Learning to Ride Up in Sheddville

Tucker and I are getting to know each other quite well. The big horse is docile and knows the way. Yesterday I got a chance to go through the woods with him for a few hours. We even sped up to a quick canter for a few strides in an open field, though his trot was so bumpy I almost fell off.

I've been taking riding lessons in Sheddville--a cluster of five houses on their own street in Bernardston all occupied by various members of the Shedd family. I am getting in touch with what it feels like to be on a horse, in preparation for next week's big adventure.

On Sunday I fly to Big Sky, Montana, and I will spend next week on an 18,000 acre ranch riding, roping and learning the ways of the cowboys. These trail rides are my prep so that when I get there I won't be too sore from all of the riding. I've gotten to know a little about the Shedds and about how to keep a horse under control.

Yesterday we rode through the woods. Tucker crashed his way past trees, we ducked to try and avoid branches, and the horse was surprisingly nimble picking his way over large logs and through muddy patches. The power he shows when he climbs up a steep hill is impressive. It's like being on a big four x four except he's breathing and he knows the way better than I do.