Merhaba

Cobbled paths
Narrow streets
Drenched coats
Staring glares

- First Impressions of Istanbul

Equestrianism....

It’s been a long time since I last penned something down. Apart from a bit of travel, I found a horse riding stable in my local area and I’ve somewhat become a familiar face with the horses. I still don’t think they recognise me though ;) 

Horses are strong creatures and standing too close to their rear legs is something I’ve always been wary of. You can understand the caution when you ride such a strong creature, the pace at which it gallops and the thud you receive only testifies to its power (or maybe I’m riding it incorrectly :). In any case, I’ve improved from my usual baby pace to like that of a thoroughbred at lightening pace! And I can tell you one thing, the feeling is like no other! I mean, I’ve driven a few fast cars but the feeling of controlling a living, breathing and raging horse is comparable to none!

It was only after a few months when the instructor noticed me coming every weekend and not progressing, he said in a rather stern voice, “You come here every week and the horse is still trotting gently”. He then advised, tighten the reigns and hold his hair simultaneously, stand up and lean forward slightly and give him a stab with your heals. The next thing you know, the horse is galloping at a good pace with me gearing him to go faster. The horse was responding to my command and it felt empowering! Amazing! It definitely gave me a huge smile! I felt stable and secure, something which I never thought was possible due to my previous unfateful experiences with horses.

I want to buy a horse now, I think someone needs to discourage me as I’m sure ill go bankrupt within a year... a starting price of £11,00, it’s not exactly a hobby for commonfolk like me! But who knows? Maybe I can find one in the wild and train it, but I’m sure those wild legs won’t be as merciful as the trained horses in the stables!