Comment

Comment by Dawn Lambert on March 11, 2010 at 8:23am

I have often fantasized about having a farm in California. We have 8 acres north of Toronto, and the challenge and expense of having horses in this climate of 4-5 months of winter is overwhelming. I have always been a displaced Californian—I belong there! My kind of people; and of course, no ice or relentless humidity. *sigh*
Having said that, I am happy and grateful for our cute little farm, and small herd of 3 horses—all home bred :) Their beauty and character sometimes takes my breath away...

Comment by Jennifer Lamm on March 10, 2010 at 11:14am

I don't even ride my horses and I spend hours with them... :) I live on a little ranch in Los Angeles with 8 acres and I've learned about horses for the last 6 years...... I've not ridden in 2 years now, but I have the best relationship with my horses and having horses is the dream.... when people ask me what I "do" with them, and I say, I "have" them, they give me a snotty look..... Oliver and Toby and I.... we know what's goin on..... we find something to do every day... and when I have time, I'll learn how to ride, shoot, I'm only 49. :)

Comment by Ellin McGinley Daum on March 10, 2010 at 10:32am

My experience is similar to Jan's. Only a few of my students want to show more than once or twice. They enjoy their horses daily and the progress they make together. The bond between horse and owner is lovely to watch as it gets stronger with mutual understanding.

Comment by Jan Jollymour on March 10, 2010 at 9:56am

A little extra: sometimes just owning a horse is the DREAM....and that's a big dream!

Comment by Jan Jollymour on March 10, 2010 at 9:55am

Right on, Brenda! There are lots os ways to enjoy working with horses, and one of my favourites is a long trail ride in the fall when the leaves are turning and the woods are quiet.

I have many clients who enjoy learning with their horses - they have no desire to compete, but they really do love to set their own goals and reach them, and they enjoy their horses tremendously, often more than those who compete rigorously.

Comment by Shirley on March 10, 2010 at 9:53am

Brenda, I'm with you! I hope your loving energy is contagious! Lots of horses out there need an angel in their barn. Keep on going strong!

Comment by Brenda Pantling on March 10, 2010 at 9:14am

Whether you show at top level shows or never take your horse off the farm, owning horses is all about what makes YOU happy. The recreational rider is just as legitamit a horse person as the top level competitor and vice versa. The beauty of horses, is there is something for everyone and such a variety of ways to enjoy them.

Comment by vickie lawson on March 10, 2010 at 9:01am

i so agree jan and cindy! money certainly helps but having the vision and committment can sort of make up for a lack of the big bucks. having a good eye and feel helps buy the youngster to bring on and then enables one to make some of the corrections. i take lessons, but not on the scale of some of what i hear occurs in america. that also was the case when we were heavily into show hunters.

Comment by Jennifer Lamm on March 9, 2010 at 10:25pm

maybe it's up to the horse....

Comment by Jan Jollymour on March 9, 2010 at 8:31pm

Absolutely, Cindy! A lot of what others have called "luck" in my life has more to do with being willing to make sacrifices when opportunities present themselves. It's a case of "what can I do without in order to have what I could have".

However, I've also learned over time (a lot of time) that having money still doesn't do the job. As you say, making the dream work means perseverance and sacrifice. I have a very wealthy friend who has purchased a GP horse and is making a bid for the Canadian WEG Team - she stilll has to do the riding, and right now she's living alone in California, far from her family and friends, in order to try to realize that dream. Money can make the logistics easier, but when it comes right down to it, everyone who dreams big and wants to realize their dreams has to make sacrifices of various kinds.

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