The Generation X Files

My last post definitely proved I’m not alone in my api/spheksophobia!

Don’t worry, I’m done talking about mind-controlling wasps that rob cockroaches of their free will! I want to talk about animals again but, not ones I’m scared of.

I’m going to flip that last post on its head (much like the wasp with the cockroach….oops sorry!) and in this one, talk about the animals that make me happy.

They say that dogs are “man’s best friend” and I’d definitely have to agree. I’ve had a couple of those for sure! 🐶❤️

As much as I love our cats, I wouldn’t call us “friends”. We’re certainly not their “masters”….if anything, they’re ours! 😼

In my life, I’ve been fortunate enough to have other “bestie” beasties.

For as far back as I can remember, I’ve been “horse-mad”!

I don’t know why. I wasn’t brought up around horses or anything and we lived in the middle of a city!

Perhaps, it was inevitable. Instinctive almost. Although diluted, maybe the traveller part of my DNA is stronger than I realised….I was drawn to them. A partnership forged long ago….kindred free spirits….

Maybe, it’s less romantic and just from watching all those John Wayne films with my mum when I was little…😉

Whatever the reason, the first time I sat on a pony (aged 4), I never wanted to get back off!

I can’t explain it. The affinity I’ve always felt with these beautiful beasts. How much they’ve filled my life with pure joy over the years. The way my heart responds the second I hear hooves approaching.

I’ve never found an equivalent sensation to galloping on horseback. The only way I can describe it is, you feel like you’re flying.

Not the slow, graceful, swooping type of flight. Think more along the lines of straddling a rocket….that takes off horizontally. A bit like this….

It’s a heady cocktail of exhilaration mixed with a dash of fear. The giddy kind. Like the sort you get from horror films or theme parks!

But, there’s so much more to it than just galloping about.

I can’t describe the feeling when a horse accepts you. Lets you sit on their back with no resistance or fear. When you reach a mutual trust. Learn a silent communication.

Some people describe it as “becoming one” with the animal.

I just think of it as making friends.

This handsome fella in the photo below became one of mine. His name was Trampus.

He was, what’s known in the horse-world as, a “schoolmaster pony”. That’s a highly trained, experienced and often older pony. They teach their rider advanced skills and increase their confidence.

His owner had gone to university and was looking for someone to take care of him in his absence. My mum (legend!) arranged for me to have him on what’s called a “full loan”.

He was moved to the stables at my best friend’s parent’s house. (Have I done that right? It looks wrong….I feel like I should have a comma in there? I’m not downloading a grammar checker just for that! Let’s move on…)

They were a family of experienced horse-people. I already spent most of my weekends there riding their exotic, American horses and ponies! It was a dream come true!

When Trampus first arrived, he hadn’t been exercised for quite a while. In fact he was so out of shape, his saddle didn’t fit anymore.

The only way to ride him was without one.

It was a little like straddling a burst armchair at first! One stuffed with itchy horse hair! But, we soon got used to it. And each other.

I wasn’t one of those “gymkhana girls” who liked competing on horses. Actually, I hated that side of it and didn’t go to many events.

I didn’t like a lot of the equipment required to “get the best” out of your horse. Too many times I saw horses and ponies being forced into submission.

Whips, spurs and harsh bits were often used to achieve this and I always though they were cruel.

You can’t achieve true harmony by force. The synergy between horse and human can’t be rushed or bullied into existence. It takes patience. And time.

I had plenty of both for Trampus.

With him, I had no choice but to be patient. He was overweight and unfit so we went at his pace. I rode him bareback with a bridle until he was slim enough to wear his saddle again.

We’d amble about in the countryside for hours at a time just…..being. It’s amazing how many animals you see from horseback when you learn to be slow and still.

He was my last pony and I didn’t ride for a long time again after him. By that time, I was a “grown-up” and had advanced to horse height.

Still, we made a million memories along the way. Ones I can remember to this day. I learned a lot of valuable lessons from that particular best friend.

Some, I’d need to call upon again. Years later, when another sensitive soul entered our lives. Our German Shepherd, Princess, who I’ve previously written about in my post Puppy Love.

That was another time in my life with “experts” advising me how best to train an animal. An endless supply of methods and suggestions to break the dog’s spirit teach me how to be the “alpha”.

More quick fixes, special equipment and domination. How to break her….bend her to my will like we do with horses. (Like the wasp with the cockroach?)

But, we found the right person. A real dog expert who earned that title…by first earning the most important thing….trust. Both mine and, more incredibly, our hyper-nervous dog.

By being patient. From observing and adapting to the needs of that particular dog. Being a calm leader so she could match that energy instead of feeling anxious.

It was actually a lot like being around horses. They can pick up on your emotions just like a dog can. Both animals can have a similar response when they’re frightened. It’s unpredictable.

I think that’s why I always go slow and steady with both.

Because, I never forget that we invited these wild animals into our lives and homes. Humans “domesticated” them.

We altered them from wolves and wild horses. A drastic transformation over thousands of years through artificial selection. It’s almost like we’ve played God in their “creation”.

What is it about us humans? Why do we have to change everything or force it into submission? Our pets……each other…..even our planet.

I just don’t understand us. That’s probably why I prefer other animals instead. They’re a lot less complicated! It’s all about finding the right balance to co-exist.

Something we humans seem unable to achieve.

I’m still not sure who put us in charge! Evolution or Creation, either way, it seems to be going very badly. Maybe that’s why the aliens keep probing us! To find out what went wrong! 👽

Oh well, the way things are going, I might not have to think about it for much longer.

I’ve accepted the fact we keep voting for clowns, so why be surprised by the circus?

Let’s see what happens next!

Soon, the cockroaches might be the only things left….

Oops….seven minute read….I’ve gone long again! That’s enough.

Armageddon outta here! 🏇

Citizen Jane x ✌️