Mornings on Horseback

Mornings on Horseback is the a great book written by David McCullough about our 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt. It is about his early life, and is a fine read.

This post is not about the book though. I am borrowing the title only, because I think about it while out riding my little mare, High Hope, on quiet, early mornings, and riding Duke, my senior Tennessee Walking horse in the early mornings on horseback.

My lovely, enthusiastic niece along with her most-capable husband came for a visit last month. She is an outstanding horsewoman. We went riding here around the farm and neighborhood.

She inspired me so much with her positive outlook and confidence in my riding at my age. Let’s just say I ain’t the horse I used to be. I decided to start riding High Hope three times a week, and Duke, our senior horse, two times a week around the farm and neighborhood.

Our mornings on horseback are early (we are back by 7:30ish), and ride about 30-35 minutes.

But boy, it is terrific! We are the only ones out that early, except busy bunnies running all around, the air is cool and delightful.

I smile the whole time. We have met our early morning neighbor on occasion on the road. He told me “You look so happy.”

I have no photos because the device is not invited to join us—just me and my horse. So I have a couple photos of my horses.

Duke is my senior. Though I do not know for sure, we guess him around 30 years old. He is a gentleman. Tennessee Walking horses were the horse of choice for early Virginia plantation owners. Their easy gates make for smooth riding while checking long fence lines.
High Hope has been with me since she was 1 month old. We are pals and have spent many, many hours together.
She is now 21 years old. She and I are old friends.
They get along very well together.

Well, it’s early this Tuesday morning. Time for my morning on horseback…

Happy Tuesday to you.

11 thoughts on “Mornings on Horseback”

    • That’s wonderful, Terri. They have been my passion all my life. I do not remember the first time I ever got on a horse. My mother was a beautiful horsewoman, got it from her I expect. 🙂

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