Buck

"Let's divide into three groups, beginners, moderate and advance." Assessing ourselves as horse riders we stood in the perspective line. My friend of 45 years took her place in the beginners line and since I evaluated myself as an experienced rider, took my spot in the advanced line.

We were a group of about fifteen riders waiting to receive our horses depending on which line we stood. The ride was going to be gorgeous just as the brochure advertised. Mendes Ranch in Maui Hawaii. A two hour trail ride along the scenic bluffs over looking the ocean. Following the ride was a BBQ style lunch with chicken, ribs, salads and all the drinks we wanted.

I was so excited to do this with my friend. As children we both grew up riding horses, spending our days and nights at each others houses and basically, were inseparable. Hawaii was a perfect way to reconnect and catch up on old and new times.

I watched in anticipation for my trail horse, I could only imagine it was going to be slightly spunky with some get up and go attitude but my illusions were soon diminished. The horse they gave me was a small buckskin with little or no 'get up and go, even my friend, who rode up next to me in the area  whispered, "I'd think someone with experience would get a better horse." Then proceeded to say, 'Perhaps they 'punked' you.' I laughed and agreed.

Once the group received their horses we proceeded in a single file line down the trail. I kept urging Buck on but he was a slow and steady fella, he wasn't going to go any faster than he had to. 

We stopped for moments at a time along the scenic bluffs to take pictures and admire the beauty. I had to keep pinching myself, I was in Hawaii with my best friend riding horses, truly amazing indeed.

There were a couple places along the trail we were offered to gallop our horses if we felt so inclined.
I jumped at the chance, I had to see if this little horse had it in him.  Those who wanted a run were instructed to followed the lead trial guide down a winding slope to a slight hill. As we approached the hill, Buck started prancing and dancing, letting me know he was ready to cut loose. As soon as the trail guide gave the word, I let Buck have his head and away that little horse ran. He booked up the hill with ease leaving the others to his cloud of dust.

Ol' Buck redeemed himself. While patting his sweaty neck and complimenting him on a job well done, the second trail guide said to me, 'That's why he's advanced.'

As we were regrouping with the rest of the riders a couple of horses were getting agitated with each other where one actually tried kicking the other one. They were told to keep a distance especially during the next opportunity to gallop.

There was no way I was denying Buck a second run. He was like a racehorse out of the starting gate but was soon passed by a horse called Blondie. She was much taller than he and her long legs stretched passed him.

The horse on our left who was closing in on us was the kicker so I steered Buck away from his hind end.

After reaching the top, Buck, Blondie and the kicker were catching their breath while waiting for the rest of the group to catch up. The trail guide, expecting Buck to come in first, asked, 'What happened to Buck?'
Once I explained why I had to reign Buck away from the kicker, the trail guide was impressed with the way I handled the little Buckskin and replied, "Nice job maneuvering Buck"  As if to imply once he has his run on, it's all in his hands...er...hoofs.

Thanking the trail guide for the compliment while patting Ol' Buck, I smiled to myself thinking,"Thats why I'm advanced.