Face Your Fears - Horseback Riding

As a child I loved horses! I owned dozens of My Little Ponies, I was often rewarded at the local swap meet for good behavior by getting a pony ride, and my parents even rented a horse for my third birthday party to ride around in the backyard! 

Crystal's Birthday Party - Age 3

Throughout the years, I went to several events involving horses like the Calico Ghost town, Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland. I always took lots of pictures, treating them with the utmost respect and awe.

Years later, my Aunt invited us to her farm/ranch in Fresno. She had a beautiful orchard of orange trees and two gorgeous Arabian horses that I used to pet and feed as a kid. This time, she offered me a ride on one named Vanna. I was super excited and my mom got her camera all ready.

We got her all saddled up and she seemed a little fussy at first but she settled in with words of encouragement from my Aunt. So I climbed aboard, held on tight, and we began to walk around the lot. Suddenly, she began trotting. Luckily, my Aunt had a hold of the lead. She then started going faster and faster and my mom got this picture of me looking absolutely terrified:

Vanna in a gallop

I hung on for my life as she galloped round and round! (She probably sensed my fear.) I told her to "whoa", leaning back, just trying to stay mounted and prevent my eminent launch.

Thank god, my Aunt got her to stop and I promptly got off as fast as I could. To this day, I have not been on another horse.  

Fears can develop based on real life events

So now, you're thinking.... I thought this was about conquering your fears and "getting back on the horse?" Well F. that! We all have choices in life, and if I never ride another horse again - that's ok with me!

Although lately, Mike has been discussing horseback riding up in Griffith Park. To be honest, just thinking about it - my heart rate rises, my muscles clench and I'm right back there in my mind hanging on for dear life. 

Let's ride this horsey rollercoaster at Knott's instead!  

But, if push comes to shove and we are somewhere that requires us to take an unforgettable ride (on a well-trained, mild mannered horse), I would probably do it! 

(Don't hold me to it!) But we shall see what the future holds.  

-Crystal Olguin