Oakley Diaries

I first decided I wanted a horse in 1974. Life circumstances changed and changed back until I was seriously getting ready to find one next year.

Opportunity knocked in early July. I answered, and on 1 August 2011, became the human half of a new partnership with a seven-year old bay gelding, a 16.2 HH Quarter-horse named Oakley Pine.

Pithy phrases like 'seize the day' and 'when opportunity knocks, answer the door' don't mention the corollary about needing antacids to deal with the resultant stress of turning your life upside down.

I quickly had to learn about horse insurance, what's out there, what to get, what do I need,

I had to figure out whether to get the great trailer offer as well or just rent as needed, I had to look at barns to put him in, as he was just beyond the limit of what I am willing to travel.

I had to look at what equipment I absolutely cannot do without and then find it all -- I love Repeat Rider.

Of course I suddenly had to rearrange my finances from saving up to spending now, plus a bit more, of course.

It has been most nerve-wracking, and yet most fulfilling; the dream of a lifetime come true.

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Comment by B. G. Hearns on September 10, 2011 at 3:38pm: The payback is a great training session in the outdoor ring, with nice lateral moves, good suppling, and silky smooth transitions, followed by a 45 minute ride through the heather by a freshly-mown hayfield in the evening sun on a warm September evening, too cool for flies in the peaceful, quiet, bucolic countryside.

A perfect evening.

Comment by Jackie Cochran on September 10, 2011 at 8:00am: Congratulations!

Yes they are expensive. Just don't go overboard, you don't need EVERYTHING.

DO spend money on good lessons. Knowledge will always pay off.

There is nothing like a relationship with a horse. Somehow my husband and sons never seemed to mind that I probably loved my first horse more than them (I came equipped with a horse.) Everyone loved my first horse!

Remember that your horse has his own opinion, and often he is right. Learn to listen to him, he is your best teacher. There is nothing like owning a horse!

Comment by Nora Robinson on September 9, 2011 at 11:02pm: welcome to the horse ownership world! There is nothing that will ever put your brain on more of a treadmill (unless you have kids lol) ....like owning a horse does! It's one of those privileges in life, that teach you many quality attributes that you can add to your "being human" arsenal. You learn how to surrender ego, money you never thought you had, priorities (cause even if they belong to someone else....you still sneak in those un-godly hours when no one else is awake to re-think decisions, and all things related to your horse). And the list goes on always and forever.

The payback is always....somehow being able to let it all go when you are in the presence of the horse who has done this to you! Go figure :)