My first cross country ride with Hyderabad Equestrians

By the steeds that run, with panting breath,
Striking sparks of fire by their hooves
And scouring to the raid at dawn,
And raising the dust in the clouds the while,
Penetrating forthwith as one into the midst.
(Quran 100:1-5)

It all started with a walk. Thirteen horses lining up; moving out from the usual arena on the path untrodden and into the wild, on a muddy trail with lush green bushes on both sides, the fresh morning breeze fluttering the ears of my horse (Santro).

A week long wait was over and our patience had finally paid off. A chill went down our spine the moment we saw a glimpse of the scenic lake. Trotting among the bushes and splashing in the muddy waters, we finally reached the banks of the lake. We were all eagerly waiting for the next expected instruction from Naved, "Guys, now you are on your own!!" What happened after that is better explained by the above verse from the Quran than any human can express.

It was the moment, when for the first time, I cantered up to the brim of my satisfaction. Swiftly gliding through the grasslands, I felt like a man who has just been relieved from the slavery of this concrete world. I wanted to free my hands from the reins, spread them out and flap them like a bird; disappear in the infinite sky, escaping all the hustle and bustle of this world. Just then, my horse suddenly stopped as per Bahadur’s instructions.

I am glad he did because he brought me back to Earth. Otherwise I would have had a nice direct flight to heaven :D

We decided to take a break and feed the horses some juicy red carrots. But our horses seemed more interested in eating the lush green grass beneath the blue sky.

I saw Dash and Timothy trotting in the shallow waters, so I tried to take Santro too but he was really scared to step in.

Soon, the sun was gleaming high in the sky. Everyone seemed to be enjoying in the glory of sunlight but it was time to return. A final canter in the warrior style; holding reins in one hand and nothing in the other. Wish I had a sword or even a whip to make the moment perfect. :D

With a heavy heart but with a hope to return soon, we left that scenic place and retreated back to the stable.

For the first time in my life, I am in love with an animal and am glad that it is a horse.

I would like to conclude with a few lines from one of the famous poems of Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
I looked down one as far as I could
Then took the other, as just as fair,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

My hearty thanks to ‘Cavalry Leader’ Nvd Khan and all other venturous friends without whom this adventurous trail ride would not have been possible.
Let us go for one more...

(Contributed by Umar Maniar)

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