On a chestnut mare with a mane like gold dust, galloping down by a winding river. I lose myself in the motion of the horse as I feel the thundering hooves lift me off of the ground. With eyes closed, I hear the river rushing by and I imagine I am riding into battle. The horses snorts bring my heart to race inside my chest as I feel the morning sun on  my face. I open my eyes and lean forward taking tight hold of the reins. I kick the sides of the mare edging her on as the river narrows, I pull the reins right and jump across the deep rushing water, landing on a sand bar to the far side. With violent snorts the horse pulls up the steep bank and into the open field, where I again close my eyes in anticipation of a run to battle before my ride is done.