Time travel back to about 2004, you’ll find Mike S and I owning and operating an aviation business in Southern California. We had a flight school, air charter, and worked wildfires with the USFS. I had a pilot’s license and instrument rating and thought flying was the greatest freedom.
My girlfriend worked full time and was raising two boys, and she had horses. We talked about sharing passions and we promised that I would take her flying, and she would take me on a horseback ride. It took two years for our schedules to match up and finally we hopped in a little plane and flew to Palm Springs for lunch. She enjoyed our little trip and went on to get her license as well.
Within a few days she called me up and was ready to get me on a horse. I had only ridden a horse once before it was a nose-to-tail trail horse that could have been on a carousel. Her horses were much nicer, filled with personality. She gave a little instruction and got us all saddled up and we were off. That was it, I was done for, completely smitten. The horses name was Sara and was sound, responsive, and quite. Heavenly. Our ride took us up over the mountain and dropped into a pasture where I cantered (ran really fast) for the first time. The freedom of flight paled in comparison. In flying, you have the roar of the engine, the vibration of the plane on the ground, and when it takes flight the steady calmness. On horseback, you feel the living breathing animal below you, you feel their power and muscles, and a different calmness overtakes you. It may sound a bit corny, but it feels more natural and there is a harmony every time the hooves hot the ground. I couldn’t wait to do that again! I made every excuse to go over to her house, help feed, clean stalls, groom, and whatever I could help with. I just wanted to be a barn bum, ride, and spend time around the horses.
Almost ten years later, with the business and airplanes sold I have undoubtedly traded my wings for hooves.