stopped. I screamed as he hit the ground. I ran toward him, expecting a broken bone. Miraculously, he was perfectly fine. A little sore and a LOT scared, but fine. Thank God!

I comforted Dylan, handed him off to my dad who had decided to tag along today, and caught Cherokee. I explained to Dylan that it wasn't Cherokee's fault, and that sometimes these things happen when you ride horses. Cherokee has always been so gentle with my kids, and it's been many years since he last spooked, but today, I was reminded of just how big he is.


Dylan said a tearful goodbye to Cherokee, but I have a feeling it's going to be a long time before this cowboy rides again.


16 comments:

  1. Aww, I'm so sorry! I had some scary experiences with my first horse too, and I hope that Dylan is able to get some cowboy confidence to get back in the saddle (as long as there's a saddle, right? :) So glad he wasn't hurt!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Poor kiddo! I remember the first time I really fell off a horse (flipped over his head when I looked down while going over a small jump). It takes a lot to get back on. He will though! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, the poor guy! I can't imagine how scared the both of you were. My heart raced just reading it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow! So scary. Glad Dylan is okay.

    ReplyDelete
  5. OMG, I was terrified just reading it!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm sure you were absolutely terrified, as was Dylan. That picture of him, while you can tell he is sad, it's absolutely adorable.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Awwww. I hope he rides again. That has to be terrifying though!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh so sad. It's so hard when animals that we love let us down like that, even when it's not their fault. Poor kiddo. I bet it will take time, but the more you build up Cherokee to Dylan, the quicker he'll be back at it, I'm sure.

    Poor baby!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am glad he is ok. We grew up with horses next to us and we have had plenty of 'spooke' stories. Scary, but everyone is alright.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh gosh! How scarey! I'm so glad everything turned out ok. Poor Dylan.......and poor Mama! I can only imagine your fear!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh wow how scary...so glad he is OKAY!! YIKES!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Awww. That must have been so scary for both of you! Glad it all turned out ok!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I bet that was so scary! I know if that happened to one of my boys it would be a really long time before they tried again!

    ReplyDelete
  14. So glad that everyone is okay... I was scared to death for you just reading about it. I can't imagine the terror that gripped you! Good job for remaining calm!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I can only imagine the terror of this! Horses are such beautiful creatures, and it's in moments like this that we are made aware of their strength too. I'm so glad Dylan is okay.

    My 4 year old really wants a horsey for a pet. I keep telling her when she is older and responsible, and goes to bed on time, and brushes her teeth without being asked then we will think about it....it'll probably never happen :)

    Following you back ;)

    ReplyDelete

I love hearing from you! Let's chat!!!