Be safe. I get the risks. Don't do it on my account, but if it ever feels right it might be a bonding moment. Takes a lot of mutual trust.

I knew an old man that would sit down with his horse and sometimes the horse would lay down next to him for a moment, at least that is what he said and I believe him. When I first met the horse he sat down right in the middle of the corral to show me there wasn't anything to be afraid of and told me that story. They were great friends though and he spent a lot of time with his horse. He grew up hunting and fishing in my little valley and a horse was just a way of life for the old (greatest) generation.

First horse I ever rode in fact. He was old by the time I got to know him.

Used to feed him oats. The old man took me in and taught me how to saddle and ride.

Bager didn't like me riding him much. Used to take him out this old mountain road a few miles, never more than a canter. Mostly just a mosey.

He'd get fed up with me and bite my ankle and i would lead him to the creek for a bit of water and sometimes I'd wash his legs a moment. Then we would walk home together. Stopping to take in the views. The sweet smell of pine and sagebrush after a summer shower.

We'd get back and I'd give him a nice brushing and his favorite part of seeing me more oats.

Maybe one day if I ever have the money and land I'd get me a horse, donkey and a couple pack goats.

I've been known to take risks with horses

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