Shane, Reagen, and I have owned horses together for 13 years. It was my
lifelong infatuation with horses which led to the rescue of an Appaloosa / Arab cross gelding in 1995. That little gelding was a handful, and definitely not a good match for a new mom who had not owned an equine since childhood. He had a lot of emotional baggage from recent abuse, and sent meto the doctor many times. But he taught the family a lot about care, compassion, and the dangers of overestimating one's horse-whispering abilities. And he brought us into the world of horses. For that he is owed a debt of gratitude. That led to a few other horses, of several different breeds. We had no prejudices or breed preferences. Then I met Contesa. She was my introduction to the Arabian breed, and now I cannot imagine being without Arabs in my pastures. Contesa is 25 this year, and still feisty enough to keep me on my toes.
Shane became attached to the horses after an accident in 2005 cost him most of his left leg. He was forced to spend a great deal of time alone at home, and they served as companions.
Now he spends most of his days in the barn with them.
Reagen has ridden a little now and then, but has only recently shown any real interest in riding. He says he would like to do some pole bending, and learn to jump.Of course I am happy to hear that! I hope to be able to update later with news of his success with a horse of his own.