Story time: Three weeks ago, I went for my very first solo ride with my new horse, Cedar. There's something you should know about him. Much like me, he's got, well, a "free spirit." Cedar was brought home direct from the wild west - a Mustang through and through. Which for me as a rider brings a little touch of unpredictability. Which is why I think we understand each other. I took Cedar out to the road, and originally intended to just ride him to the end of the block and back. But I have to tell you - plan changed really quick. What I'm about to share happened in about 90 seconds. We turned southbound on the street and made it about 20 feet before a huge thunderclap startled both of us. I quickly decided to head back, given all the unknowns I was dealing with as a solo rider (I had no idea if he was going to bolt, or what I would do if he did). As soon as I decided to turn back, I looked ahead and noticed a huge truck and trailer stopped in the middle of the street. My prayer that they would stay put was interrupted with more thunder and sudden, heavy rain. I like knowing that all my prayers get an answer; "yes," "not right now," or "I have something better" The answer to this prayer was the second - That trailer wasn't staying put. It was headed my way. Cedar must have felt all my apprehension building, and my body tighten up, because he started hot-footing it back home. I'm sure we were really going pretty slow, but to a new rider and horse combo with limited chemistry it felt like a breakaway - especially when I felt my feet lose the stirrups. Here was the second prayer "Please just make him go home...and not anywhere else" Well 90 seconds later, we were back on the familiar gravel driveway, and I was dismounting. Soaking wet and stunned - I threw my arms around Cedar's neck with an "atta-boy" since he did in fact carry me home safe (if scared out of my skin). HERE'S THE LESSON Today I went back to the barn. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little scared to hop back in the saddle. Especially since it was clouding up again...