June 11, 2010 @ 1:15 pm
Ridin’ Free
Majestic Hills Ranch, Lakeville, MN (33)
Alfalfa. No not as in the character from The Little Rascals, but as in the hay we feed the cattle and horses at home. I’m not sure there’s anything better than lying in a field on a warm summer’s night in Kentucky, inhaling the air filled with the smells of the Alfalfa rolled into large bales scattered all along the farms. Breathing in, the sweet aroma danced smoothly in the wind, and the wholesome scents of freshly cut hay lingered throughout the entire farm. The kids started rolling down the graveled road just after we’d arrived. They walked slowly, then picked up their feet as they saw the beautiful four-legged creatures show their faces.
I remember reading articles following the Oklahoma City Bombing many years ago. It was nearly impossible to comfort so many of the children affected by the tragedy. There was one child who hadn’t spoken in months. One day she was introduced to a Golden Retriever, and finally, slowly, her recovery began. Talking to the dog allowed her to fully express her fears free from embarrassment. Majestic HIlls Ranch provides a program promoting just this type of rehabilitation. They take horses previously unwanted, and then work, train, and prepare them for a life helping children battling Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Autism and numerous other diseases. Riding the horses, as well as interacting with the other animals on the Ranch, encourages the children to communicate with one another, and helps with gaining the confidence needed to flourish in our society.
I watched at first, making sure I knew just what to do. And then it was my turn. Walking beside the large horse, making sure the boy above stayed sturdy, I looked up as young Jess (this horse’s trusty leader) guided him slowly around the field. I wasn’t aware of the disease with which the boy was struggling, and though it was heartbreaking seeing him try to communicate with little success in the beginning, eventually, watching him with this gigantic animal was unbelievably beautiful. Circling the small arena, he stroked his mane, feeling the tough hair between his fingers. And then his words became clear as he begged the animal to “Walk on,” “Step up,” and “Whoa…” Sitting tall, feeling the undeniable strength of the horse below him, his legs moved wildly, then suddenly calmed as he threw the entire weight of his body on the neck of the animal. His arms grasped around him as far as they could stretch, and it was so very clear the connection they had made. The young boy was able to trust in the movement of the animal, was free from the preconceived judgements, and wasn’t demanded to meet certain expectations. He was simply able to ride.
As Jess slid off the back of the horse, his short stature seemed tiny in comparison. He ran to the barn, collecting a cookie to reward his new friend for a memorable adventure. His movements were already softer, as he jumped from mound to mound, floating through the air. His legs had become stronger, his arms moved with purpose. He was happily satisfied, with the tricks he’d completed, and with the smiles on our faces.
My hand moved along the curve of the horse’s body from the top of his head to the tip of his flowing tail. He stood firmly, refusing to falter, and I thought…even the weakest of bodies could feel powerful with the force of such strong legs below them. As his eyes reflected the image of me, I knew there was no way he could ever realize the miracles he was creating, and my admiration of these great creatures grew even more.
Walking with the newly greened grass at my feet, I looked at the horses trotting once again, I heard the rustle of the pigs as they snuggled in the slop surrounding them, and listened to the “Nayys” of the goats begging for my attention. The parents were packing cars, the kids saying their goodbyes. I smelled the Alfalfa once again as I sucked in more air than I ever imagined possible, smothering my lungs with the goodness of nature, and the comfort of home.
