"My Horses"

"Winnie"
8 X 10

"Sunday"
8 X 10

"Nic"
8 X 10

 Everyone who knows me, knows I love horses. I have since I was a little girl and never stopped. I remember dreaming about having my first horse and the hours I would spend pouring over horse magazines and catalogues.. I would add up the cost of what I needed to have a horse.

When I did finally did have the chance to get a horse, I was 14. Mom and dad had me pay them back the $1000.00 she cost.. and I did so with barely a thought. (Though it did take some time) I would've paid it twice over if I had to.

My first horse was a snob. She didn't like people for the most part and really didn't like to be ridden, but she was my best friend and though she frustrated me at every turn, I wouldn't have traded her for anything. I fell off her, got run away with, she escaped her pen ALL the time and she was hard to catch! But I probably learned more from her than any of the sweet horses I have been privileged to work with. She taught me about myself and about my capabilities and that if you stick with it, loyalty is an unmeasured gift.

My second horse was snarky as well and occasionally had an attitude, but she was so gorgeous and enjoyed being ridden. I didn't think I would ever sell her. She showed me what my training skills were capable of. Easy on the eyes and particular about her people.. She was a good fit for me. She also enjoyed children. Which is probably why she is now being used as a therapy horse in Missouri with her new owner.

My last horse was what I hoped to be the beginning of my grown-up horse dreams. She had the breed, the genes, the movement and was sweet, easy to catch, gentle and every other good word I can think of. She never held a grudge and would try anything I asked. But she did have a little pep in her feet. She was the perfect family horse and though she was more ordinary in color, she had the best attitude. We are lucky enough to be able to visit her and ride her on occasion as life takes us on a course different from young dreams.

Sometimes I miss them more than words can tell, but mostly I have wonderful memories stored up that I can look back on and that spur me ahead to a new dream with riding lessons for my kids, horses in the back field again someday and the joy of realizing new dreams and adventures.