Cathy Bendle, a columnist for the Daily Herald known for her humorous takes on everyday life, recounts a memorable early romance during her university years involving a talented horseshoer named Cecil. Their relationship blossomed quickly at a reining clinic, but meeting his mother was less than smooth, marked by chilly receptions on both sides. Bendle’s attempts to impress Cecil by riding his tall, well-bred Quarter Horse ended in two dramatic falls, each time requiring his mother to silently retrieve her glasses and hand them back to her before retreating without a word.

Despite the rocky start and Bendle’s repeated tumbles, the experience taught her humility and the importance of sticking to what she knew—riding her own smaller horse. Over time, the initially frosty relationship with her mother-in-law warmed, leading to a deep and lasting bond. Bendle’s story highlights the humorous and sometimes awkward moments that come with new relationships and family dynamics, all told with her signature lightheartedness.