Bud's Ballad: Rain Rain

When spring arrived that year - I was ecstatic at the thought of riding him again. Wisconsin, however, had its own agenda as to when that first time might be. Sometimes it happens in March and other times not til mid-April; which is hard to fathom after waiting over 3 months to feel your horse under you as opposed to seeing him beside you.

The first dry Saturday I was SO happy to put Buddha in the cross ties knowing we were preparing for our first ride of the year. He was nice and relaxed, as usual, and stood quietly UNTIL ...I put the saddle blanket on followed by his saddle. He couldn't believe what I was doing and gave me a look of complete shock and horror - I truly think he would have sworn at me if he could. The first ride always feels wonderful and after lunging him we took a quiet stroll around the property - nice and easy - since both of us were a tad out of shape after our winter hiatus of no riding.

The funny part was that the following week, my husband took a week off and while he golfed his heart out on a Wisconsin course - I rode. The 2nd time Buddha saw me in a week ...he was curious, the 3rd time he saw me - he was suspicious, altho let me catch him in the pasture. The following Saturday, he took one look at me and high tailed it across the tract and onto the open field. ( Who ever said horses were dumb was SO wrong ). He did eventually wander over and enjoy my tasty treats only to be haltered and escorted back to the barn for a quick groom and more riding. When I really think of it - no horse weighing over 1,000 lbs. would allow itself to go anywhere if he really didn't want to - and there lies the beauty of the Buddha.