Thursday, December 13, 2007

For the love of horses

Our daughter became an equestrian the first time atop a horse!

Spending all of her allotted fair tickets, she rode this carnival pony at least ten times.

She has not stopped riding since.

Over the years we have watched her love grow into a passionate sport. From riding for pleasure to visiting a stable on a regular basis to leasing a horse to owning a horse. In fact, it is because of her passion that we moved from the comfort of suburban living to our hobby farm where we lived for six years. Somehow, I thought it would be more convenient to live with the horse instead of visiting it 6 or 7 times each week. Clearly, I did not consider Minnesota winters and mucking stalls! Still, our family insists to this day, the six years spent on that hobby farm were the best years ever!
She exercised... She cared for...

She jumped...she showed...

she placed... she loved...

So today, my dressage and cross country equestrian and I will leave the frozen tundra we call home and fly to California on a horse seeking mission. Her childhood friend, a former Olympic Rider and now a horse trainer, will meet us at the airport and we will begin the search for her next horse. Should we find just the perfect fit for the next phase in our daughters equestrian career, I'll post the new photos ASAP!

It's off to Temecula...for the love a horse (and a daughter!)

10 comments:

Karen H. said...

Good Morning Diane,
What a beautiful and touching post. I'm so glad you have such a closeness with your daughter. She looks beautiful with her horses. They take alot of work and alot of love. I pray for safe travels on yall's trip to California and pray that she may find her horse. That snow looks lovely in the picture. Is that of our place? I had always wanted a horse, but it never happened. I guess it wasn't meant to be. Well, take care my friend and have a great Thursday. May God Bless You and Yours.

Hugs,
Karen H.

C. H. Green said...

I loved this post! As you know I love horses so very much. One day I will ride again.

Nadine said...

This made all gushy inside. What a wonderful story of your daughter's progression of love. Have a great trip. I pray you both have success in finding what you want.

Anonymous said...

I hope you have an absolutely wonderful time in CA with your daughter. I'm sure you'll miss the weather in MN but never fear... it will still be the same (or colder) when you return. Loved the photos, by the way.

Kristen said...

It's great that she has something she is so passionate about! I hope she finds just the right horse!

Gardenia said...

Love the music - and this was a beautiful post besides. May you both find the perfect horse - !

groovyoldlady said...

sigh...

I absolutely REFUSE to be envious.

Dang, I failed!

Dawn said...

Wow, I want to see you coming home with that horse - on the plane??!! Ha.

I wondered what you were doing out there on those crazy freeways!

Tina said...

that sounds like so much fun.
good luck,.. and have fun!

Lisa said...

Wow! I don't even like animals and this made me want to start riding horses! Now that is saying something!

What an experience!