Friday, March 6, 2009

I am fascinated at the power and agility of a horse. Having been a barrel racer of quarter horses I have seen and felt the connection between the rider and horse...both having the need to satisfy that adrenaline rush. You can feel the tension, trembling and anticipation built up and ready to explode underneath the saddle just before that initial thrust off the starting line. Once in the moment, the horse takes over...having practiced the routine so many times. With a barrel horse...you as the rider are just along for the adventure, anticipating the next movement, acting on the subtle cues felt by your legs gripping tight to the horse. Over in just a matter of seconds, it is time to review the path, the mistakes, the turn too wide or too close...make the adjustments, tighten the saddle, love pats on the neck and cue up for the next time trial.

12 comments:

Sunny said...

Dan, thank you for the memories. The powerful photograph of yours took me back to schoolyears when i was fond of horse racing.

Karrie said...

Right up my alley!!! :)
That is so great Dan that you used to barrel race. I tried it with the horse I used to ride but we never became barrel racers :( Hey if you haven't check out my egg with no shell...stop by :)

~ Denise ~ said...

What a powerful, emotive picture. I admire the strength of horses and.. you barrel raced? That's awesome! ;)

Dan Felstead said...

Sunny...did you win any money?

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Karrie,
I will check out the eggless shell over the weekend. And the barrel racing...peole either seem to love it or hate it..nothing in between! I used to barrel, flag and rescue race. The rescue race was my favorite. I was the guy jumping on the back...my cousin rode the horse and picked me up.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Denise,

It is always interesting to find out a little about peoples past...sometimes it surprises you!

Dan

Heather said...

Barrel racer? WOW. I like how you've presented this photo and words, Dan. Nice ;o)

Dan Felstead said...

Heather,

Thanks for the comment...yes years ago now but I miss those days...teens to mid 20's. I started in 4H then moved on to open class competitions.

Dan

Dani said...

Dan, Thanks for the welcome! I've always enjoyed your insights on The One Minute Writer and Pictures, Poetry, & Prose. I hadn't checked out your blog though, until you were featured on One Minute because she used your prompt. (Congrats, by the way.) Now I'm excited to follow your blog and enjoy reading more of your insights- as well as get inspired. Thanks1

Dan Felstead said...

Dani,
Welcome aboard and I am glad you stumbled onto the blog!

Dan

Kathleen said...

Dan, great pic and great description... takes me back. I seldom was in the money but had fun gaming. There's nothing like that moment just before take off! Except, maybe, the race for home after a good run through the barrels or poles.

Dan Felstead said...

Kathleen...Ah a former gamer! I had better explain myself so people don't think I am talking about an x box 360 or PS3! Our game machines didn't use electricity...we just fed them molasses and oats! Our game machines had great programming and were programed by the master programmer! The on switch was just the slightest loosening of the reins and a lean forward. From that point a good gaming machine took it from there!

Thanks for posting.

Dan