“He’s scared of his own shadow.”
There are those who seem that way, and we’ve sure ridden horses that became frightened at the slightest unusual sight or sound.
Was little doubt, our mount would be the ugliest, thinnest, most scraped up and embarrassing horse there.
But, when our “steed” started shying from gates, banners, lawn chairs, baby carriages, kids playing, the announcer’s stand, tack displays and the loud speakers, we were surprised how scared he was.
Everybody assumed we were “riding a colt, an obvious conclusion based on the black gelding’s small size, light condition, rough hair and flightiness.
Quite the contrary as Ambrose has just about “been there and done that.” Well, at least, compared to most horses.
Blue Valentine bred, Ambrose was two when we got him in Wyoming, and he’s served as our pasture horse many times in the past decade-plus. His kind disposition seemed fitting to make him into a carriage horse, which we did, and even drove Ambrose in a half-dozen parades.
More notable about Ambrose’s reputable repertoire is that he was a breeding stallion during those endeavors. He’d ride alongside all other horses without a nicker, or “arousal,” and has sired three dozen offspring, several which are top ranch horses.
However, now Ambrose is a gelding, and this was his “first time out,” although the “operation” occurred several months ago. He’s been corralled with a young stud that “sets him in his place on occasion.” Other than being hard to catch, Ambrose, as a gelding, has been fine to ride and handle.
Of course, his scariness attracted attention of others, with somebody commenting it would be easy to lose our seat during one of the sudden jumps Ambrose was making.
Not giving that another thought, we were nonchalantly walking along, when a robin flew out of a nest. Ambrose sashayed away, and sure enough the old fat cowboy landed on the ground.
Our horse stopped, turned around, looked at us; we mounted up and went on. We’ll try to hang one, but, hopefully, Ambrose gets so he’s not so scared of everything.
Reminds us of Deuteronomy: 1:21: “Don’t be afraid. Don’t be frightened.” And, Second Samuel 13:28: “Be courageous and brave.” Therefore, Acts: 27:29: “No use fearing to fall off.” So, we can be like Judges 18:10: “Safe and secure.”
+++ALLELUIA+++