Katherine Maxwell

A Leg Up: How I Learned to Horseback Ride Starting at Age 40 Katherine Maxwell

I missed those moments of joy and exhilaration, those moments of communicating with the horse, of flying, of floating, of traveling on the back of an animal and feeling his movements. Shortly after her fortieth birthday, author Katherine Maxwell made a list of all the things she wanted to do in her lifetime. The very first item was learning how to ride a horse. Having been on a horse only once before as a teenager, Maxwell estimated that seven lessons would be adequate. She quickly realized that seven lessons could not possibly turn her into an equestrian, or even make her a competent rider. But she discovered the joy of being in the saddle when she connected with the horse's rhythms and movements. Twenty-four years later, Maxwell remembers those adventures in learning intuitive skills as an older adult. To remind herself of what it took to build muscle memory and develop reflexive reactions, she wrote and compiled her stories into the touching memoir A Leg Up. Share in Maxwell's joy and discovery as she takes you through her journey of self-awareness and courage.