Some Old-Fashioned Horse Fun
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to partake in a type of horse fun most people never get to do nowadays. As they've done every summer for nearly 40 years, George and Iola Hatley hosted their annual "Sunday drive" and picnic for folks with horse-drawn vehicles. Horseback riders were welcome to attend as well. I found a spot on George's four-seater wagon with shade roof, drawn by his team of Belgians, and settled in for a 2.5-hour tour of his ranch's woods and meadows.
Turnout was smaller than in years past, but there still was enough of a crowd to ensure a great potluck lunch, complete with ice cream and homemade fruit toppings.
There is something really, really relaxing about sitting back behind a harnessed horse or team, chatting with fellow passengers, passing the snack basket, and letting the world go by at a measured clip-clop. It's a wonderful antidote to electronic multi-tasking, that's for sure.
By the time I got home, my mind was so happily slowed down that I had to catch a snooze before starting in on my evening chores. Refreshing!


