Chapter Four (Just The Two Of Us)

Previously, on "Memoirs Of A City Girl":
Ch. 3 (A Beautiful Morning)
-Upon being awoken by the beautiful sunrise, I was glad to be alive.
-I decided to check out the town.
-I passed by the local hospital but didn't feel ready to get a job yet.
-The Fox family had pets up for adoption, so I was able to meet the beautiful animals in their ranch.
-I got to experience bottle-feeding a foal for the first time.





Location: 1012 Pomona Promenade
Date: Saturday, 10/22/11
Time: 8:30 a.m.


The next morning, I try to get over my disappointment of not being able to take Willow home. I wanted her, the same way I wanted Mr. Nunu and the ranch when I first saw them. She's so adorable with her big brown eyes and caramel color, and she would have made a great companion for this beast. She's a girl and a baby. If he has problems getting along with her then maybe he has some serious psychological issues.

Back in Bridgeport, I would have already been doing my rounds at the hospital. Here in Appaloosa Plains, I am staring at a large bale of hay. I guess I'll have to spread it out if I don't want the beast to starve. After 10 minutes of pulling and dragging, I feel exhausted. My body starts to feel warm, and little beads of sweat begin to appear on my skin.  

Holy shit, this is a lot of work!! How do farm people do this everyday?



I've never brushed a horse before. I cautiously approach the beast as calmly as possible so I don't make him nervous. Surprisingly, he doesn't budge when the brush makes contact with his body. After he huffed at me the other night, I learned to respect his space. Gently, I brush his underside until all of the loose hair comes out, and his coat feels nice and soft. Being this close to him, the reality of his size and presence start to sink in. He is massive, and his head is at least a foot taller than me.

"You're a good boy, yes you are. You look so handsome with your hair brushed!" I whisper, feeling a sense of peace as I he lets me explore his body. Brushing a horse's hair is definitely different from brushing a dog's hair. There must be a certain level of trust for it to be possible.

"I see the crystal raindrops fall
And the beauty of it all
When the sun comes shining through
To make those rainbows in my mind
When I think of you some time
And I want to spend some time with you"



With his developing trust in me, I seize this moment by cupping his face with my hands. Softly, I trace the contour of his cheeks, muzzle and forehead. He seems to like it since he's standing still, slightly leaning towards me.

"That's a good boy, Mr. Nunu. I love how calm you are. Thank you for letting me brush you."



Feeling confident, I also use this opportunity to clean his hooves.

"Mr. Nunu, see where my face is? Please don't let one go."



"See, that wasn't so bad, was it? You are such a good horsie, yes you are! You were such a good boy while I was cleaning you. Yes you were!" I coo, feeling so proud of myself that I didn't get gassed out, doo-doo bombed or kicked in the face.

He looks pleased as well. 

Wow, I just groomed a horse!



"I'll take care of you. Don't you worry." I whisper in his ear.  Hearing that, he lets me touch his face...just a little bit longer. 

"Just the two of us
We can make it if we try
Just the two of us
Just the two of us
Building castles in the sky
Just the two of us
You and I"



To get him used to me as a handler, I walk around with him on lead.  He hasn't shown any sign of distress after 10 minutes. Taking a deep breath, I try to mount him again.



So far, so good. I have to remind myself that trust can't be rushed. So I just let him have free rein to help him feel comfortable with me on his back.

 "Poor thing, all that walking must have made you thirsty." I gently run my hand along his graceful back.

It's really cool to ride a horse and watch him drink. An animal must suppress his instincts just to accommodate a human riding his back and bossing him around. It truly is amazing how intelligent and trusting they can be.



As Mr. Nunu eats his breakfast, I savor the magnificent view of my own backyard. They say money can't buy happiness, but it can certainly buy a sense of ownership. Feeling his muscles under my leg, I feel one with the beast as I stand tall, scanning the landscape. I am a part of this land, and the land is a part of me. Right now, at this moment, this is why I came to Appaloosa Plains. To take ownership of my own life. To finally regain control of my own destiny.

I can only imagine what the pioneers must have felt when they saw this very same view. The vast space of rolling hills and flowing lakes.



Sadly, I can't even control my own balance when I dismount. 

Alright, that's it. I'm signing up for riding lessons.

*Copyright 2011 Lyn C.S.*
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"Just The Two Of Us" by Bill Withers
Video by: kaattz