Excitement and anticipation filled the cool evening air as we saddled up at sunset. The warmth of the horses breath became visible in plumes of steam expelled from flaring nostrils. Silence filled the olive grove with the exception of the familiar scraping of hooves on the stable floor.
We began to ride before the moon rose into the night sky. It was difficult to see the ground, but not for the horses. Sure footed, alert and yet relaxed they walked down the hill towards the sound of Budgong Creek.
Motion sickness set in for the riders, for just a few minutes, in the dim light as our balance adjusted to the sway. Crossing the running waters of the rocky creek in the evening was lovely. We searched the sky for the rising moon. It was not yet to be seen. Its' only evidence, the shimmering rays of a hidden moon spilling out above the top of the hill. Riding on, the horses crossed School Creek with ease as we came to the familiar rise to the Burma Fire Trail. We love to canter up this hill and so stopped for just a moment to ponder the safety of such an adventure. The horses had night vision, we had found our balance and so with a gentle bump to the belly, we were off. We laughed together at the top thoroughly enjoying the canter in the dark. The moon was threatening to rise.
Heading off to the distant paddocks we kept a look out for the grazing cattle and horses. The next decision came. To ride, or not to ride, through the old logging trail to the last Riverstone paddock? Our eyes scanned the sky, no moon. Tentatively we pressed forward as the horses forged confidently on without hesitation. The riders sat back, and listened with heightened awareness to the sounds of wildlife moving through the bush as our noble steeds led the way. At the end of the logging trail ridden in darkness, the last paddock lay ahead bathed in moonlight. It was beautiful. We could now see detail. The trees and grasses shimmered in the night light. It took our breath away.
We turned south taking another pathway through the property and eventually came across the horses and cows relaxing in the night. Stopping, we turned our horses towards the beams of light as the fullness of the moon travelled high into the sky to meet the billions of quivering stars flooding the land in brilliant light. We were spell bound and just did not want to leave. Laughter and stories filled the air. The horses grazed in the evening light. This was the place to be.... away from work, away from traffic, noise, TV, routine. It was an evening never to forget. A night that stands out from the rest.
Eventually with sighs of almost disappointment we carried on towards the stables. The creek was alight as if with shimmering diamonds dancing around in the running waters. Cantering past the riding paddocks in the bright light of the moon was an experience not to be missed. The fog rolled in as the mist enveloped the landscape. Shards of moon beams cut through the misty air with brilliance. It was majestic. There is a God.
By Deborah Banks, Riverstone.
Matching people to horses! Sheer Riding Pleasure!
