Written by Jimmy McCarthy following the death of his wife. The symbolism is of her riding on the horse to the next life so that he cannot follow her into death. He turned to face an empty space where once she used to lie. Having lost my wife a few years ago I totally relate to this song. Ironically my wife and I used to play and sing this song together when she was alive.
Pretty sure it's about some girl who he used to mess with like u said, she was great at riding horses, and goodness knows what else. But now she's gone. It's possible that she was from a higher class than him - many songs of lost love from round these parts are - hence his admission that they could never truly be together, no matter how he wanted to.
Not your bag - try his Band mate’s son who got into rap 83ish - was sampling his northern soul 45s like an hour inspired mofo. Marxman/Sinead O’Connor - ship ahoy. Would love a reaction. You’ll dig.
