A Horse Named Magenta…Sunday Musings
She was beautiful. A 20 year-old who had left the racetrack ten years earlier to work with autistic and special needs kids. Sired by Najinskys Secret, she had the spunk and class of a thoroughbred. She had been donated in the 1990′s to the ranch to work with kids, along with her equine partner, Contigo.
I had hurt my back the last time I rode, and life got in the way. It had been almost a decade since I’d been on the back of one of these amazing animals. My friend Michelle runs ASAP, an autism program on a ranch in Cave Creek, Arizona. She urged me to get back to riding and offered the means to do it. So I did.
It was the Arizona weather we all wait for. Perfect sky. Light breeze. 70 degrees. The horses were anxious to get out onto the trail. I met Magenta and explained to her that I’d need her help. We hit it off immediately and she rubbed her head up and down my shoulder to let me know she understood.
Maybe it was just bonding between redheads. She tossed her auburn mane and flicked her tail. It was time. A few reminders from Michelle and Magenta, and I was off. I was in heaven. Riding the waves of her gait, I followed the others through the rocks and majestic saguaro cactus. We wound our way through Cave Creek. The water was clear, and only a foot deep in places.
The dogs ran in and out of the trail, up onto the shore and back. As soon as we got to deeper water, they dove in. We clambered onto the banks and followed the creek to its namesake. The cave goes deep into the creek wall and is ten feet high in places. I imagined people hundreds of years ago living there. The saguaro cacti towered above us and birds scolded us from their pointy perches.
All along the trail Magenta was tuned into me, and I was home.
Contigo went to that great stable in the sky a year ago. Magenta was heartbroken, but got her sparkle back every time the kids ran to her and hugged her neck. She loved them and they loved her back with every ounce they could muster. Helmeted and grinning, they were off on magical Magenta to connect with nature and another being.
I’m thinking about that first ride tonight. We lost Magenta this summer. She finally let go. She was 25 and ready to hang out with Contigo again. What a charmed life she led. She brought grace and beauty to the program, joy to the kids, and… she got me “back on the horse.”
I’ll miss her.
Beth
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Beth Terry, CSP
Professional Speaker and Author
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