Single Older Woman – Canadian Vacations – In the saddle: Part 2

July 2022

I mentioned in a previous post, about the strain to my right MCL in September 2021. This injury and the subsequent diminished strength of the joint will play into my adventure at Spirit Reins Ranch in Parrsboro.

I knew that if I wanted to get back into the saddle, at least once, while away, I had to do all the exercises, the stretches, the swimming etc to strengthen my knee before my marathon 2.5 week vacation. On the advice of my chiropractor, also a horse enthusiast, she suggested I spend time sitting on a stability ball, as the positioning of my legs would mimic that of sitting in a saddle for an hour. Great advice! which I heeded.

I found the ranch online, figured I could make it a day trip to Parrsboro, visit some lighthouses and have lunch locally. My suitcase was packed with a pair of long pants, and I had the perfect set of boots with a good solid 2 inch heel that would hold in the stirrups quite nicely and they were high enough that they came up to my knee.

The day beamed bright, sunny and blue skies all around. I arrived in Parrsboro early afternoon, had lunch and visited the Fundy Geological Museum.

At 3:30, I made the 5 minute drive to the ranch. I met the owner and she introduced me to Chester. Karen led Chester into the corral, I made my way to the stoop, mounted it and attempted to throw my right leg up and over Chester’s wide girth. I froze…….I couldn’t do it…….Karen stood there for a minute or two and gave me time to sort it out…..I couldn’t summon the strength to lift my leg that high, without worrying I would fall off the stoop and land in the grass. So, I asked if we could move the stoop to the other side, so that I could mount Chester with my left leg…..Success. My right leg was strong enough to support my weight to lift my left leg but not the other way around…

Off we went, Karen and her horse, the junior guide and hers and me, on gentle gentle Chester. Flat terrain, asphalt roads and open fields, lots of grass, that Chester was determined to chomp his way through. Karen asked if I’d like to extend the hour’s trail to 2 hours – no thank you. I could already feel the ache in my knee.

We returned to the corral at the end of our ride. Now to dismount……mmmmm.. just as much a concern, as the mount…..Karen was not strong enough to support me to help me off Chester. Now what……

Miracles of miracles – Chester seemed to sense my anxiety and very quietly, walked out of the corral and towards the barn, where there was a post used for looping the reins over. He knew…..He knew. Using the post as support, I was able to dismount, but not before Karen took a few pics for me.

Chester – Spirit Reins Ranch, Parrsboro, NS

Almost 40 years after my first trail ride, I think this was my last. I’m glad I got to have one more ride while enjoying the beauty of our other provinces. I’ll be storing those long black boots away.

I thanked Karen, paid my bill and made me way off the ranch. I did it!

Thank you for reading and for letting me share.

Joye