Daily Archives: August 27, 2006

That afternoon we wind up on the opposite side of the river from camp. At first I’m relieved to see that a skiff manned by camp staff is there to help us. The question is, if we are rowed back to camp, what will the horses do? “The boat’s to bring your tack over. You swim with the horses.” Haven’t these people read their own brochure which says there are crocodiles in these here rivers? Besides, don’t they know that I don’t do bareback? No one cares to pay attention to me, and all the other guests seem to think this is a wonderful treat. Or are good at pretending so. There’s nothing for it but to strip off the saddles and swim the horses across. I remount bare back, having tied the reins to the horse’s bridle. “Just let the horse wade in, and when you feel him start to swim, let your legs float up.”

I have to bite my lip to stop from asking, “And will he be doing the crawl? Or the breast stroke?” I’ve never been on a swimming horse before and have no idea what one feels like.

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