I recently did some hands-on research for my fourth novel. One of my main characters loves horses. Since I grew up in Brooklyn, and have no point of reference, I turned to the wonderful wide web and sent a Facebook message. Within minutes I have several sources. I do love the Internet at times.
The next day I had an appointment with Lisa Drouin Martin of Trotting Forward. My husband drove me to Bethel, NC. I was grateful for his companionship and on our way, he shared with me his experience with horses growing up in Haiti. He said, “We used to ride bareback.” Hum, I’m thinking, I’m not riding any kind of back. I’m only going to talk.
I told Lisa before our meeting that I was afraid of horses. These creatures are massive. At any point, I believed they could choose to overpower me. Although I understand for others, there is a horse/human connection.
At our arrival, we met Zeus, a beautiful dark brown horse. Zeus is an older horse and was getting some shoe maintenance done for balance. I really gave him a hard stare as Lisa graciously greeted us. I looked at his face, and mouth noticed it did look slightly aged. I also noticed that as we stood there and gnats flocked to him, he stood calmly and endured his shoe maintenance. Zeus wasn’t intimating at all.
I continued to watch him as Lisa chatted and explained Zeus’ story to me. At some point, I don’t know exactly when I reached out and touched Zeus on the front of his face. Later Lisa told me; Zeus doesn’t like to be touched there, but he doesn’t mind that I do. She said, “He must sense my softness.” I’m beside myself. I’ve been complimented by a horse.
We moved on so I may meet a former show horse, Mac, short for Mackenzie. I had to cross the rope to get closer. Mac didn’t seem to notice me. He hung back, grazing on the grass. Lisa said, “That’s not like him. He usually comes full speed ahead to check folks out. He must sense your trepidation.”
I appreciated Mac’s perception. After a while, he eased up slowly to us. Lisa expertly positioned herself between us. She knew Mac was ready to explore. Closer now, I saw his face. It was younger looking than Zeus’. I said, “Hey, they don’t all look alike.” Lisa revealed, “They have different voices, too.” Wow!
Mac became curious now. He got close to me and took a nip at my sweater sleeve. I stepped back, saying, “I’m afraid, I’m afraid.” I was also laughing. I didn’t stand back for long. I stepped forward and touched Mac. He stepped forward. I stepped back, then forward again -- like we were dancing.
Finally, our dance ended and Lisa and I crossed the rope. Lisa said, “You say you’re afraid, but you kept coming back to Mac. You’re not afraid, you’re cautious. In what other areas of your life are you that way?”
This was the million-dollar question. This was me! Thinking I’m afraid of things that I should seemingly be fearful of -- like a thousand pound animal.
Fearful thoughts can be more hindering than the actual emotion of fear. Realizing this with Mac and Lisa, I instantly felt lighter. I felt like crying a good cleansing cry. Now I know that stepping out of my comfort zone and into faith sometimes feels like facing a thousand pound animal. It could overpower me, or it might be gentle. How will I ever know, if I don’t step forward?
No longer afraid, and Lisa knew, she asked if I’d like to sit on a horse. I enthusiastically answer, YES! She chose Zeus. He’s gentle and kind. I thank him for letting me mount – I like him. I like Mac even more. Mac got in my face, challenged me, and we danced away my fearful thoughts. It’s a dance I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
In what area of your life are you ready to dance toward fearlessly?
In what area of your life are you ready to dance toward fearlessly?
Brook Lynn Dorcent
Author/Inspirational Speaker
Founder: JUST WRITE! - A Club for Writers
Missing the Mark (Novel One)
Pressing Toward the Mark (Novel Two)
Forgetting Betrayal (Novel Three)
(Novel Four - Above All - Now Available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble)
Spirit Over Will (Devotional)
Why Not...Read for Love
