Rider In The Storm

Retirement Day #2446

Wednesday March 11, 2026

Last Friday, as I slipped the bridle onto my horse, I heard the not so gentle rumble of distant thunder. I paused – “hmm- never had a lesson during a thunderstorm before – this could be a disaster interesting.” As I entered the arena, I saw my trainer, Jenn, look at her phone with a quirky half-smile on her face. The rain began to fall – hard and heavy – on the metal roof of the arena. If you’ve ever been in a barn or similar metal-roofed structure during a heavy storm, you know the sound I’m referencing – like fireworks going off in a bathroom.

As prey animals, horses freak aren’t so keen about sudden, loud noises. But, as Jenn pointed out- they are also creatures of the outdoors- accustomed to rain, thunder, lightning, the natural environment. We humans may be more likely to have a jumpy response to elemental racket than horses. And one never knows when one might have to ride their horse through a storm.

So, the lesson was on. I donned my headset, thinking “I’m too old for this will be an adventure,” and launched into walking StarBucks around the arena as per our custom – not only to get us both moving, but to make sure there wasn’t something completely impossible in the arena [i.e. fornicating / squabbling raccoons – yes, this has happened]. Thunder boomed, rain pounded, StarBucks, ears alert, lofted her head with a smoky snort. Jenn chuckled – “radar says we’ll have 56min of heavy rain and thunderstorms.” Timely lesson.

“Rhythm, form, inside leg, outside rein, nose in,” and we made the “classroom” a bit more contained with pylons to help clarify patterns. About five footfalls in, StarBucks duck-skittered to a bright flash / BOOM. Alrighty! I needed to up my riding game if I was going to stay on this was going to be productive.

ssszzzzzcrack – BOOM! BOOM! Ka-BOOOOooooooM!

Long lesson short, I stayed on it WAS productive. And, as Jenn said at the conclusion of class -conveniently timed with the end of the thunderstorm – technical practices I’d been inconsistent about improved – not only had I been more consistent, but my timing and clarity of aids were better, too. Fear will do that to a person.

“Look at your horse” Jenn said. StarBucks was relaxed, focused, responsive, connected. There are few moments more fulfilling than an honest bond with a fellow creature. And when one as powerful and magical as a horse trusts and respects you enough to ride with you through a storm – that relationship tenders a unique, exceptional joy and gratitude.

The adventure can only continue if one accepts the adventure ahead.