On raising/owning horses

 This is something I have been pondering lately.

Owning horses consumes so much of our lives. Time, money, personal relationships, activities- all is centered around these creatures. These beautiful, exasperating, amazing, soul-satisfying, often heart -wrenching beings who have shared our lives throughout time.

Historically, they have been war horses; from Atilla the Hun to the chariots of Egypt, to Bucephalus (Alexander the Great) to Reckless they have been instrumental in the stories of the rise and fall of nations. They have been used  as means of transportation longer than there have been trains, planes and automobiles. (I know, I'm preaching to the choir here) But in the greater scheme of things, when so many things have become passé why not the horse? 

The only answer I can find is that they touch our soul. They were made for us by God, and that is enough for me. I'm sure that my husband /family think that I spend too much of my life centered around my passion for horses, as it affects them also. But when the time comes when I can no longer have horses, it won't change who I am and what I want to do. I will still be that person who will say, Oh look-horses! when I pass by a field with them. I want to be like my old mentor. Al Grandchamp who climbed aboard a nice mare at the age of 93 and spent 5 hours in the saddle assisting at a clinic put on by a man he mentored- my other mentor, Walt Vermedahl. 

Me, Al and Walt many years ago

One of the things that I consider most important is helping youngsters to spend time with horses, help them to learn how to be around horses and to get them learning to ride. I have been blessed with  horses who were great with kids, including my beloved Beamer. Knowledge is no good if we keep it to ourselves, so I truly appreciate all those who teach and mentor young people in the art of horsemanship- and not just youth but older folks who strive to fulfil that need to learn more about horses. 

As far as raising horses go- one might think that there are an awful lot of horses out there so why raise more? I am pretty selective in my breeding practices, not putting many horses on the ground but the ones I do are good ones. Sure, anyone can go rescue a horse from a sale or a kill pen, but the folks who buy from breeders are looking for something specific. I hope that my horses, and the horses raised by responsible breeders can fill that need. (This is not a rant about all those unwanted and culled horses, so let's keep it civil, folks.) 

Midnight Moondance, one of my favourites. Dang I should have kept him!

I have been blessed throughout the years with many good horses- last time I counted was a few years ago at over 50 horses in my life- probably over 60 now- and I sure hope I will be able to keep it up for a good long time to come!