02.23
“You have to help me bring the horses in” she says. “Im not sure how they got loose but i gotta get them back.” Her ranch was a bit further back from were we currently were. I ride with her down a wide dirt road, which eventually terminated into a large open field at the outskirts of the nearby town. The animals had gathered at its opposite end, grazing at the tree line. Her ranch must have been of a considerable size given the vast amount of horses out there. In an area between the field and the town, a few small tents and booths had been recently erected. I imagine there is some sort of local fair going on, though there doesn’t look to be anyone milling about.
Looking back I see that the woman has left unannounced, most likely back to her ranch. Now alone to carry out my task, I head out into the field. Only moments in, I am drawn towards the little outdoor market, curious as to what its contents are. Its on the way to the herd so I figure I might as well check it out. There are only a couple of the vendors out today, wares ranging from baked goods to handmade trinkets. Each of them have displayed their goods spread across long tables, though strangely only one of the sellers is visible at their stall. The rest, while their booths are obviously open for business, are nowhere to be found. Maybe they have all gone on lunch break but I have no idea what time it is. Im not wearing a watch. Perhaps one of the vendors has one.
I stop over at the booth of a craftsman who has produced some of the most intricate and simplistic jewelry I had ever seen. Some delicate as lace work or fine chain mail, others formed to basic rings and settings of subtle elegance. Every metal and stone imaginable seemed to have been used in their construction. After browsing his creations for a few minutes I notice a dog sitting close by that wasnt there previously. It is staring intently at me and I can feel that something is different about this animal. It looks to be a golden retriever but could possibly be a mixed breed. Im thinking its just sitting around waiting for its owner to return as it is wearing a small black harness to which a leash can be attached. Its ice blue eyes remained fixated on me, even as I turn back to the table. “Time to go” I hear a voice say. I twist around, unable to find who was talking. There is only myself and the dog. I look down to it again, still sitting, waiting, staring. I know it was the dog speaking. Speaking to me. “The horses are waiting for you, no more time to waste here” it says to me. The dog gets up and pads off in the direction of the field, looking back to see if I am following.
I am.
We reach the center of the field after a short time. Much closer to the herd now there is nothing else around us for what seems like miles. The tree line has expanded much further than before. The town is also nowhere to be seen. Didnt seem like we had been walking that long. I would have asked the dog about this but it seems to have gone off unnoticed somehow. No matter, im here with the horses now. I stand there watching them for a while as they graze, tails and ears flicking about like a nervous twitch. I feel content and relaxed, simply watching, almost wanting to lay down in the tall grass. One of them raises its head and casually begins breaking away from the rest. It comes over slowly and stops with its side to me, turning its head and neck slightly to look at me. It is not the largest horse, though not small either, back level with my shoulders. Its hair is thick, almost woolen in places and a patchwork of caramel and ivory spots. I notice now that the horse is old, or could be young and in ill health. It is rather boney and not as sturdy and muscled as the rest. Still standing at side, it motions with its head for me to come closer. I take a few steps and stand next to the animal, now close enough to run my hands across its back and neck. It is quite soft and sleek in some places, coarse in others. It turns its head back, then slowly and unexpectedly, the horse kneels down, almost laying down entirely. “Climb on” it says. I hesitate at first, due to the visible state of its health, wondering if its capable of carrying me. It waits patiently before asking again, and I eventually give in to its request. I step over its back and it starts to stand up, lifting me off the ground. It starts off at a slow walk before moving into a trot. “Lead me in” it says. I am still uncomfortable riding the animal due to its condition, but it seems to be holding my weight with little effort. Having no saddle I rock around a bit on its bony back unable to find a rhythm with its steps. It feels wrong to me. I hop down off its back and walk with it for a moment. “I dont want you to carry me” I say, “I will go beside you and lead you in.”
There is no more hesitation this time and I take off into a jog, horse trotting next to me. It trots faster now, transitioning to a gallop, myself stepping up to a fast running pace. We are paced evenly now and stay this way for a short time. I look over to it and watch its form in motion, quick steps and long stride as it speeds up. I listen to the sounds it makes, the rhythm of its hoofs striking the ground in sync with the beat of my heart. Despite its sickly appearance I can see the strength it possesses. I can feel the power of the horse now, moving through my body. I feel myself accelerating as I start to mimic its steps, its breathing. I start to pull ahead of it now, moving too fast for it to keep up, moving faster with each step I take. I close my eyes for a moment and no longer feel human. Legs, heart and breath moving in a smooth rhythm, wind brushing past my face. I am horse, running across the field. I feel so fast, so strong and free, almost losing myself in the experience.
Opening my eyes now, I slow down a little, remembering my purpose, to help lead the animals back. I step down to a jog then into a walk, the horse following not far behind me. We finally reach the edge of the field and see the woman waiting for us at the road. I approach and let her know ive brought one of the horses in, pointing back into its direction, noticing now it has disappeared. I turn again to the woman though she doesn’t seem concerned about its sudden absence. “Well, what about the rest of them?” she asks. I say nothing and look out to the field again. I see the herd still grazing peacefully, waiting patiently. “They’ll wait for me to bring them in, im in no rush” I say to her finally. I know in my heart that they are and I will be back for them soon.
2010.02.23