As a kid growing up with horses, I've had partnerships with many different equines - too many to name on this blog (thanks to lots of helpful and supportive friends, and, of course, my family!). However, up to this point, a few have stood out.
I got my first horse when I was thirteen: a sixteen year old thoroughbred gelding who had had a successful career in eventing despite a bad stifle. Fred was a big bay who, while one of the best horses I had ever ridden under saddle, could be difficult on the ground, owing in part to his untrusting personality. Eventually, though, we formed an unbreakable bond and Fred taught me countless skills as a rider and as a horsewoman. My time with Fred was too short, due to his stifle handicap and age, and so, shortly after I took my C2 Pony Club rating on him, I had to retire Fred.
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| Fred will always hold a special place in my heart <3 |
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| Fred was the horse who taught me to love jumping - he was the most honest horse I've ever had the pleasure to jump. |
After I'd sadly given Fred to his forever home, I found Electra. She was a huge, fancy Dutch Warmblood mare who had just been rescued. At over 17.2 hands and weighing in under 1000 pounds when I got her, my first job after bringing her home was restoring her health. As her condition improved, though, her behavioral problems that had originally caused her to be left in a field unfed became apparent. She was a lead mare who had learned dominance over humans as well, turning her into a bit of a monster. Luckily, her marishness was a fairly straightforward issue to deal with, once I learned not to be cowed by her size. Starting with ground work to teach her respect, I gradually moved to basic dressage work with Ellie, at which she excelled. I fell in love with her huge movement and smooth-as-glass canter. Unfortunately, when I tried to start jumping her, I discovered that she was naturally more of a dressage horse. Since she wasn't likely to be my next event horse, I decided to sell her to an amateur dressage rider who could use her talents better. Today Ellie is happily competing in USDF shows.
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| Ellie |
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| Ellie |
After Ellie, came along a little thoroughbred named Indy. He has enough of a story that he will get a post of his own though....
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