The Horse Lovers Thread

I thought that I’d start this thread because I’m a totally horse obsessed 23-year old who hasn’t grown out of the ‘I want a pony’ stage yet! To be honest – I don’t think that I’ll ever grow out of it!

I don’t have my own horse – yet. I do plan on having one someday but for the moment I’m happy enough to take lessons. Although I haven’t been in ages because I’m traveling in Australia at the moment – and there is horse flu!

So I guess, I thought that this would be a good place to share funny stories, get advice on riding styles, buying a horse, caring for a horse or anything really to do with horses.

My experiences with horses has been both the happiest and most devastating times of my life, basically because I’m allergic to either horses or the dust that comes off horses, and up until 2 years ago I had only ridden a horse a few times, before my mum realized I was allergic when I was about 13/14. It’s the worst thing in the world not even being able to touch something you love so much, and for a few years anytime I thought about it I’d cry. I’ve lost of the amount of nights I cried myself to sleep over it.

Two & a half years ago, spurred on by my friends desire to learn how to horse ride I decided to see if I could get an antihistamine that might help me to overcome my allergies and go horse riding again. Luckily my doctor was able to prescribe some tablets for me and I started going for lessons. Funnily enough – my friend never went! The first few months were tough – after a few minutes I would be choked up and I couldn’t do anything to really help around the stables before or after my lessons. But as the months went by I found myself getting better and better after each lesson (both in terms of my nose and my actual horse riding).

I began to help out in the afternoons before my lesson, as last year I had work experience on the day that I went so I finished at 2.30 and even though my lesson was at 7.00 I would be at the stables by 3.00! I could do anything in the stables, except groom, and I even overcame that by wearing a mask! Even during the Christmas or summer holidays from college, if I had a day off I would be up at the stables from 9am the latest helping out. For me, it’s not just about being on a horse, it’s being around horses. That’s when I’m my happiest.

ETA: I feel my English is not top notch in this entry, Jessica can fix it if....[censured by Benzo because not many people know how much we love each other!]

Someone sent a link to this thread simply because anyone who knows me welll know that I'm a horse freak!

Mariebeth: you might give a try to American curly horses, they are usually hypoallergic (eng?). they have a 'good head' too; usually easy going.

I don't have any horse. I bought one but had to sell it a few weeks after. I was so disappointed. I had had horseback riding lessons but I had to stop to let my shoulders heal from stupid wounds.

I started a horse club in the high school where I teach, During ped days we will go for a five hour activity in a ranch. That should be lots of fun especially if the temperature reaches -30!

Someone sent a link to this thread simply because anyone who knows me welll know that I'm a horse freak!

Mariebeth: you might give a try to American curly horses, they are usually hypoallergic (eng?). they have a 'good head' too; usually easy going.

I don't have any horse. I bought one but had to sell it a few weeks after. I was so disappointed. I had had horseback riding lessons but I had to stop to let my shoulders heal from stupid wounds.

I started a horse club in the high school where I teach, During ped days we will go for a five hour activity in a ranch. That should be lots of fun especially if the temperature reaches -30!


Hi Benzo! :wave: thanks for posting!

I've heard of Curly horses actually, they sound like amazing horses, not only because of their hypoallergenic goodness :) I don't know if I'll ever be able to afford one, as importing one to Ireland could be pretty costly. It is my dream though to have a horse stud, and it would be interesting to be the first person in Ireland to have them! Although, my allergies seem to have improved a lot, possibly because my body has grown used to being around horses, so I am happy that I don't have to limit myself to a particular breed of horse. It would be great though to be able to provide horses to other people who are allergic!

I'm in Australia at the moment, and in 6 weeks I'm going to a farm to learn how to be a Jillaroo! That's the Australian term for cowgirl! I can't wait, they teach natural horsemanship as well as teaching us how to work cattle and sheep on horse back! it will hopefully be an amazing two weeks!!!

Well, A thread can't become a personal discussion so that's another post then I'll wait if we are only two with that obssession...

Natural horsemanship is great, I did a join up with my horse, it was great, Joining up is to make the bare horse canters in every directions, keeping control and telling them when to run and you stop at some points, after a few breaks, they recognize you as the alpha mare (the boss) and starts to follow you everywhere like a dog, quite magical!

I used to ride when I was younger, I was pretty much the definitive pony-crazy little girl. I had a weird accident when I was about 11 where I fell off of 2 horses in one day, one after another, and the last fall was pretty bad. Thankfully I didn't get hurt but even after a few tries over the past few years I haven't been able to get my confidence back. I love horses anyway.

I've read about "joining up", it sounds like it would be a really amazing experience.

Hi all, this is my first post on the forums and I was pleasantly surprised to see a thread about horses!

I've ridden all my life and owned three horses. My current horse is a TB/Trakehner gelding, a gorgeous bay. We used to do a lot of jumping, but he developed arthritis in his right stifle, so now we mostly pleasure ride and only do low jumps. He's my baby!

I'm hoping to get another horse in the near future--have to see how that works out!

Kim

I was a madly obsessed pony person in my youth, but when foot and mouth hit in '01, due to a series of reasons I had to quit.
I had my first lesson in six yeas yesterday, cant actually walk today due awakening muscles Id forgotten about!!!Im walking like John Wayne!!!
It was great fun though, I went with some friends from uni who were new to it, I cant wait til we're al good enough to go one of the beachh rides that the university organizes.

I got my first horse when I was three. A black Shetland. On my first ride I banged my nose on his neck; I've been thrown off him countless times since then! The worst was when I'd been out on a hack and I was taking my Shetland back, he decided to canter up to his stable, I was ok with that until I realised that the top bar of the sliding fence was across and then my pony started to gallop. He went under the fence and I went through it. Thank God for body protectors!

Hi!

As you may have guessed by my posting on this thread, I love horses too! I have had my own for 4 years (after many years of nagging my parents :p). She's a 12(ish) year old piebald called Jenny. We do a bit of everything really, but I especially like hacking and jumping. She's the best horse in the world IMO (meaning no disrespect to anyone else's horses: we all think our own/favourite horse is the best!).

Thoive: I'm not the most confident rider either. I've gained loads of confidence since I got Jenny though: good luck getting yours back (or good luck with spending time with horses on the ground!)

I agree with you about join-up. I've seen it done at a Kelly Marks demonstration once, and I went to a Monty Roberts one recently: he didn't do a full join-up though, he did loading, riding and getting a horse past its phobia of plastic! I really want to go on a Natural Horsemanship course now and learn to do it myself: it must be amazing! (Who knows, maybe if I do it with mine she'll get a little less lazy :p)

Skrewtmaster: I'm nowhere near that brave now, let alone when I was three!

Skrewtmaster: I'm nowhere near that brave now, let alone when I was three!

I wouldn't have been if my parents hadn't sat me straight back on. If you fall and don't get back on right away, chances are you won't ever again, that's what I was taught.

My Shetland is called Dicky Doughnut. He came with that name and I have never found it funny but other people seem to. I always end up riding ponies with odd names. Our Welsh Section B is called Bjowans (sp?) Thornbird and I used to ride a pony called Jenny Wren at horse shows. She was terrible to ride. She didn't like commands because it made her jumpy so I just had to stay in the saddle and be led around!

I did a clinic on 'ethology' which is the science of animal behavior when they are in their natural/wild environment, the day was close to horsemanship of Monty Roberts and Parelli. The first morning we worked on understanding the language of horses and practiced obstacles. There were many of them:
-a small pool (you know about 6 inches of water)
-a mailbox
-a plastic curtain
-a podium
-a shower with water coming from above and sides
-a narrow path on the ground
-some kind of tunnel
-doing a backward slalom

We -my horse Golden Sir and I- didn't succeed the water pool but he was amazing with the others and succeeded to go through some scaring obstacles, especially the shower.That was an extraordinary day and I really connected with my palomino!

Do you have pics of your horse you had or have?

The pony in my sig is my Shetland, Dicky Doughnut, but I can't find a picture of him and my other pony together. not that anyone would want to look at Thornbird, he's so filthy! Grey ponies and mud don't mix!

Does anyone go to horse shows?

I haven't ridden in shows for a while. When I was younger I went to lots of horse shows but after the foot and mouth I wasn't really motivated anymore. Mountain and Moorland was my favourite and Dicky always did really well, he is a stunning Shetland (and I'm not just saying that because he's my baby!). Most appealing was a good event too.

When I was first coming off lead reign i went into the first ridden class. One of the ponies went nuts and bucked the little girl off. I can remember staying huddled in the middle of the ring with all the other contestants while this pony cantered around us. It didn't help that Dicky was very naughty back then, he decided to chase pigeons instead of showing the judge how well he could trot once. Typical! But I love him all the same!

I wouldn't have been if my parents hadn't sat me straight back on. If you fall and don't get back on right away, chances are you won't ever again, that's what I was taught.

that is so true! the first time i fell off I actually couldn't physically get back up on the horse because I'd hurt my shoulder and couldn't even lift my arm up to try and get on! I couldn't go back for a month and my confidence was gone. Although I did get it back.

I've since fallen off twice and both times i got straight back up & it didn't knock my confidence at all! :)

Horses are my favourite animals! I'm not big on horse-back riding, but the few times I've been I loved it. Horses are simply amazing animals. I once went horseback riding in Punta Cana, in a large open area away from the beaches. My sister and I were out there for two hours, cantering away (fastest I've ever ridden), but my horse was really, really underfed and so it kind of hurt my legs to ride him. And he was really bumby, so trotting was a pain in the rear, literally. But that was the most fun I've ever had on a horse.

My sister's the horseback rider in the family, though. She's been riding for about 13 years now, and she's the one who got me to go riding with her. She's planning on buying a couple of horses once she has the money and time to take care of them, but when she does, I'm sure to go riding more often!

Mariebeth83, I never thought I'd meet someone more in love with horses than my sister, but I think I just have, haha. I think you and my sister would get along pretty well.

I love horses myself, got to ride on a couple before -- don't have any of my own sadly :(.

Mariebeth83, I never thought I'd meet someone more in love with horses than my sister, but I think I just have, haha. I think you and my sister would get along pretty well.

:lol: I get on with anyone who loves horses! :D

Here's a great YouTube clip that I love - I'm not a big fan of dressage but these guys make it look amazing!

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My pony would never ever do that! He'd probably just put on the brakes! They do make dressage look great don't they!

Great video Mariebeth,

I bet you know this one with Merlin the fantastic horse. Focus on the horse, I don't want to start a debate about corridas:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPa6qEG2lUg

Great video Mariebeth,

I bet you know this one with Merlin the fantastic horse. Focus on the horse, I don't want to start a debate about corridas:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPa6qEG2lUg

That is one amazing horse, aptly named I think. I'll just say that I don't agree with bullfighting in anyway - but that's for a different thread.

It was amazing to watch how he moved though, I don't think I've ever seen a horse move like that. It was almost as if they had rehearsed it with the bull before hand!

Yep, a great horse, he moves like a cat! (I'm also a cat lover!)

:lol: i'll forgive you for loving cats seeing as you love horses as well! :lol:

ok, i don't have a major problem with cats, just that I'm allergic to them! although I'm allergic to dust off horses, but I don't let that stop me! I just love horses way too much!

My manager in work knows, and yesterday when I got back from getting my lunch there was a 2008 Horse calendar on my desk. She'd seen it when she was out getting her own lunch and had to get it for me! :D how sweet was that??? the pictures are gorgeous too!

If I ever got a pet, it'd probably be a dog. But if not a dog, I'd love to have a horse! I've loved them all my life. I've done horseback riding a few times. Actually, once I was on a horse for hours, and when I got off, I was aching everywhere. But I didn't care, because I loved being on one.

Actually, my school mascot is a Mustang. :) Naturally I'm proud of being one!

I love horses, I started riding when I was seven but I haven't ridden for a few years now. I really miss it and I hope I can start again sometime soon.

I thought that I’d start this thread because I’m a totally horse obsessed 23-year old who hasn’t grown out of the ‘I want a pony’ stage yet! To be honest – I don’t think that I’ll ever grow out of it!

I don’t have my own horse – yet. I do plan on having one someday but for the moment I’m happy enough to take lessons. Although I haven’t been in ages because I’m traveling in Australia at the moment – and there is horse flu!
:grumble: Yes the blasted Equine Influenza which has dramatically impeded my social life (I generally go to the races, campdrafts and rodeos, all of which centre around horses)....

I've always wanted a pony, but my Dad hates them and so I grew up riding full grown horses. I actually learnt to ride on a horse that had previously been a brumby...

I love HORSES!!! They are awesome! i love to run my horse! it goes fast!!! sorry for my weird grammar. anyways my cousin who lives down the road from me just got a horse and it is awesome!!!

:grumble: Yes the blasted Equine Influenza which has dramatically impeded my social life (I generally go to the races, campdrafts and rodeos, all of which centre around horses)....

I've always wanted a pony, but my Dad hates them and so I grew up riding full grown horses. I actually learnt to ride on a horse that had previously been a brumby...

Have you read Wild Horse Diaries? It's written by a woman who went out and caught some Brumbies. Ok...it definitely wasn't that easy for her but it was such an amazing book.

Well I'm going horse riding on Saturday - I'm treating myself cos it's my birthday and the place I'm going to hasn't had the horse flue yet (touch wood). Things also seem to be improving lately or else they're just bored of reporting about it!

And in two weeks i'll be going to a jillaroo course! I can't wait - it's 11 days of being around and on horses!!! woohoo :D

ok, guys, let's put some meat to this thread, You can answer every question or only those that inspire you.
1. What book about horses do you prefer and why? That can be a practical one or a novel.
2. Which horse movie is your favorite?
3. Do you have a special moment with a horse that you would like to share, even trivial?
4. If you have a horse, does it live at your place?
5. If you don't have a horse, do you have a plan to get one? When and how?
6. In your corner of the world if horse a big thing as for example some western parts of North America?

:grumble: Yes the blasted Equine Influenza which has dramatically impeded my social life (I generally go to the races, campdrafts and rodeos, all of which centre around horses)....

I've always wanted a pony, but my Dad hates them and so I grew up riding full grown horses. I actually learnt to ride on a horse that had previously been a brumby...
1. How the flu going, is it getting better? Is the whole industry down?

2. How many brumbies are they roaming freely? Are they protected as the mustangs are?

1. How the flu going, is it getting better? Is the whole industry down?

2. How many brumbies are they roaming freely? Are they protected as the mustangs are?
1. There are still some no horse movement areas, in South East Queensland and New South Wales. The state of Victoria has been clean the whole time so the Melbourne Cup race meeting is going ahead tomorrow without any problems. The entire racing industry is still in a lot of trouble as the main body is reducing the number of race meetings for the rest of the year. For example the town I live in, usually has a race meeting on the same day as the Melbourne Cup. We're having what they call a Phantom meeting this year which has no horses...

2. In Northern Australia there are still thousands and thousands of brumbies but they aren't protected as they're considered a pest. I do believe they are sort of protected in the Snowy River national park because of their significance of the region.



1. What book about horses do you prefer and why? That can be a practical one or a novel.
I've always loved the Silver Brumby books... The actual Silver Brumby movie has Russel Crowe in it but you can't hold that against the books.

2. Which horse movie is your favorite?
Either the Man from Snowy River or the Silver Brumby....


3. Do you have a special moment with a horse that you would like to share, even trivial?
Heh... The only one I can think of at the moment was when I was thrown off a horse when we were mustering sheep, my sister had thought that I'd been trampled and came over all very concerned for my well being when my only comment was "Stop fussing over me, go get the horse"

4. If you have a horse, does it live at your place?
I don't have a horse that you would call my own, but my parents used to breed thoroughbred horses so we've always got a tonne of them running around the family property.

5. If you don't have a horse, do you have a plan to get one? When and how?
I don't think I'll ever have my own horse until I go back to the property...

6. In your corner of the world are horses a big thing as for example some western parts of North America?
A large part of the social life in my area of Western Australia centres around horses whether it be campdrafting, rodeo's or races. The Equine Flu has definately shown that.

1. What book about horses do you prefer and why? That can be a practical one or a novel.

As a kid, my favourite would have been the My Friend Flicka trilogy and the Silver Brumby books - oh and the Saddle Club! i loved them.

2. Which horse movie is your favorite?

The Man From Snowy River - it's a classic.

I also always loved National Velvet - it's such a good movie!

And now...Seabiscuit has to be included!


3. Do you have a special moment with a horse that you would like to share, even trivial?

My first ever time galloping, which was on a horse called Flash. It was such an amazing experience and I wish it could have gone on forever.

4. If you have a horse, does it live at your place?

I don't have one yet...

5. If you don't have a horse, do you have a plan to get one? When and how?

Oh yes...I do plan on getting a horse, by saving hard! not sure when it will happen as I'm travelling at the moment!


6. In your corner of the world if horse a big thing as for example some western parts of North America?

Well, I'm going to speak for Ireland here and yes horses are a big thing. We have a lot of Riding Clubs who would have regular competitions, showjumping and cross country are very popular, while dressage wouldn't be as popular. We also have some of the best racehorses in the world :D and we export a lot of really good horses.

1. What book about horses do you prefer and why? That can be a practical one or a novel.
Heartland made me cry so I only read the first one but I love 'Sandy Lane Stables'.

2. Which horse movie is your favorite?
Black Beauty will always be my favourite.


3. Do you have a special moment with a horse that you would like to share, even trivial?
My evil, yet oh-so- adorable Shetland was having a great time in the snow one year so I took ages making a snowman for him in the paddock. As I was leaving I heard a thump and poor Mr Snowman's head was on the ground. Dicky Doughnut does not like snowmen!

4. If you have a horse, does it live at your place?
We have a field about two miles from where we live where our ponies live. Though we did keep our Shetland in the garden for an afternoon before we got our Section B. He loved it and so did the kids who lived next door!

6. In your corner of the world are horses a big thing as for example some western parts of North America?
Lots of kids in Cornwall want horses but not a lot have them so there are lots of riding schools who take part in shows. Luckily we still have some beautiful Shire horses who are used to demonstrate the old methods of farming.

I love horses! I wanted to take riding lessons when I was little but we didn't have enough money. We did do something in Girl Scouts with horses though. I also have two friends with horses. I had another friend who had horses but I haven't seen her in awhile. Long story......

1. What book about horses do you prefer and why? That can be a practical one or a novel. Usually some book discussing dressage and/or general riding tips.
2. Which horse movie is your favorite? Why Seabiscuit of course. Just watched it with my dad, actually. xD
3. Do you have a special moment with a horse that you would like to share, even trivial? First time ever falling off a horse, my gelding, Zach. I was cantering in the field with my friend and his head started going down in excitement and I kinda knew I would fall, so I forced myself to.. if that makes sense. And then he instantly stopped obediently full blast, as if to wait for me to get back on my feet. I was just ecstatic, I thought he'd have tooken off.
4. If you have a horse, does it live at your place? Nope, I board.
6. In your corner of the world if horse a big thing as for example some western parts of North America? I suppose, if you know where to go.

So yeah, I've been riding since I was 11. I'm nearly 18 now. I have a chestnut Quarter Horse gelding, who's picking up the digits now, and beginning to falter my learning dressage. We're going to be letting him go back to where I boarded him before for free, since its so hard to find a decent home for an older horse. All I care about is that he's treated right. Plus, I'll be able to see him when I want and possibly look into buying a new horse. Though I may wait till after college and just continue with lessons. -sigh- That's the hard thing about horses, they live so gosh darn long, haha.

That's the hard thing about horses, they live so gosh darn long, haha.

Goodness yes! Thornbird, my section B is 11 and Dicky's 27/28, i can't remember. He's been quite poorly recently and his age is starting to show, who knows he may even live to be 40, Shetlands live for ever!:lol:

i think its admirable, how much some people love horses. To over come a medical set back! But thats so awesum! I have a horse, and my sister has one two, i got my 1st horse when i was 10, i was really lucky but one of our horses had to be put down, she had a twisted bow. SInce then i have a white arab cross aussie saddle pony! she is beautiful and since reading all your messages i have realized how lucky i am!

Since reading how much people love horses, i have realized that im really lucky to own a horse in these dificult time (in australias drought). For those who want to know i have white arab cros australian saddle pony! she is so beautiful and i love her so much. Thank You for making me realize:love:

Tragic news at the Kentucky Derby. Eight Belles (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080503/ap_on_sp_ot/rac_kentucky_derby_eight_belles), the only filly running, broke both her ankles after finishing second (wow), causing her to be euthanized on the spot. My heart is still crying.

In other news, Big Brown looked superb during his run. That twentieth position really helped him avoid getting stuck in the herd (though it was not as large as I have seen; however, Pyro's 6-1 odds certainly vanished after being pushed out). My pick (other than Eight Belles, who I had supreme confidence in), Adriano, finished in a dismal 19th place. Colonel John certainly did not look like the second best horse in the competition. Now on to the Preakness...

Tragic news at the Kentucky Derby. Eight Belles (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080503/ap_on_sp_ot/rac_kentucky_derby_eight_belles), the only filly running, broke both her ankles after finishing second (wow), causing her to be euthanized on the spot. My heart is still crying.

One of the many reasons I don't like horse racing is that horses are more likely to get injured :(

On other notes, I'm now seriously saving money so that I can buy a horse in the next year or so :) hopefully soon :lol: I'm obsessively torturing myself by looking up websites that have listings of horses on sale in Ireland...it's good motivation though!

One of the many reasons I don't like horse racing is that horses are more likely to get injured :(
I agree. The age that these horses are raced is absurd, and it is unsurprising how Eight Belles broke both of her front ankles. By the age of three their bone structure is not matured, especially considering they are started much earlier. I remember going to the track when I was young (way back in the day :)) and seeing a horse euthanized immediately. It is something that turns one against horse racing - I have always centered around trail riding ever since.
On other notes, I'm now seriously saving money so that I can buy a horse in the next year or so :) hopefully soon :lol: I'm obsessively torturing myself by looking up websites that have listings of horses on sale in Ireland...it's good motivation though!
Would you mind my asking what breed you are looking into?

At my small farm (seven acres) I have a sixteen hand Appaloosa, a three year old quarter horse (whom I am trying to sell - I am too old to break him the way he should), and a Spotted Saddle paint. I may inquire into a 16.2 hand Missouri Fox Trotter who, while a little tall, would be the perfect replacement for my colt (once he is gone).

I'm so happy to see a horse thread on here!! I have loved horses all my life and I think I will be horse-crazy forever. I've had horses on and off since I was 15 (I'm 28 now) but nobody else in my family is into horses, so it is something I've had to do on my own. Thank heavens for horsey friends who helped me get started! I currently have a Thoroughbred gelding named Loui. He is 20 years old and semi-retired :)

1. What book about horses do you prefer and why? I love 'Free Rein' by Gill Rolton, and everything by Monty Roberts. Love the Flicka trilogy and the Silver Brumby series. Also The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans. And when I was younger I loved The Saddle Club!
2. Which horse movie is your favourite? I can't choose!! International Velvet was wonderful... also Flicka, The Horse Whisperer, Dreamer... and Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken was wonderful.
3. Do you have a special moment with a horse that you would like to share, even trivial? I had a million of them with my old mare, Delta. Sadly I had to have her put down in 2004 :upset: and I miss her more than anything. But there were so many moments, like the first time we jumped - she taught me to jump :) And all the times I rode her bareback with just a halter...
4. If you have a horse, does it live at your place? No, my boy is out on agistment (boarding, but I have to go up to feed him every day)
5. In your corner of the world are horses a big thing as for example some western parts of North America? Yes :) I think so... Australia has a pretty good track record with the Olympic equestrian, and so there is a fairly strong following. Plus horses are a major part of our heritage, police horses are an icon here, etc. But there are always some ignorant twats who say 'horses? Who owns horses these days?!!' Pfft! :rolleyes:

Does anyone go to horse shows?

Yeah, I do, I've won 2 1sts, 3 2nds, a 4th, 3 5ths, and a 6th, all on Wally accept 1 of the 2nds.

This is Wally, my 6-year-old 12.3hh dark bay Newfoundland pony gelding. I've had him 4 years and I love him to bits.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll16/QueenAmaya/20080312_3953-1.jpg

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll16/QueenAmaya/20080312_3957.jpg

Took lessons off and on growing up (expensive) and used to frequently groom the horses next door during high school, but since college I haven't seen them nearly as much. I was the kid with a million toy horses (which I still have) and only 2 barbies, and still haven't stopped drawing them, though college work usually fills the quota of hand-and-pencil time and wears me out. I can definitely relate to those who have an ache in their heart from being unable to ride for a long time. My boots and halfchaps still wait in my closet, neglected until I can get the chance to whip them out and get on a horse again. :/


1. What book about horses do you prefer and why? That can be a practical one or a novel.
- Never read a practical one. As a little kid I loved the Pony Pals and everything by Walter Farley.
2. Which horse movie is your favorite?
- The Black Stallion. It was my favorite book as a kid.
3. Do you have a special moment with a horse that you would like to share, even trivial?
- Getting to know a special yearling filly (a miniature horse named Lacy) while at my cousin's house one summer.
4. If you have a horse, does it live at your place?
- No horse, unfortunately - too expensive. My next door neighbors have 2 though.
5. If you don't have a horse, do you have a plan to get one? When and how?
- Fo' sho. I'm a poor uni student, so the plan is to graduate with my degree, get a job, and get back into lessons for a while, first.
6. In your corner of the world if horse a big thing as for example some western parts of North America?
- I suppose? The land between cities consists of fields and pastures (cattle and horses) and it's not hard to find a place to ride, though I did NOT like the lady instructor at the place nearest my parents' house.

We have 4 horses, with a 5th on the way as one is pregnant and due to give birth in early May. I can't wait, I'll post pictures of the newborn foal here because I'm sure it will be cute :) Actually only 3 of the horses are our but we have ended up with a 4th who we were looking after while her owner was sick, but her owner sadly passed away so I'm not sure what will be happening there.

This is the pregnant mare, Bonnie, just as she stands up from lying in the dust and the wind is blowing it off her body, I thought it looked quite funny :p
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/Coquelicot_Asleep/P1090840.jpg

This is Daisy, she was adopted into the family after she had an accident at the stable she was at and hurt her back, so can't ever be ridden again but she is adorable and keeps the others company.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/Coquelicot_Asleep/P1000978-1.jpg

This is our other cob Crystal.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/Coquelicot_Asleep/Crystal.jpg

Omigosh, they're so beautiful. I wish I lived in a country with loads of land so we can keep horses. Probably when I'm like retired or something, I hope to run a farm in a faraway country. I'll have thoroughbreds, and appaloosas, and of course, other animals too.

Yes, I realize that I'm digging this thread out of the archives, but I'm new and love horses, so...
Yeah.
I've got a fourteen-year-old mare that I practice Parelli with, and I love her more than life itself.
=)

I'm digging this thread out as well as I am a horse enthusiast!

I was about as horse crazy a little girl as you could get when I was growing up. I took lessons and went to riding camp, but the barn I rode out was about a half hour away from the suburbs where I grew up, and as I got older riding fell by the wayside. I didn't ride consistently again until I moved out to live and work on my brother-in-law's ranch in Wyoming after college.

There I got to meet the (equine) love of my life. He was a scrawny little ~ 4 year old Arab/Appaloosa cross that the ranch had picked up from a kill sale. The poor guy had obviously been neglected and had the mark of a nylon halter on his head. He was seriously head shy, very green, and very spooky. And there I was with about 4 years of riding lessons between the ages of 8-12 under my belt. We learned together though and both learned so much. In the two years, I spent out there that horse was seriously my best friend. He made me a better rider and I turned him into a heck of a trail horse. When we first went out on the trail he was afraid of EVERYTHING - rocks, holes in the ground, logs, cars (nevertheless elk and bison we encountered on the trail!). He couldn't cross water, couldn't go through gates, he was just such a headcase.

By the time I left he was an awesome trail horse. He was a great lead horse, could side pass, open gates, stop traffic, wrangle a herd of horses, ride bareback, swim through water. I made that horse do EVERYTHING! And as the wrangler in charge of taking teenage guests out on rides, trust me we did do just about everything (including a game of tag on horseback played in the willow bushes known as "willow tag"). He was my best buddy and when I left for grad school I promised I'd be back to buy him and officially make him mine. Sadly, I must have not done as good a job turning him into as good a horse as I thought 'cos his next rider had difficulty and after two accidents they sold him. :sad: It makes me incredibly sad. I loved that horse so much and know I'll never find another like him! Here is my buddy kicking back after a long day in the corral.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh184/arobwyo/Jello.jpg

And here's the two of us together!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh184/arobwyo/JoannasPictures044.jpg

After almost three years without being around horses much I have started riding again at a local barn on my way home from work. I'm working with an awesome little bay mare named Trouble, who is a bit of a handful, but is learning Western Pleasure just like me. I like her a lot and can't wait to see what we can do when the spring rolls around and we can start entering some shows!

i have found my people!!!!

i've been riding for roughly 18 years now. Had my own horse (Coco, a Thoroughbred mare) for 17 years up until this past summer when i had to retire her and send her out to Las Vegas, Nevada to live on some land that is owned by a friend of our family because i couldn't ride her anymore...she was 24 and just old and arthritic....couldn't do more than a trot by then.

i was lucky enough to find a lady at my stable who needed help taking care of her horse, Zoie. Zoie's an 18 year old Tovero Paint mare. So i get to take Zoie out 3 times a week and ride Zoie or do whatever with her. It's still quite a change for me, i'm still getting used to the height difference between Coco and Zoie because Coco was about 16 hands tall and if i had to make an educated guess, Zoie's no more than 15 hands tall, i'd probably guess 14.3 hands, so Zoie's gaits are a little faster than Coco's were, just because she's shorter. But she's a good girl and i DO like fast horses, and Zoie and i have an "understanding"....haha!!!

Hah, I'm also resurrecting this thread!

I, also, am a horse lover/enthusiast/whatever you want to call it. I've been riding for about 13 years and have competed and ridden in events from western pleasure (early years) to eventing (current). I'm currently a working student for an upper level rider and trainer in Maryland and am absolutely loving it. I have one beast of my own, but he's for sale (or soon will be given away) as unfortunately he can no longer jump, and that's two of *** three phases of my sport (so if any of you want a pinto pony who can do dressage and trail riding, send me a note!). I'm hoping to compete in a Training 3-Day by the end of the year, which is, I hate to sound boastful, quite an easy goal for me right now. I figure I might as well start easy, right? Maybe I can get to prelim by the end of my year in Maryland.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i127/kate--livia/Willie/Phone065-1.jpg < This is Willie, my current little man. Love him to death, but I can't afford to keep a horse who can no longer compete in my chosen sport!

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i127/kate--livia/Fox%20Hill%20Eventing/Falko.png
Falko, a Czech Warmblood I've been working and helping to keep in shape. He was just sold to a family in Kentucky for their daughter. For a pretty penny too, wish I could've afforded him!

Oh my goodness, Falko is gorgeous!! Squee!!!

Lol! Thanks! He's very much a pretty boy, and he sure knows it!

Oh, a horse thread! Pretty much my whole life (20 years) has been on horseback. My mum has always had horses and so I grew up with them around me. I've never done much competing, except for shows with our shetland ponies (went to one today and brought home gold ;)), but I've always loved dressage. We have shetland ponies and an Icelandic horse at the moment.

I am so glad to see that I am not the only Harry Potter AND horse lover here! =)
Is anyone here into western/english pleasure??
Here are a couple of pictures of me and my horse, Annie. ♥♥♥
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c318/SBigge/Horses/DSC_0149edit-1.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c318/SBigge/Horses/DSC_0194edit-1.jpg

I've been riding since I was able to sit upright. I have a 24 year old thoroughbred, that I've had for almost 16 years. He's been blessed with good legs and is still sound to do the 3'/1 meter hunter and equitation classes at USEF shows. In his younger days, he used to be a hellcat in the 1.15/1.20 meter jumper classes.