Riding After Dark

Well, in spite of the fact that I have been sick for two days, first it was a cold then blossomed into the full blown flu, I managed with great determination to attend my riding evaluation for the Dover Mounted Police. I had been looking forward to this for a very long time. Longer in fact than the few months I've been in negotiations to set this whole thing up. Having ridden horses for the majority of my life, by the time I was in high school I had considered persuing the idea of being a mounted police officer, preferably in Boston for some reason. Most likely because I think this was the closest city to actually have a mounted police squad. I did end up taking some college criminal justice courses, worked for the Portsmouth Probabtion Dept, was a receptionist at a local alcohol/substance abuse clinic and did a stint as a counselor in an adolescent treatment facility. So with all of the above combined it sort of made sense that I would want to go this route. However just before all of the related work experience I sort of lost my interest in horses. Instead world travel, partying and college took precedence. Not necessarily in that order. So fast forward about 15 years....and long story short I am once again employed at a horse farm, belonging to my father, out of an emergency situation where they needed the help and one thing led to another and there I was in familiar, somewhat comforting territory as far as being around horses again was concerned. Within a few months I then met my horse Miss Ali who of course was for sale, and for a steal, so I was back in it again, happily! Needless to say the time spent away from horses enabled me to concentrate on other life experiences such as having a family. Of course the family is now well adjusted to the horse lifestyle thanks to me. My goal is to get them all riding, although my daughter is already there and has been for awhile. So, I must say that if I hadn't taken a big break from all things horse related for the time that I did I may not be where I am today with it. Its easy to burnout with all that's involved with the day to day upkeep and care. Which brings me back to now. So this opportunity to be an exercise rider for the Dover police is a perfect situation. I am able realize my long time dream of actually being able to ride their horses without having to become a police officer, perfect! This reminds me of being 12 years old when I would ride my pony Peanuts through the streets of Portsmouth, because I could then. I would ride him to my house on Miller Ave. from Little Harbor Rd. where I kept him, and sometimes even to the baseball field near the South playground. Ah yes those were the good ol' days. They say you can never go back, but this is going to be about as close as I can get by riding in Dover.
When I arrived at the stable last night at dusk I was feeling pretty lousy but determined to do my best. Now you must know that these are the biggest horses I've ever ridden. I rode TJ and Royal and they were both very well behaved. Riding Royal was like riding a couch he is so big and floaty and gentle. Maryann Davis from Hilltop Equestrian Center came down to do the evaluations. There were 3 of us riding. We walk, trot, cantered in both directions on each horse and she also had us stand in our stirrups while trotting to see how our balance was. Even though I was sick somehow the riding was comforting. Well in the end we were all approved to ride which was worth it even though I wasn't at the top of my game. I am really looking forward to hitting the streets, and the trail with these guys. A fun fact is that I live really close to the stable, and I often hear the clip-clop of their hooves when they go by. Another worthwhile note to mention is that Im able to contribute my time to the community doing something that I absolutely love. So, all in all this definitely a positive activity that I hope to be able to participate in for a long time. Happy trails~