This week, my children took their yearly visit to the in-law’s farm without mommy and daddy.  They returned with stories on all kinds of animals, from coyotes to kitty-cats, the four-legged creatures on my in-law’s farm received a major dose of the Evans kids.

My daughter enjoyed the horses most.  She rode for the first time without someone holding the lead rope.  For years, Grandma had been dutifully preparing her before giving her complete control of the animal with lists of rules every rider should know. Things like what to do if your horse bolts into a run with you still in the saddle.

According to the movies, it happens all the time.  The damsel astride a high-spirited filly, racing out of control, is saved by a rugged, handsome hero.  Well for those who think this is a fantastic way to meet Mr. Right, please stop reading now.  But for those who don’t want to end up with a broken neck, listen carefully.  Little miss damsel-in-distress can easily save herself.  Pick one of the reins you’re holding onto for dear life, left or right it doesn’t matter, and pull back with all your might.  This forces the horse’s head to turn toward you, making the animal move in a tight circle.  They have to slow down substantially to make this circle, or fall down.  Keep them there, circling and circling, until they calm down.  And Voilà!  The crazy horse is neutralized.

If Mr. rugged, handsome hero rides up to check on you anyway, I don’t see why you can’t still throw yourself into his arms.  I mean if you’re single, life is too short to pass up a good pair of lips. 😉