Lisa Mclain

Just finished this a few days ago was thinking about it , The relationship between human and horse is not one that is foreign to me. I have a friend who is a rider and trainer and she lives , eats and sleeps it. But I must admit it's one that has always befuddled me, strange as i speak to my dogs like they are humans. I suppose I should not be confused by any love between a person and something that makes them whole, riding, hiking, yoga, photography, writing. They are not what defines us but they are what makes us who we are. Once I saw that mindset it was easier for me to read the details of horse riding and showing without thinking too hard about those details. ( I get all ocd about the terms and techniques) forgetting that the story is not about riding - it's about the relationships we forge with unlikely characters in our lives, the common ground we have with others that enables us to relate and be empathetic with them. The bond we make sometimes faster than we can understand with a stranger because there is some core emotion between us. You have a gift to bring these relationships to the page, mixing the middle aged with the young, a gap that is so often difficult to close. For many they force the relationship with their own children, and find it is much easier with someone else - it was the same for us as kids, and will be the same for many years - that the adults that we met that took the time to listen to us will stay with us forever whether parent, or teacher or unlikely friend. What we don't always know at the time is that our friendship and trust in them often allows them to learn as well . It gives them strength to be the person they think we are. As per usual it was a wonderful story - with some unlikely relationships that formed out of pain - but healed with the gift of kindness and patience.