That's exactly right, Cindy. I really believe that winning is so much more worthwhile when you have to work for it rather than just be handed a push-button horse. The times we spend working with our troublesome horses and the lessons we learn from them will be the things we remember in the long run, anyway.
All excellent points! But I think you hit upon a key one: Professional (or at least more experienced) help. No one can do it alone!
I agree, the untrained/problem horses make you a much better rider! And it's feels better when you do well at a show and you know that YOU trained the horse. I learned to ride on a really good horse, but it wasn't until I started riding horses that bucked and acted up that I got so much better.
I agree fully, horses are AMAZING teachers... sometimes even better then our instructors! I'll never forget my first 2 horses. I got one at the age of ten and the other at the age of twelve. The first one's name was Cocoa. He would run off without warning, he HATED to jump (hunter under saddle is my main event, yikes! But some how it worked!) and if he got wet other then him drinking the water, god help his rider he would FLIP out! He was a challenge for me ever since I retired him at the age of 23. I knew him for 9 years! And then there was Simon. He loved to jump (score!) and he also enjoyed being in water but he also loved to canter. He would always pick up the wrong lead and run off with you, even into a gallop half of the time! But these 2 magical creatures that were once my own made me the rider I am today. And now, I am the proud owner of a fiesty 5-year-old gelding named Blitz and a beautiful and very gentle mare named Brooklyn. I've only own 4 horses but I am only 22, expect me to have 50 next year! lol, I wish!
THANKS FOR YOUR THOUGHTFUL RESPONSES. AS ALWAYS, I TOTALLY ENJOY READING THEM ALL! :) I WOULD LIKE TO EMPHASIZE WHAT SEDONA WROTE IN HER COMMENT.IN MY BLOG I MENTIONED THIS POINT, BUT I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO REPEAT IT. HAVING SOME KIND OF MENTOR, COACH OR EXPERIENCED BARN BUDDY WHO CAN LEND THEIR INSIGHT AND EXPERTISE WHILE YOU WORK THROUGH YOUR RIDING CHALLENGES IS VITALLY IMPORTANT. PLUS THEN THERE'S ALWAYS SOMEONE AROUND TO SCOOP YOU UP OFF THE GROUND AND PLOP YOU BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN! LOL!
Cindy, I've noticed that 3/4 of the time that I read your blog you start talking about another horse that you've owned! Your so lucky! Just wondering, how many horses have you owned throughout your life? Please answer :) Thank you.
HI SARA! HOW MANY HORSES HAVE I OWNED? WOW, I'M NOT SURE IF I'VE KEPT COUNT! BESIDES THE ONES I PERSONALLY OWNED, THERE WERE 30 OR MORE THAT MY MOM, MY SISTER (JILL) AND I SORT OF OWNED TOGETHER: BROODMARES PLUS THEIR FOALS THAT MATURED INTO YOUNG, GREEN SPORT HORSES. THEN THERE WERE MANY HORSES THAT I RODE AND SHOWED FOR THE ACTUAL OWNERS. EVEN THOUGH THOSE HORSES DIDN'T OFFICIALLY BELONG TO ME, I WAS THE ONE WHO GOT TO REALLY KNOW THEIR QUIRKS AND TEMPERAMENTS AND HOW TO RIDE THEM BEST; THE BOND WAS VERY CLOSE. I SURE FELT LIKE I OWNED THEM! I GUESS I REALLY HAVE BEEN LUCKY IN MY LIFE WITH HORSES. NOT EVERYONE GETS AN OPPORTUNITY TO RIDE A BUNCH OF DIFFERENT HORSES. YET THAT'S REALLY THE BEST WAY TO BECOME A GOOD RIDER. YOU CAN LEARN SOMETHING FROM NEARLY EVERY HORSE YOU RIDE, AND PUT THAT KNOWLEDGE TO USE ON ANOTHER HORSE IN YOUR FUTURE.
oh, wow! I only know my exact number because for MANY years I owned my own riding stable. Throughout those 42 years my husband, 2 beautiful daughters and I owned 46 horses. There was also about 10-25 different boarders through the years. Growing up I had 2 geldings so its easy, just add 46+2! I never showed anyone else's horses, I showed but not A LOT. Now, my husband and I plan on moving to NY and getting an apartment, I have dreams of writing at least 5 books about my wonderful times with all of my horses! (I'm so jealous of you having your own blog!). You've been added to my role model list. Which includes: Liz (my childhood instructor), Jess (my best friend who's life was cut short by a riding accident at the age of 14), Cocoa (my childhood Crossbred pony), Simon (my childhood Arabian... HORSE! lol, I had a horse and a pony), all 46 of my riding stable's horses, and finally, you (because your awesome :P)! Glad you answered!!! Hope all is well with you and Wally, SO sorry about your loss. When I heard Danny was gone I myself almost cried :(