Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Feeding Your Soul

"There's something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." Ronald Reagan

A lady riding next to me on the trail ride this past weekend reminded me of that quote, and we both gave it hearty "amens." It was Sunday morning, so the amen seemed appropriate.

People who love horses and love to ride are probably nodding in agreement right now. There is something very soul-satisfying about enjoying some beautiful scenery astride a mighty fine horse, in the company of like-minded folks. 

Needless to say, I really enjoyed my weekend away. The campsite, Camp Coyote, was a very nice place and the folks from the Directions and Assistance Committee for the Houston Rodeo were wonderful hosts. We were fed well, treated like friends, and had some very nice horses to ride. The ranch has about 2,000 acres with miles of breathtaking scenic trails. Each day's ride took us in a different direction through gentle rolling hills, along tree-lined ponds, and across lush hay meadows.

I was pretty stiff and sore after the all-day Saturday ride, and almost didn't ride Sunday morning, but I am glad I decided to go ahead. It was a shorter ride, but the scenery was most spectacular that morning. Those few hours were very soul-satisfying indeed, and worth every muscle that has screamed at me since.

What do you do that feeds your soul?

8 comments:

Alex Ong said...

Cook, write, read. Live in gratitude.

Alex
Breakfast Every Hour

Maryannwrites said...

Ah, I like your answers. Especially the last one.

Helen Ginger said...

Being with family and friends.

I don't ride horses very well. The last time I rode I was in L.A. and we rode up a trail and back. By the time I got back I was in pain and my legs had gone to sleep. Seriously, I could barely get off and when I did, I couldn't stand. I like horses, but I need to stick to petting them.

Laura Eno said...

I haven't ridden in years. It sounds like you had a wonderful time!
For me it's cruising, not that I get to do that very often.

Maryannwrites said...

LOL, Helen. It took me a while to get my land legs again after the long ride Saturday. But it was much better on Sunday.

Carol Kilgore said...

Walk on the beach, watch a beautiful sunset, listen to birds, drive through the Hill Country, or spend a day doing something fun with my husband.

Helen Ginger said...

I had no "legs" to get back on since that was maybe the second time I'd ever been on a horse.

Maryannwrites said...

Carol, I love a walk on the beach, too. Loved the North Shore in HI when we visited out daughter there.