My First Ride

Well I recall, when I was young,
(Much younger than I am today).
My life, thus far, remained unsung...
When all I did was sleep and play.
I saw a horse, afore me stood,
Coat of chestnut, mane of black;
Most dazzling sight of my childhood
With lustrous seat and shining tack.

Slender legs, so firm and strong,
Bearing his great body, lean;
Flowing tail so bristly long,
The very finest ever seen.
Bought for me that summer morn
Through my parents grace;
My like for horses then was born...
A lifelong fondness to embrace.

I looked way up to see this sight
Towering high above my head.
Standing gracefully aright
A proudly handsome thoroughbred.
Dare I mount him, dare I ride?
Would he take to me?
Could I seat myself astride?
Or would he firmly disagree?

I plucked up all my infant daring
Placing my left foot
In the stirrup he was wearing
An oh so tiny shoe I put.
I climbed into the leather saddle
(Assisted by my dad)
I placed my minute legs astraddle...
And rocked and rocked and rocked like mad.