a retreat is better than charging off the cliff

What appears to be an answer to a prayer may not always be so. When taking a second look reveals the precipice ahead, I have learned it is better to step back and regroup. On Saturday Buff, the Charolais-Angus bull, refused to load giving me time to rethink the plan.

The horses, Jack and Bebe, had settled into being with the herd and were thoroughly enjoying grazing on the 40+ acres. They pranced about with such delight. Jack discovered the pond, taking a dip and later showing it to Bebe. What an abundance of natural beauty surrounded them!

From housemate Jay I learned which side of a T-post should face out to provide maximum tension and how to use a nail to twist a clip around barbwire securing it. From Nick I learned greater patience with the animals allowing them to signal when it was right to go forward.

Yet there was an underlying river of conflict, being held at bay by the newness of the relationships. Despite money paid and horses on the ground, the way was clear. Loading the horses for the second time in less than a week was easier than the first time. On halter Bebe nudged Jack from behind to take the next steps.

And for the first time I experienced the exhilaration of transporting both Jack and Bebe in the trailer. As we were driving off, Nick advised thinking of having an egg-shell underneath the accelerator pedal, which is exactly what I did.

Now, like the Shogun, when no move is preferable to all the alternatives, we wait for time to reveal a better way.