~Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My~

Yesterday I decided to brave the still somewhat chilly Wind of spring in Texas. Lately it has been warm and sunny; but yesterday the wind began to pick up bringing a cold front that has sent the air into the thirty's. I thought to myself the wind isn't that bad and Elvis, my trusty steed will be brave. (mistake) Steph was on the phone with me while I was tacking up giving my encouragement. The plan was to ride while on the phone. My blue tooth was not charged however, so this left the old fashioned way(phone crooked between shoulder and ear). Steph was the first to get on and try it out. Sheba did not seem to think the idea of talking on the phone while riding was so grand. So after a minute of waiting on the toolbox of Steph's truck while she mounted (me aka the phone), then listening to Sheba's arguing to play with her Friends instead of work Steph had to get off. We agreed to ride then call afterwards. I got on my less than patient steed and headed off into a "walk, trot, easy walk, trot, I said walk darn it!" We managed to calm down and settle into a walk then off we went into the trot (this time on my cue). We made a few circles that looked like, well, sloppy actually, then finally found our stride and made circles that looked like circles. He was doing so much better so I though a canter would be ok. The first direction was fine a bit quick at the start then eased out after a lap or so. The second way however was where Elvis caught sight of the lion in the trees. (as you know lions are very predominant in Texas as the open prairies remind them of the Serengeti) With the speed and agility of his ancestors he changed direction and bolted toward the barn, this propelled me out of the saddle at least a foot causing me to loose my stirrup. Every muscle in his body was tense changing his gate to being tight and rough, tossing me around like a rag doll. His head was high and I was bouncing with every stride. As I managed to pull him to a halt I looked around for what had startled him but the lion had vanished in it's stead was a mere leaf, a simple reminder that lions are everywhere and we should always be on guard.