Whoa!

I hadn’t been horseback riding in a long time, but my employer recognized how challenging teaching had been during the pandemic and sent my colleagues and me away to camp for rest and rejuvenation and to enjoy the great outdoors! After watching the instructional video, we paired up with our horses, and off we went.

My horse’s name was Mr. Dusty, and within a few minutes, he began giving me hints that my ride would not be easygoing. He repeatedly veered off the trail, stopped, and refused to move with the group, and a couple of times, he suddenly decided to make a U-turn and face the stables. I quickly realized that horses, like my students, have personalities. Some are very calm and obedient; they follow directions very well. Others need constant redirection, correction, and gentle guidance, just as I had to constantly pull Mr. Dusty’s reins to guide him back onto the trail.

At times, I wondered why my daughter and most riders in our group had no problems whatsoever. As a matter of fact, at the end of the ride, my daughter didn’t even remember her horse’s name because she didn’t have to keep calling it! At one point, Mr. Dusty reared up suddenly, and I thought I was going to fall off for sure.

The wrangler commended me for holding on and handling him. I was fully aware that he was a tall, robust, majestic animal who could easily throw me off his back with minimal effort. The wrangler explained that Mr. Dusty had some “challenges” and apologized for the antics. I assured her that I was OK with Mr. Dusty.

I told her I had handled children with “challenges” throughout my career. In addition to that, I had a child with special needs.

I am convinced that as we lined up in the stable before the ride, the wranglers sized us up and decided which horse best suited each of us.

God knows what’s best too. Yes, some children present extra unexpected challenges, but we must remember that He knows what’s best for us and what we need.

Michelle Vanessa O’Reilly