In the Red Hills of Tallahassee Florida
there are the yearly 3-day Eventing Horse trials
Where the Olympians mingle.
Where horses have seeming wings
My youngest…an eventer and I were lucky to be there for the Cross Country portion.
The heart and trust that helps them to fly is palpable.
This is the triathlon of the horse world for horse and man
Involving stadium jumping, dressage and cross country.
Involving gusto and guts and….soul
Boyd Martin was one of the eventers…
(if you have a minute read and watch the link embedded in his name above. You WILL have tears as you meet his $850 dollar horse and a true story of life saving friendship)
We held him in our hearts as he flew by us…as his wife Silva…another Olympian
lay in a hospital 7 hours away…having been in a tragic horse accident herself last week.
‘It is not like teaching a horse to jump better and better but like turning a horse into a winged creature. Of course, once it has got its wings, it will soar over fences which could never have been jumped and thus beat the natural horse at its own game.’ ~CS Lewis
Winged souls.
Achingly beautiful.
13 comments:
the absolute beauty i cannot deny.
but part of me repels at making animals ...
always it seems ...
whether orca whales ... or horses such as these magnificent ones ...
do our bidding.
for our benefit and enjoyment.
not to down this lovely post ...
or the hours of practice put in
that your child knows so well.
but that it's how christopher reeve became a physical vegetable.
and the delicate legs of the horse. strong but so breakable.
alas.
trying to love it.
but just not sure.
and now. since i couldn't keep my sorry mouth shut. i'll slink away!
just watched boyd martin video.
am just blown away.
tears.
joy.
pride.
love.
thank you for this post.
perhaps the spirit of the horse WANTS to fly after all. xo ♥
No slinking needed Tammy. We all have opinions. Many that ride know the love that these amazing creatures have of the sport...of the rider. The hours working together and taking care of a 2000 lb domesticated animal (much different than a wild orca...captured)is not for all...but life changing for some.Including the Horse.
Wow, I never knew that jumpers jumped into water. My Gracie jumps around and tears the fence down, trying to get out of the pasture. I am trying to find her a small friend, like a goat or a donkey.
Wonderful post! And incredible photos!
Donna...The level of trust, for a horse that does not see that the water is a puddle...and not an ocean. Is HUGE. It can take years. But is all trust. Many won't.
I love it when you do horsey posts! Your photos are so amazing! My daughter also rides and is an eventer! Preliminary level-moving up to Intemediate this year on a $500 horse! Best of luck to your daughter! It's so good for them!
Lovely photos Linda, and a heartwarming Boyd Martin story....thank you.
amazing shots!!!! I have friends who are riders ... sensitive ones. Amazing the relationship between horse and rider.
Love love love this post Linda! Such beautiful photos. Are any or all of these your daughter?
Love seeing those flair strips on eventers helping them to breathe through every jump.
My mom sent me your link just a few minutes ago. She loves your blog as much as I do!
Take care,
Lisa
Oh my goodness, what a wonderful story. I'm sure we can all agree, the bond -- "THAT" bond, between man and animal is pretty darned special.
I so hope they make the short list to the Olympics... you can bet I'll be watching!
I am a Horse Lover. Huge part of my life and my sons. Totally different venues .
A professional roper and NFR Qualifier. Raise cutting horses and Barrel Horses. I grew up on a ranch and raised my 3 sons on one. There is no better therapy in ones life than that of which a Horse brings. My dad has always said they smell so good. And its true. Everything about them is magical. Jumpers is magical to me. I loved your pictures and your post. Thanks.
This is a powerful post, I love every image. Thank you for sharing. I will definitely watch the video.
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