Learning to Trust Posted: Sep 28, 2010 I still remember the moment when I first saw him. He was everything I had ever dreamed of. He was tall, well-muscled, and had a red coat that rivaled the brightest flame. In addition to his dashing good looks, he was the most gentle of giants. I was sure that I would never again in my lifetime see such a fine horse at such a price. To put it bluntly, it was love at first sight. I brought him home and marveled at how easily he unloaded from the trailer and entered into his new pen. There was no balking, no fear at the strange new sights and sounds; in fact, he seemed to be enjoying this new adventure. Then it happened. As I was petting him in the field, I reached up to rub between his ears. Strider's gentle, brown eyes widened, his nostrils flared, and he began to rear. Terrified, I leapt back, barely escaping his flailing hooves. By the time he settled down, we were both terrified and Strider immediately lowered his head, burying it into my chest.