Drop The Reins
1961
I came into this world with black hair and brown eyes so black no one could distinguish between the dark brown color and the pupil. The first child to be born in four generations with eyes not hazel or blue, my parents Noel and Irene decided to name me after one of a pair of black thoroughbreds pastured on the family farm.
My namesake Ginger was a hot-tempered, high spirited black Thoroughbred mare, one of a perfectly matched pair of cart horses. She was known for her bad temper and kicking anyone else but her owner, my aunt Peggy. My story begins.
1964
Irene searched everywhere inside the farmhouse, the play yard, the chicken coop, and could not find Ginger. The young mother had dressed the toddler in a snowsuit for playing outside, but she had a few chores to finish before leaving the farmhouse kitchen.
Irene looked everywhere she could think and then looked toward the pasture and her heart sank. What she saw was the toddler Ginger weaving in and out between the mare Ginger's back legs. Ginger the toddler was balancing herself to stand by holding onto the mare's hind legs.
Irene breathed a prayer aloud and headed toward the pasture gate. She knew the mare and her fierce temperament and she knew it was only a matter of time until the horse kicked the tiny toddler to kingdom come and quite possibly kill her. The little Ginger's life was in great peril.
A horsewoman and trainer, Irene calmed herself in approaching the mare and her youngest daughter. She heard Ginger giggling and saw to her horror that little her tiny hands were pulling gleefully on the mare's tail.
Irene stood still and noticed the Thoroughbred mare was standing as still as a statue except for her muscles quivering, unable to move, like something was holding her perfectly in still-frame. The mare could not move. She stood frozen, shaking, transfixed.
As only a mother can do, Irene scooped the little toddler Ginger out from beneath the horse and into safety of her arms as she backed smoothly away from the horse.
From the safe distance, Irene praised the mare, speaking calmly and softly to her. The mare seemed to come to out of her statue-like state. She nickered and seemed unconcerned as she walked out into the pasture to start grazing.
Irene let out her breath in relief and wonder. She had just witnessed something that could not be explained.
“Ginger, my little one,” Irene said to the toddler she was holding tightly, “there were angels watching over you today.”
When God in His mysterious ways, His wonders to amaze.
These are the stories that need to told.
Thank you so much. 🌻
Horses are the most incredible souls. Ginger knew she had to look after you ❤️