Jackie,  I have to admit that I have been told by good friends to take baby steps but I would like baby steps to mean walking around the arena.  You gave me great advice!  I will mount, sit, and then dismount.  I can be my own worst enemy at times.  I will let you know on Monday if I succeed.  I know that I have strong will power and determination, I just need to use it in the right direction.  I will succeed. Thank you.

Jackie, my first Arabian and my best friend, Ky, saved my bacon several times during his lifetime with me.  When I had my accident with Mora, I was unconscious for about ten minutes.  Mora was frightened when I fell off.  It would have been normal for a green horse to be scared or panic with the accident and run away to the farthest point in the arena,  My husband told me that Mora trotted a short distance, turned around and returned to me standing with her head over me.  She whinnies from the pasture when she sees me or she will come running to the fence to see me.  So what is stopping me from mounting her?  I have fallen many times so that doesn't worry me.  But falling and not being able to ride for another nine years worries me.  But, after reading your posts, I realize how silly I am to worry about what hasn't yet happened and may not happen.  I realize that I am wasting energy and time worrying.  Without knowing me, you have given me a terrific KITA (kick in the *@%).  Thank you. 

Jackie, I totally agree with about many of today's Arabians.  Glennloch Farms had Egyptian Arabians imported from Egypt yet they not only showed their horses in all classes, they also worked on the ranch moving cattle, etc.  They were doing horses, not pasture ornaments.  A good Arabian is a tough athletic horse as are other good examples of various breeds.  They are not simply a pretty face.  As I mentioned earlier, I love all horses but I am passionate about Arabians.  

I ride in a dressage saddle although I started in forward seat saddles.  I have ridden some endurance, trail riding, a little jumping, and dressage.  I currently concentrate on dressage which I love.  I had an horse related accident about nine years ago and I am shamed to say this to you but I have had a fear of falling off and not being able to get back on for another nine years.  I am worrying about something in the future which probably won't happen to me.  Although It took me quite a while to recover, part of that is due to a misdiagnosis for four years until I saw a neurologist.  This is why I asked if you could be my mentor because I can learn from your courage and determination.  A friend suggested that I take my collie, Sean, with me to the barn when I work with my mare, Mora, and that does help me.  Sean is there to be with me and not to criticize me, a true friend. I will let everyone know when I am riding Mora again.  There may be fireworks.  Just kidding.  

Talk to you later. 

Hi Jackie,

I started reading the Arabian World in 1972. I kept my magazines and used them for research in bloodlines and much more and I constantly reviewed back issues for anything that would help me be a better Arabian horse owner and breeder.  Two years ago, I gave most of the magazines away before moving 1500 miles to our new home.

This summer, my husband and I are doing more work on the dairy barn converted to horse barn.  The 50+ stanchions are gone and temporary stalls have been put in place and a small indoor arena is in one end of the barn, which makes it nice during winter.  Now we are going to start putting in permanent walls for stalls and maybe there will be time to build a small office for me.  Wow! What a concept.  Little by little, the horse barn is improving and looking better.  I also plan to start work on part of the fencing for the pastures.  I hope we can get all of this accomplished this year.  One important issue I have is keeping the farm machinery out of the arena when it is not being used.  

I admire your determination and courage to continue to make yourself happy riding.  If you don't mind, I would like to use you as my mentor in courage.  You are a clear illustration that we are indeed in charge of our attitudes  I enjoy your posts very much.  

Thank you Jackie, its great being here :0)

Thanks, Jackie!

Hi Jackie,

Thank you for the warm welcome.  I have had a long day today and I am too tired to figure out if you are receiving this post from me.  Please let me know if you received this post.  By the way, I am passionate about Arabians and I own 11 Arabians.  I love all breeds but Arabians are my favorites.

thank you

Thank you Jackie, just discovered Barnmice last night when reading William Micklem's blog via his website. 

Delighted I did.

Sadly, I have not ridden in some time.  My daughter (6) is just now getting into it and I may return myself.  We are not in VA but GA and the vast majority of the riding around here is Western so I have a lot of obstacles here.  I am getting a replacement for my copy of Young Rider to help. 

How strange ... I too have MS.  I guess it is more widespread than I realized.  (I've only just been diagnosed in the last year.)

Thank you for the welcome :)

thank you for welcoming me to Barnmice:)

Thanks Jackie!  It was nice of you to welcome me to Barnmice!  It appears to be a very nice site and I look forward to meeting new horse enthusiasts along the way!

So very glad to be here.  I hope are able to see my blog:  The Windflower Weekly.  I didn't see a "post" button.

Thanks, Jackie! 

Hi Jackie:) I'm so sorry that you & your son aren't well. Where do you live? Some of these diseases are so misunderstood by the average MD. I have almost zero confidence in traditional medicine anymore. How long have you had MS? 

Hi Jackie, Thanks for the welcome:))) Nice to meet you!!!! 

Dear Jackie: my mare just had her teeth done less than a month ago and has always had regular dental care.  the problem also is that she doesn't even want to stay out at night when it's cool and not buggy and is herding up her pony to the point where the pony cannot even eat.  I have had to separate them during the day in separate stalls.  She is quite happy to eat hay all day.  It's like she has developed fear of open spaces.  what is your experience that might be similar? Although this mare is retired she is still pretty pampered. 

Thank you Jackie