Okay, I'm not retired, but my riding has taken on a decidely different flavor. Maybe this will sound weird, but I feel like I'm out of the rat race of riding. Riding is now, really, a relaxing part of my life.
I bring Lily out of the pasture. Sometimes she says "meh" and I have to come to her. Sometimes she says "Girlfriend!" and she jogs over to me.
I don't hold her hot and cold nature against her. Because we have an understanding. She accepts my quirks, I accept hers.
Once out, sometimes we ride. Sometimes I brush her and inhale her scent. I think she finds that a little embarrassing, like when all the people in the restaurant cave to societal pressure and sing you happy birthday despite the fact that you are MORTIFIED. But she puts up with it because she really does like me.
I think.
Sometimes we ride in the arena. Sometimes we ride in the gelding's pasture and make fun of them behind their backs. Sometimes we go out on the street and ride around the block.
I bring in my own hay because I want to have the smell of hay on me. I have a sign on her stall so everyone knows she's loved, because I can't get by every day.
I buy her a new water bucket because she HATES black buckets and poops in them.
Horse life is good life, even if I don't have the time I'd like on horseback. But I'm writing, creating, and time in the saddle gets me unstuck.
Which is a wonderful place to be.
PS: I've created a little newsletter filled with some of my other writing, if you're interested click here to sign up.
PPS: I also FINALLY finished my novel. Has nothing to do with horses. But I think you'd like it. Click here for an excerpt.