melanie's blog

Horse Riding

went horse riding yesterday. never thought i could ever engage in these kind of physical activities again... but i did it!! and finished the whole course. Hahaha...

It was quite fun actually, i could still remember the first thought that came to mind when Daniel first posted the idea of horse riding. It was "Can i do it?, Can my hip handle the ride? but i really would like to give it a go! What should i say?" It was quite a fearful thought, the clear contradicting thoughts inside me, the fear of what will happen and the desire to try it. Even after i have decided to go for it, i was filled with fear, the fear of getting onto the horse, will my hip be flexible enough to get onto and sit comfortably on the saddle? I was quite worried. I knew at that point of time, all i needed was affirmation and encouragements from my friends who believed that i could do it... and i was never in lack of that!! =). Thanks to all especially for Yuli.

It was my first horse ride since a decade ago. After some help from Rinada the instructor and some interesting comments from Peter (the other instructor), i manage to get onto the horse, and my horse's name was Borris. He was HUGE and tall compared to all the other horses we've got for the day - and he was great too!! very tame and good. Instead of joining the rest trotting and attempting to canter, i took a slow walk with occasional trotting with Peter. I received special treatment and 1 to 1 attention.. HAHAHAHA.. attention seeker, which itself was great fun and a main source of strength. It was a great experience to learn how to control the horse and keep him happy. He was so cute, turning back to look at me just so that i could tap him and 'sayang' him... so cute!!

I remember clearly there were 2 specific incidents where i could have gave it all up and turn back. First one was before i took the slow walk option with Peter. I told him i was struggling a lil with my hip, we weren't even half way through (and i guess i wasn't actually doing it right). He said we could either turn back or we could take a slow walk down to the beach where everyone else was heading. There was a tear inside. My physical pain tells me that it would be better to head back and sit comfortably inside the car, yet the other part of me wanted to go ahead, not letting my physical disability stop me from doing something i really want to do. My mind wasn't in a position to give up.

"Go for the slow walk..." said Tim with the most affirming voice and facial expression - just what i needed to go ahead. So i went on, following closely behind Tim's horse Maverick who farts A LOT!! and very loud too! No wonder Borris was constantly turning away from Maverick's butt!

I found myself actually enjoying the ride, i learned to apply techniques to minimise the jerking and strain on my joint. The encouragements from Tim, Yuli, Peter and Kel proved helpful too! It was pleasurable and just chatting with Peter who helped me get my mind off the pain and discomfort. I actually began to really enjoy the ride and the wonderful experience of riding on a wild animal out in the nature. Finally, we got to the beach, the rest went on cantering (or should i say attempt to) while me and Min Hui followed Peter closer to the water. It was so fun!

on the way back, Peter asked me with him unique way and accent once again "How you doing there love? Do you want us to get a car to pick you, or you think you can make it back?"

Taking a deep breath, "I think i will make it back!!!" answered me with confidence and a desire to finish the ride. I could see the affirming smile once again on Tim's face. That brought much comfort and added strength to my faith. So there i went again, walking back enjoying the journey... It was a challenge and a struggle to keep myself comfortable on the saddle but i knew in my heart that i wanted to finish this ride; i will not be satisfied and would actually be disappointed with myself if i give up. With that thought in mind, i persevere and endured the pain. I can't deny the fact that i was actually a little worried and afraid of how am i gonna get down and what would happen then, and also making sure that i get good control of Borris so that i wouldn't fall. Liz and Min Hui fell on different occasions... i thought to myself, i can't afford to fall, it would just be too painful for my hip and I could die. I prayed to God to have mercy on me, and He did cover me with His love.

Now the exciting part came - getting down the horse. I was so scared and for 1 second, i thought that i could never do it and din want to try. I was that close to giving up. But then again, i have to get down right? I can't stay on Borris forever. Yuli and Rachel together with Rinada came to my rescue. Patiently, they helped me get down and i did it!!! Phew... that was a great relief. It is finished!!!

The feeling was incredible; i accomplished something that i have 'decided' that i cannot do. I proved myself wrong once again. As i think back, it is like the Spiritual Journey... i could not have done it or dare do it by myself. It was the encouragements and the beliefs of other people along the way that kept me going. We are meant to do it with other people...

Tim, Yuli, Kel, Liz, Rachel, and Min Hui, thanks for doing this together with me. I would not have done it otherwise.

Yuli, thanks for getting me on and off the horse
Tim, thanks for walking through it with me

And now, I just have to recover from it!! But it is all worth it… And I got sun burn too. I look like a lobster now… :-)

Posted by melanie at November 23, 2004 4:36 PM