Horse Shopping

So.... I've been looking for a pleasure riding horse. I used to ride a lot... and as a kid, my best friend was my Morgan/Arabian, Brandywine.  When I wasn't in the barn, Brandy and I were striking off on the myriad of trails around my house, embarking on adventure after adventure.  I loved that horse!  Since Koosa's death, my mare, Dakota Skye, has been lonely, having  only the chickens, deer and elk as her companions- AND since my kids have all grown up and left home.... I have a lot of free time.  A very good friend urged me to see a horse she knew would be coming up for sale, and today, I was able to ride her  (the horse! not the friend, Silly! :)

She's a 13 yr. old Arabian mare named Mouse and she is absolutely GORGEOUS! Despite the fact that I haven't ridden in probably over 5 yrs!!! I was able to stay on this horse! and she was very responsive and forgiving. She has a lot of "get up and go!" but she never even tried to take off on me.  I think she will challenge me to become a better rider, but I'm excited to take that challenge! 

When I got home, I wanted to discuss every moment of the trail ride- I wanted to talk to my husband, Bruce... my partner who encourages me, and knows me inside and out.  I wanted to talk to our daughter, Chelsey... a fellow horse lover, rider, and romantic.  I wanted to talk to my sister, Candi... who taught me to ride horses when I was 5, and who also loves and knows horses.  But after I touched base with each of them, I had a nagging feeling... there was someone else I wanted to tell. Someone else with whom I needed to discuss whether or not I should buy this horse. If she was too much horse for me? Someone else I needed to be excited with- and then... it hit me. My mother. I needed to tell my mother.

My tiny little mother, all 5'1" of her, used to ride my father's great, big Thoroughbred, Thunderhead. He, too, was a white horse, with a charcoal mane and tail. He, just like Mouse, was a challenge... a high strung, well trained, retired race horse, who loved my mother as she loved him.  How I wish I could talk to her again. I wonder what she would say. I wonder at the intensity of the feeling I have, that she's right here with me throughout this decision.

Anyway... I'm going to go riding again next week... and then, if all goes well, I hope to be able to bring Mouse to our home, and see how she does here- in unfamiliar surroundings. I'm really hoping for the best.  I'm really looking forward to riding and working with a horse again.

 And I'm anxious for Dakota to have a new friend.  Of course, I'm also, anxious for my legs to start working again! Now that the adrenaline has worn off, they HURT!!! *LOL*