PIVOT Like Talia

Finding common ground is made easier while bonding over a trail ride.

- KAYLI HANLEY

Hey guys. James and I are going to find another way down to the river. We'll meet you at the shoreline, OK?" The group of riders glanced at Kenny and gave nods as they continued down the steep, rocky path toward their destination.

Five seconds. In that short time, Kenny had uprooted a perfectly planned trail ride and temporarily trapped himself with one of his least favorite people at the barn.

Kenny roped cows. James jumped poles. You'd think a common interest in horses would be enough for casual conversation, but considering the number of times James had ignored a friendly greeting from Kenny and his friends, it wasn't.

Kenny felt his blue roan Quarter Horse mare, Talia, tense her muscles in protest as they turned away from the river, her favorite place. She pawed once before pivoting in a neat, 180-degree turn in the direction of the forest. That was something Kenny appreciated about Talia-her ability to change directions.

The boys made their way down a much more gentle incline into a small, forested thicket. The crisp scent of pine needles tickled Kenny's nose. Pine cones crunched under the horses' hooves.

Kenny saw James release a breath he'd been holding, and his horse Windsor lowered his head in relief. James had only owned the big bay warmblood for a month, and their partnership was fragile.

Kenny considered the rocky hill that led to the river an easy ride, but when he saw James and Windsor were uncomfortable with it, he knew he needed to do something.

Breaking the Ice

"We could have done it, you know. I wasn't scared," James muttered.

"No one said you were," Kenny replied.

A strained silence followed.

Don't be rude. Say something, Kenny thought to himself. Pivot, like Talia.