Thursday, May 11, 2006

the horses in my life

Growing up, I wanted a pony more than anything in the world.  Unfortunately, we were poor, and except for one period of less than a year, we didn't live on a farm.  So I pushed that desire back into the dark recesses of my mind.

Cliff and I had been married a little over a year when we got the chance to buy an old house on twenty acres, and it wasn't long before we heard of a horse for sale.  One we could afford.  Her name was Ginger, she was two years old and green broke (barely broke, in other words).  We paid $75 for her, and $100 for the saddle that came with her.

We knew nothing about horses, so we bought books and asked friends' advice.  I enjoyed many hours on Ginger, but she never was really reliable or trustworthy.  She never bucked me off, though.  She simply had a tendency to balk at silly things, and spook at the slightest movement.

We've had at least half-a-dozen other horses over the years.  I've always promised Cliff, and myself, that if it got to the point where I wasn't riding a horse I owned, I'd sell it.  The cost of their upkeep is too high to keep them as a pasture-ornament... plus, it isn't fair to the horse to be put to pasture and given no attention.

When I went to work six years ago, it wasn't long before I decided it was time to sell Pleasure Boy, the horse I had at the time.  After walking on my job all day, I had little energy left for riding.  When I sold him, I told Cliff, "With my knees like they are, and at my age, I'll probably never have another horse.  I've lost the desire, I think."

And then I read the book "Seabiscuit".  I can't explain why, but the deeper I got into the book, the more I wanted another horse.

One day I was chatting with a co-worker about her horses, and I told her, "If I could get just the right horse... a horse my whole family could enjoy... for the right price... I think I'd like to have another one."

"I'll bet I could find you  that kind of  horse," Jessica said.

That led me to Blue, the horse I now own.  Some guy who worked with Jessica's husband had a couple of geldings he wanted to sell.  Registered Foxtrotters, even.  I've always preferred gaited horses.  The price was $1,000.

I chose the smallest of the two geldings, and I was back in business.

There were a few problems early on, as Blue and I got acquainted; but he and I soon came to an agreement on how things should be.  And once we got to that stage, anyone could ride him:  My daughter, my neighbor kids, my grandchildren.

I've finally found a horse I don't intend to sell, even if I never ride him again.  He's not only a pet.  He's my friend.

So today Cliff and I watched the movie, "Seabiscuit", and I realized how small a thing it takes to change your life. 

Thanks to a book I happened to read, I've derived countless hours of pleasure, riding horseback across my beloved Missouri countryside.

And my childhood dream came true.

That's my Blue, today.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

I know what you mean....I've always wanted a little sweet tempered donkey.  <g> and lately I've been wanting one of those mini cows... of course just as pets.  I'm gonna have to buy a farm, aren't I?  Heh...

~Amy

Anonymous said...

Everybody should read that book. Wonderful story.....glad you have Blue!  Anne

Anonymous said...

I'm envious!  I always wanted a horse.  I was really thinking about for the past summer but got a car instead.  I should of gotten a beater car and got a horse instead!  

Anonymous said...

I had ponies growing up and it was one of the best part of child hood in the country.
Blue is beautiful I'm glad you founded each other
Terrie

Anonymous said...

Thanks goodness for "Seabiscuit" and Jessica. Blue is a beauty and so good natured. You did good. helen

Anonymous said...

What a handsome horse.  I can almost stick my hand out for him to sniff so I can pet him.  He is beautiful.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful tribute to your Blue.  He's so pretty!!  And he looks very gentle.  How do you get so lucky with your animals? You've got a great horse...a great doggie (Sadie AND Mandy)....you're really lucky!!                    Pamela

Anonymous said...

That's a great picture of Blue.  I'm glad you read that book so that Blue could become a part of your family.  I can tell there is a lot of love in your heart for him.
Sam

Anonymous said...

I love your stories!   I also wish I could reach out and touch Blue...what a beauty!!

Anonymous said...

He sure is awsome. I think almost every little girl deams of owning a  horse, my dream began with Elizabeth Taylor in National Velvet. Never got to even ride a horse so far, but I love your riding stories Mo. You are living the dream..... thats wonderful !!!

Anonymous said...

You can tell a lot about a horse by his eyes. Blue has very kind eyes.

Anonymous said...

Looking at that photo of Blue, I disagree with something you said yesterday. He is NOT fat. You can see outlined hints of ribs and his musculature is well defined.

While there is no doubt he needs to be ridden more often (you've had a reasonable excuse for neglecting that lately), he is not the porcine equus you portrayed in your Journal entry. :D

wil

http://dailysnooze.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Thank the dear Lord for good books - they open up our eyes to things we'd never other wise see.  I love reading.  I've never owned a horse, or lived on a farm, but I'm glad you got your heart's desire.  What a blessing ! Your life is filled with them!  'On Ya' - ma

Anonymous said...

Handsome horse!  Horses scare me, but I can still admire them.

Russ

Anonymous said...

so happy you found the right horse in blue. What a cutie. I loved the movie seabiscuit.

Anonymous said...

How do you know this horse is too fat?  He doesn't look fat from this angle.

Anonymous said...

He's beautiful!  I would love to have a horse!  I would love to live out in the country with some land instead of a suburban townhouse.  Have a good day.
Missie

Anonymous said...

Glad you made it to that special horse.  For hubby it was the first one he ever owned, Hank.  Think that's why we have as many as we do, hubby trying to recapture what he had with Hank.  ;o)  - BArbara
http://journals.aol.com/bhbner2him/LifeFaithinCaneyhead/entries/1946

Anonymous said...

This is a sweet entry. I love horses. Cailtin and I used to go out to a stable and ride when she was little. I love the smell of horses, their big, gentle air.
Marti

Anonymous said...

I have to agree with Hewasoldog about Blue not being fat.  He looks just fine but does need riding.  I have ridden and loved horses all my life.  They are majestic animals and wonderful to have for a friend.  Love to trail ride up in the mountains.
Blue would like that I think.  Love to read your journal.  Keep up good work.

MoodyMike7@aol.com                                       Myke