Wings
I’ve finally returned to vaulting. My ankle is still stiff, and I had to use a mounting block to get on our coach’s 17+ hand Irish Draught gelding, who I’d never ridden before.
The handsome Shakespeare is filled with flight, lift, heart, and heat. At canter, you simply swing your legs forward in front of the surcingle and back and find yourself suddenly riding on your knees.
I practiced my basic seat, half mills, a flag, a spigot.
Our equestrian vaulting coach Marcy is a teacher who is not only technically demanding but who inspires. She nudges you softly off of the branch, reminds you that you have wings, and then lets you soar.
Yesterday afternoon, for just a few moments, I was a creature of flight.
