KENDRA---LITTLE GIRL WITH A BIG IDEA

Half of our people selected this new Campsite overlooking Buena Vista--the other half chose a spot along the river below.

One day two riders clomped by on their way up a mountain.

Hours later on their way down, they stopped to chat.

Meet Kendra and Beth--from Missouri and their friendly mounts Jack and Sleepy.

Kendra has not seen the mountains before.

They chatted a long while--answering all our questions about horses and horsemanship.

The big news for me came when they pointed out the unusual bridle both horses were wearing.

If you look closely you can see the big news---NEITHER BRIDLE HAS A BIT IN THE HORSES MOUTH.

You understand don't you that a bit is a  metal crosspiece normally fitted in the back of the horse's 

mouth at the tender junction of its lips so that when the reins are pulled,  a firm (if not painful) signal is sent to indicate a right, left or stop message. 

Beth is the owner of many horses and  she puts no bits in any of them.  She is teaching Kendra a kinder, gentler way to get obedience.  This spirited little rider told us that a slight pull on either rein could be easily felt by the horse and if the rider has a good relationship with her mount, no pain need be inflicted by a bit.

She demonstrated getting Jack to back up--asking him verbally while pulling back easily on both reins.  Jack walked backward!!

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES:  OH SWEET PEOPLE--do you get the message----and the metaphor?

FORCE IS NOT NECESSARY TO GET COOPERATION FROM A HORSE.  Maybe affection is enough in most cases.  What a marvelous message to give the world.

I was so impressed--I sat down and celebrated Kendra with a poem:

KENDRA 

Come to the mountains and ride Kendra ride,

with grandma Beth by your side Kendra side.

Put some goodies in your pack;

Saddle up sleepy and saddle up Jack;

Swishing their tail as you ride up the trail;

No telling when you two will be back.

How high up will Kendra go?

She might go up as high as the snow;

Clear to the top and look right down

On pretty Buena Vista town,

And a valley so green it's fit for a queen

And the Arkansas river so fun to float down.

Come back Kendra, you're welcome again,

And welcome the pinto with lovely mane.

Ride with courage the pony of time,

Not knowing the future, it's rhythm or rhyme.

 With grace and grit ride your horse without bit

Up all mountains you choose to climb. 

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