August On Horseback

August is a month that many people wish would speed by. Minds move on to thoughts of fall, summer is close to its end, and people trudge about like they live in a furnace. Not I, to me August is the month that highlights the special parts to a summer day. For example, I went out today on my horse, catching the trail behind the barn and sliding into the deep woods. The temperature dipped from 90 to 80, or at least it felt like it did. My horse picked up a brisk trot and we moved along the path until we reached the creek and turned onto the "Waterfall Trail". I listened to water as it tumbled over a ledge and slid between mountain boulders, the fine smell of a well groomed horse, fresh cut grass and moss on wet stones filled the air. I found myself with a smile on my face and joy in my heart. It doesn't get much better than this, the ride made even more special because of the contrast with the heat in a car, on a sidewalk, or working in the garden. Without August I would never experience quite this level of pleasure. It might be the hottest of months, but August on horseback is almost paradise.