If you want to go to Heaven, drive west (by Jana)
I know this might catch the eye of those who might live in our western states but I apologize, I’m not talking about your neck of the woods. I’m talking about Northern Virginia horse country.
This way to heaven
By day, I work in a suburb to Washington, DC. I’m on what used to be referred to as the technology corridor. It still is the technology corridor but now, it is more correct to call this the defense corridor. For cyber-stalkers, I’m a stone’s throw from Dulles Airport and have a wonderful view of it from my swanky office. I’m not kidding when I say a wonderful view. The sun sets to the west of us, where all of the horse barns are located, and casts the most serene scene while tucking itself into bed for the night behind the Bull Run Mountains.
As I elbow my way down the Toll Road along with everyone else fighting their way get to the next chapter of their day, I am always stricken by the view of the sun taking its last peek through the clouds and shining ‘just so’ through the American flag fixed proudly above the airport, surfing on a gentle breeze off the mountains. I don’t know if it is simply because I’m an American or because I’m a Marine’s daughter but I am very patriotic and do love to see our flag on display. A Marine Corps flag next to it would be icing on the cake.
Don't forget to wipe your boots!
After about a 50 minute drive, I’m at one of the doorsteps in God’s country. God’s country has back roads lined with stone walls, split rail and black board fence and pristine green fields kept up by his most loyal caretaker, the horse. And I, as a loyal subject of the horse, pay my respects to it and the sport at least four times a week. Good weather, bad weather, hot weather or cold, I am there. Communion with the horse is not for you if you can only show up every now and then. There’s no room in the pew for you. I’m sorry, you’ll need to stand at the back. The rest of us have been blessed. We are horse people.
Needless to say, I rode last night.
Jana writes about the life and times of a crazy horse girl. You can read more of her at her blog Anyplace Farm.
fellow colonist, horses
Reader Comments (4)
I'm not a horseperson - my sister is - but I'll agree about Virginia horse country: watching the sun set over the mountains wipes away that Toll Road and DC workday stress.
This almost makes me want to overcome my fear of horses.
I grwe up a horse crazy girl and swapped mucking and whatever chores to ride. And ride I did in my own private heaven called Bucks County, Pa. The two places are quite similar and I enjoyed every word. Haven't ridden in a long time, might just be time to correct that! Thanks!
I know the places of which you write and although I am not a horse person, the peace we find living out here is worth the long commute Monday through Friday.