Vassal Magic Jump

It rained yesterday.  Now the country and forest are illuminated by the many small lakes reverberating the sun  The air is vividly enhanced by a rich mix of smells from drying plants and leaves,  Evaporating waters create irregular visions dancing in this early morning.

Vassal the new horse arrived yesterday and took possession of his large, East-orientated house.  His beige pelage is shining as he watched me approaching.  What a nice horse and a great day, let us go together for a promenade in the woods!

Vassal seemingly agree with the program as he almost help me to dress up saddle and reins, "let us happen to know each other" we both feel as we walk out of the house and stop in front of the central fountain.  One second later, I am up, and we combine into a new single bicephalous animal, feeling the warmth and pulse of each other.

Vassal and myself are calm, forward, and straight, as we leisurely take the pathway to the nearby forest.   As the sun is raising, the woods are penetrated by multiple rays of light, the atmosphere becomes warmer and the waters on the grounds glitter as trays of diamonds.  

Vassal and myself were just thinking to start a trot or, why not, a canter, when a large plash of water appeared in front of us, covering the trail for several meters.  As we maintain our walking allure and approach the obstacle, I didn't detect any tense in Vassal actions.  About a meter before Vassal's feet reach the water, we both fly into the air in a smooth but irresistible jump.  No muscle preparation or otherwise muscle warning demand seem to have occurred as we land in a perfectly proper manner on the other side of the many meters plash.

I cannot believe the event, no other horses I rode before have even approached this extraordinary degree of strength and agility, this is totally beyond my experiences, knowledges and abilities.  Though I enjoyed it immensely, I also decided to calmly pursue with walking only.  With Vassal, cantering or even trotting might be more than what I could afford!

Vassal did not seem disturbed by my decision and kindly accepted my behavior, we walked together for well over an hour, then came back safe to the stables.  As I stepped down, I stayed with this magical moment which is still deeply moving me fifty years later.  I cheerfully kissed the front of Vassal and even today remember the warm smell of his nose skin.  Vassal had been such a great horse!

Alley d'Ama, La Cloche Naturetum