It’s hot in Missouri..hot and humid in the summer. One needs water on trail rides. I slung the saddle horn bags over the horn with a few bottles of water on each side. Off we went.
We were zipping along pretty darn good when my arm brushed the saddle bag and made the plastic water bottle make that crunch-crinkle noise.
Zowie! That’s a “startle” noise to Sue. Sue used to startle into a spook when I took my glasses off. They just made a tiny bit of noise. A plastic water bottle “crunch-crinkle” noise is about 150 times worse.
Well, way cool. I was able to stay relaxed. Then I was able to emotionally prepare myself to remain calm, and I touched the saddlebag with my arm and purposefully made the crunch-crinkle noise happen. We did some zipping and I didn’t clutch. It felt great.
When I dismounted, I made the water bottles crunch-crinkle a bunch bunch of times. Then I got out the bottle and used it for a grooming tool… Crunch-crinkle and wipe the sweat off.
I’ve not revisted that subject. Hmmm