Hi Joy,

The horses give us back some of the things we've lost in life.

I no longer own horses, I miss that but I do not have the strength, energy and stamina needed to take care of horses like I want to keep them.  At least I did finally get to live with my horses.

All the horses I ride now are literally off casts, horses donated to Shannon's disabled riders program (not very active, she is a BUSY woman), or horses that Debbie's boarders essentially deserted when they could no longer pay board.  Mia, the mare in my avatar, is now 31, I've been riding her for years, after another Arab I was riding returned to his breeder Debbie begged me to start riding Mia, who was very crippled by arthritis.  It took a long time to build her up and get her seviceably sound, but hey, she is an Arabian mare, to me the highest form of creation.  Sensitive, cranky, and opinionated, she never hesitates to inform me if I make her uncomfortable.  If I did not ride her Debbie would get no income from the mare (she runs a business).  Mia and I are just about equally disabled so Debbie can't use her much in her business, and since I started riding Mia, Debbie's husband does not mind as much her keeping this geriatic mare.

Bingo was deserted by his owner at Debbie's stable, she was another MS sufferer.  Bingo was not a suitable mount for her since she was a beginner, but I've ridden seriously for over 40 years and I have been 'civilizing' him so hopefully he won't "run away at a trot" with his young riders.  Bingo is literally the ugliest horse I've ever ridden, with an extremely high croup and THICK throatlatch.  I  get the impression that Bingo got very few kind words in his past because he can be STUBBORN and uncooperative.  He has opened up to me (and Debbie) because I do everything I can to make him feel good about himself and comfortable physically.  Horses LIKE being praised!

Cider is the best horse I ride.  She ran into problems being used as a long-term lease horse for young 3-Day event wannabes before being donated to Shannon's program.  She used to be an energizer bunny but she has slowed down a good bit in her mid twenties.

I sent a friend request.  Please accept.  I live in Stanly Co., N.C., around 30 miles east of Charlotte, NC.  I am now trying to adapt to another one of the hot muggy summers we get down here!  I ride early in the morning in the summer, like 8:00 AM.  Otherwise I would melt in the saddle, distressing the horses!

Hi Joy, thanks for the picture.

Isn't it amazing how hurt people and hurt horses can heal each other!