I have been fortunate to have grown up in Australia, home to 7 of the worlds 10 deadliest snakes. I have also been lucky enough to live in rural New South Wales, where the Eastern Brown and Red Belly Black snake call home.
Last Sunday I climbed on board my trusty steed.... (gelding will do) and went for a ride (first one in over 12 months for both of us). When I felt that he was going kindly I popped my five year old on, behind me. We took a short stroll down towards the dam when I heard a rustle in a nearby tuft of grass. As I approached, a Red Belly Black snake slithered away hurriedly and scared the bejesus out of my son and I. The horse didn't give a rats!
(Photo credit - BunyipCo)
After having many discussions with our sons about snakes, the moment had arrived. Initially, my 5 year old son was frozen with fear, he then went into panic mode, demanding we return to the house where he could run inside and lock the doors.
It wasn't a disabling fear of snakes I was trying to instill, but a healthy respect for one of natures quirks.
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