A few happy things are coming up soon that prompted me to pull these images… next week, my parents are visiting us from Idaho, and in April, we’re flying back up to Montana to visit this beautiful ranch again.
In case you didn’t realize this about me, I learned to ride my first horse at seven-ish years old while growing up in Idaho. Galloping along expansive alfalfa fields, gripping the reins tightly in my hands, leaning towards the horse’s neck, and giving them some room to run is… well… my happiest of happy places.
It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden consistently, and I’m rusty in certain places. But when I get on a horse and start moving around, letting the horse figure out who I am while I get to know them, I find that other folks will comment, “You have a really good seat.” Meaning – I sit comfortably on a horse. No stiffness, no fear. I just sit and build a partnership with the animal. It’s when you build a solid trust that the fun begins…
When we were in Montana for Kaitlyn and Mark’s engagement session, we rode through their breathtaking ranch, and Jeff said that he finally understood what it means to ride a good horse. Which brings me to my mom. She grew up riding horses through the desert country of western Colorado, and she told me at a young age, “The world is better from the back of a good horse.”
It was nice when Jeff understood what we’ve always meant.
While visiting and riding with Mark and Kaitlyn, we (of course) brought along our cameras – both digital and film – and I’ve been meaning to share the images. Which makes me realize – like the back of a good horse, the world is also better when viewed through a good camera.
Hugs,
Erin
