I have always been a horse lover
as far back as I can remember.
I used to dream of having my own horse.
When I was 17 I finally got a horse.
I was in horse heaven!
I lived in the mountains of British Columbia
and most of my riding was up mountain
sides on logging trails or animal trails.
I was fearless.
I had Pride for a year and a half.
Then in 1985 I finally bought another horse.
The day I went to see him for the first time
he bucked me off.
I traded a motorcycle for him :)
Three months later I bought my next
horse...Nefers Keefer
a little registered Arabian.
He was my sweetie.
Keefer and I at the Saddle Club grounds
He and I rode the mountain trails again
and took Western Pleasure classes.
Angie riding Keefer
I taught my oldest daughter to ride.
She and I used to have fun riding double
down to the 'Saddle Club' where
we built a barn and kept
3 horses for a number of years.
Angie and her younger sister Caitlyn and my sister Janet from England
in front of our barn.
Angie and I with Keefer warming up
It was pretty convenient having our horses
there as we passed the Saddle Club grounds
every time we went to town
and I could walk down the hill
to feed the horses from our house.
In 1991 I sold my last horse.
Pride...when I first bought him he pranced instead of walking
Above is me at 17 riding my first horse
Pride with my little brother.
I never had a saddle
the whole
time
I owned that horse.
Above is me trying out a new horse
just last week...
her name is Hope.
I sure never thought I'd be looking
to have a horse again at my age.
I just turned 59 on Tuesday.
Boy does time fly!
We ended up buying Hope.
Hope here on the farm
She is an 11 year old Quarter Horse.
Hope
My hubby wanted an older horse for a
companion for Hope
and the people gave him Rosey.
She's looking a little scruffy right now but
she'll fill out. Rosey is around 20 years old
and is a Quarter Horse.
Rosey
I'm looking forward to doing a little riding
but I'm very glad I won't
be riding mountain trails at this time.
No...country roads and fields will
do me just fine.
:)
Oh Maura, your horses are just beautiful!! ( both past and present) I'm so glad that Hope and Rosie have come to live on your wonderful farm.
ReplyDeleteaww they are soo lucky to end up at your place.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading about them.
Love Leanne
How cool is that???
ReplyDeleteHope is beautiful & I'm, sure you'll have fun riding her down 'Lilac Lane'!
♥'s
Sherry
Hi Miss Maura,
ReplyDeleteOh, we love Hope & Rosey. Thank you for the lovely pictures. I bet you are as happy as a teddy bear with a pot full of honey. Giggle.
Heaps of Hugs
Prudence
Oh! I am so glad you got a horse again! It was great seeing all your pictures. Taking the camera on horse rides?
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, Happy Happy Birthday to you Maura!! Happy! Happy! And a huge congratulations on Hope and Rosey. You are going to have so much fun! And that tricycle cracks me up :) I can hardly wait for future post about you, Hope and Rosey. I predict some sleek lookin' shed out beauties for Spring. They are beauties now of course! It looks like Hope had a blankie on her?! I am so excited for you this morning I can barely type! I am thinking CH and I are going to have to take a trip! Giddy Up and Go!
ReplyDeleteHope is beautiful and Rosey looks like an old sweetheart. I love both of their names. Congrats on these two new family members. Enjoy riding again.
ReplyDeleteBelated Happy Birthday.
FlowerLady
They are beautiful, Maura. I admire horses from afar as I've never owned one and know little about them. I just know I love to look at them. These two have scored a wonderful home. I look forward to seeing more of them. Have fun riding. Hugs, Deb=^..^=x4
ReplyDeleteIt must be when it is in the blood it stays there . . . even if it is years later. Enjoy the new additions to your family . . .
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY MAURA!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful birthday gift.
My husband had a horse when we were dating and boarded it. I tried riding but I'm just a scared e cat....I can't imagine getting on a horse anymore. I turn 65 this year and still can't understand where all the yeas went.
Happy Late Birthday!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new addition to the family! They are beautiful.
YAY for you!!!! Hope is beautiful!! Happy Trails!
ReplyDeleteOh Maura, I am so excited and delighted for you and just a bit envious!
ReplyDeleteI owned horses for many years. I wonder if I will also get another?
You must be so pleased and looking forward to gettig to know Rosie and Hope. They look beautiful.
I can't wait to follow your progress together!
What an exciting way to begin the new year! I'm hoping to have horses someday...there's a horse rescue program not far from us...hmmm, we have the barn, just need to build fencing! Can't wait to read more...it's wonderful to see those dreams come true! -Mary
ReplyDeleteWow, Maura how exciting !
ReplyDeleteI am (was) a horse-rider too, I lived and breathed horses when I was growing up, and was a show-jumper.
The last time we had horses, was some fifteen years ago, I've not given up on having another around if it's even a small donkey :)
Rosie and Hope are just precious, I wish you many, many fun days of riding and getting to know them !
Hugs friend,
~Jo
Congratulations on giving Hope and Rosie perfect forever homes. May you have many happy times with them. And happy belated birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated Birthday Maura,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post today. You made me think back to my own childhood when the only thing in the world I wanted was a horse.
My poor family suffered for years over my obsession but sadly I never managed to get one of my own.
Just not practical unfortunately but try telling me that back then!
What wonderful photo's and such lucky horses to share your home and life...I think Hope and Rosie are going to be very happy and provide endless special times for you. xoxo
Happy Belated Birthday, Maura. It was nice meeting your two new friends. Rosey looks like she could use some plumping up, the dear old girl. My parents never fell for the idea I had when I was very young; I quite seriously thought that if we got a horse it could sleep under my bed.
ReplyDeletelove this story....my daughter always had a love of horses, we bought her one when she was a teenager. Now her daughter has the same love, maybe even more.....my grandaughter got her first horse at 4, now shows in 4-H.....beautiful animals.......this post reminds me of my girls, thanks, Linda
ReplyDeleteThat is so great! Loved the old photos too. Thanks for sharing a wonderful story. There is just something about a girl and her horse.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely news, Maura! We see people riding behind our house all the time, and I think 'wouldn't that be a nice thing to do' but I think I'll just hold with what we've got for now!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Maura! What a wonderful one it must be to have horses again ... I used to ride when I was young, we actually lived in a house next to a riding school when I was nine and I spent most of my time in the stables.
ReplyDeleteA Quarter Horse is wonderful choice, they have a great temperament, and are so strong, willing and surefooted. I'm sure Hope and Rosey will give you both many hours of enjoyable riding. I am a little envious.
Hugs,
Sandi
Beautiful horses - what a wonderful time in your life.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful horses, I loved the older pictures, what a wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteHow cool Maura! I'm so happy you were finally able to have a horse again, and even better that you got a friend for her (I'll bet Rosie's happy!) We'll be looking forward to reading about your adventures with Hope and Rosie. :)
ReplyDeleteRosey Hope... lovely, maura... always young enough to cultivate your bliss.
ReplyDeleteenjoy!
-xok.
Seeing the horses when you were younger reminds me of my kids riding in their youth. We still have two of the four horses that we had for them. I as like you in wanting a horse when I was little but never got to ride until I was a grownup and we got them for our children. I never got the hang of it though. :/
ReplyDeleteOurs are quarter horses as well so I'm a bit biased when I say Hope is beautiful. :) Rosey reminds me of our old horses. :) They are a lovely addition to your family.
The question is...what made you decide to buy horses at this stage in your life?
Beautiful and thanks for such lovely memories and your horses are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI am so very happy for you, Maura!
ReplyDeleteThose two are blessed to have you as Mama!
And Rosey will fill out with good nutrition and love! We use Purina Senior food for Cadence and Allure and during the winter I pop a little Red Cell in their diet to give the a boost over the cold months!!
And yes, horses should always have a companion since they are herd-bound! These two will love one another!
Happy, happy!
xo, misha
It's so wonderful to see the old pics of you and family riding your horses - love the "horse bike"! I know you'll have many happy hours riding Hope and Rosey, when she's ready, and fulfilling your dream of having horses on your property again. Have lots of safe and terrific riding! Love you...Scufty xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteMaura,
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you! Your two new horses are beautiful. I sure miss riding. I had a Morgan when I was a little girl and rode up until three years ago. Your pictures brought back wonderful memories.
My very best friend is a horsewoman... I'm constantly amazed by how much she knows about them.... I'm a city girl....no horses here, although I do love them..
ReplyDeleteHave fun with your new girls...
Blessings,
Spencer