Carol Ann Washburn

Tips and Tales From the Trail Carol Ann Washburn

We don't remember ever learning to ride. We just always did. Pictures record us in the saddle as infants, and memory isn't long enough to conjure up any riding lessons. The best we can recall is a boost up in the saddle, stirrups too long to reach, and the feel of thick, limber reins that had been ridden too many miles. Of course the run-away horse, barn soured and headed home, was an all too often experience. In fact, I think we barn soured those early horses by kickin' em' up and Eeeeeeehawwww em' home. We jumped creeks, dodged branches, and even slid off more than a few times. Through it all, we learned to ride a dadgum horse. All little girls love horses and are expected to prefer a saddle as a pillow and a horse as a fella'. However, the glow usually wears off in high school or college and girls become more interested in marriage, family, careers and apple pie. Usually, the horse of our youth grows fat in the pasture while we reminisce about the old days. Notice we said "usually". In our case, that love of horses never faded. It just grew into a lifetime pleasure, skill, and passion. Over fifty years later, we still greet each day in the saddle. Our real jobs as corporate consultants and coaches has been molded and shaped by our life long love of horses, trails, rookie ranch rodeos, and campfires in the woods. Come join us as we ride the trails of our lives.