Anna Blake We were standing around the barn after the vet had left, a group of trainers and riders and horses, telling stories and laughing. I can’t remember what I said now, but the European trainer got suddenly serious with me, saying “You know there is only one right way to train that, don’t you?” I don’t … Read more
The horse’s eye curtained by his forelock, his ear turns to stare back as we walk in matched strides, left hoof and left foot lift ahead, our weights land and shift to the right, part of us on solid ground, part swinging just above. Don’t think; take no notice that will alter the rhythm … Read more
Restless eyes behind closed lids, the early hours lay flat, dull to these scurrying thoughts. Rise to use the bathroom and the dogs do not stir. Pull on a barn coat and muck boots to go out and walk the farm. Keep to open ground, small steps feel for uneven earth, head dropped back … Read more
So convinced of her isolation, she had become its primary cause. So exhausted to chance, she had retreated to a fine-tuned invisibility. So work- hardened by test, she had proven she could carry the pain. Better to be alone than a fool. Held apart so cold lack seemed a choice instead of a failure. … Read more
I’m just the sort of old-fashioned cowgirl/dressage queen/dork that loves the concept of respect. Philosophically and in real life, I care more about respect than love in most situations. Love can be fickle and misguided, but respect is a sacred trust. Sadly, as a trainer and writer, I avoid using the word. The word “respect” has been kidnapped … Read more
“Curiosity is a sign of courage,” she said, hushing my correction. Bright praise for my colt chasing her dog along a fence line. That colt grew old and died, funeral respect gladly paid to a fine mentor, and now that mortality hangs around my ankles, I’ve grown stubborn, looking both ways before ranting, not … Read more
Humans are impatient worriers. On the high side, it means we care but we want to know everything immediately. Perhaps a predator way of thinking; we’re always on the hunt, stalking the perceptions that elude us. The more we chase, the more understanding hides. We crave control and we’re better at fighting than waiting. Gaining … Read more
Lawn chairs got tossed, doors banged and windows rattled. She came back late, maybe even drunk. When I ventured out just before sun up, the ground was damp, small twigs and branches littered the picnic table. A surprising barrage of bird chatter; it’s been so quiet without them the last months but they were … Read more
My client’s mare is lovely; a very well-bred athletic horse. When my client bought her, the previous owner suggested my client get a cowboy to ride her at first, she needed spurs all the time and the horse was ‘mare-y‘, whatever that means. I get a little mare-y myself at the suggestions. My client decided … Read more
Inside? No, but thanks for asking. Anna Blake, Infinity Farm. WordPress Photo Challenge is a weekly prompt to share a photo- I enjoy twisting these macro prompts to share our micro life here on the Colorado prairie. My photos are taken with my phone, on my farm. No psych, definitely not high-tech.