It was the first cool day of fall, bringing an end to summer’s blazing heat. I was riding my beautiful gray, Quarter Horse, TJ. Refreshed by the crispness in the air, TJ was very frisky and when I asked him, he eagerly slipped into a canter. As we circled the pasture, the exercise inspired him and he begged to run faster. I let him. Soon, we were galloping through the grassy hill, cheered on the whistle of the wind and thunder of his hooves. TJ’s impulsion filled me with exhilaration. I marveled at the massive power and his willingness to obey my commands.
Transitioning back to a trot, TJ pranced in long strides with his tail held high, a display of his pleasure. I began to take note of the beauty around us. The pasture was full of little yellow flowers, covering the ground like a blanket. The golden sun had begun its lazy decent into the horizon. The smell of fall scented the air.
As TJ and I began to walk, his sides heaving from his exertion. A film of sweat coated his neck and his nostrils were flared. His snorts seemed to acknowledge his approval of “time well spent.” Taking in his sweet horsy smell, I loosened the reins, giving him his head. He came to a halt and dropped his nose amidst the flowers to graze, while I shielded my eyes from the sun beaming through tree branches. As he grazed, TJ shifted his weight from one leg to another.
I was filled with great contentment. Euphoric from the ride and the nip in the air, so refreshing after a long, hard summer full of Texas heat. Life in that moment was perfect. My boys were exploring the ranch. Juliann was happily engaged in a session of horseback riding therapy. I found myself conversing with God.
Lord, I thought, This is so lovely. I don’t see how heaven could be better than this moment!
My thoughts went on like this for a while, until it was time to lift TJ’s head and reluctantly head back toward the barn. As we were walking, these words came to my mind, In heaven, you won’t need a saddle or bridle!