Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Gotta See A Lady About A Horse

I had a pony when I was very young. Stormy was a black Shetland pony and he was a little mean -- at least stubborn. My mom grew up on a farm and she raised and showed horses as a child and into adulthood.

My most vivid memory of Stormy was one time when he just took off with me on his back. I must have been five or younger. I just remember holding on tight, pulling on the reins as hard as I could, while my family kept yelling at me to pull harder.

I'm pretty sure my mom sold Stormy and my brothers pony, Popcorn, when I was about five, sometime around the time my parents divorced. Not long after that we moved back to the town my mother grew up in. My grandmother still lived on the farm, although it was for sale and it wasn't long before she had sold it and moved into an apartment in town. On the farm was a large stable and indoor riding arena. I regretted the sale of the farm for years.

I begged and begged for a horse until I was about 15 or so (like so many girls I'm sure). I know it must have been tough for my mom to hear this and to have to constantly tell me no. She was barely making enough to put food on the tablel, much less buy a horse and pay for it's room and board. I know it must have been hard because horses had been such a ___ during her childhood and she wanted to me to have the same experience.

Having horses is one of those things that's always been on my list to do or have, but not something I think about much at all.

This past Monday my mother-in-law called me and asked me if I'd be interested in riding with her neighbor. She'd been talking to her and discovered that although the woman has four horses, she doesn't have anyone to ride too and would really like some company.

I'm going Saturday and I can't wait. It seemed like a good omen, the phone call coming after this past weekend, after the past couple of months when I've been struggling. Something so unexpected and new, yet something I know I love. Something that I've always wanted to have in my life. I'm hoping it's not a one time thing. That K (the owner of the horses) and I will hit it off and she'll be willing to let me ride again.

It seems like a nice start to my new year.

26 comments:

Suzie said...

Happy 2009

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

This sounds like a wonderful bit of kismet.

Happy New Year!

suzanneelizabeths.com said...

Yes, this sounds like just the thing to do. Happy New Year!

Irene said...

It sounds like a great thing to do. Happy New Year.

Jennifer S said...

You know I'm happy for you (and crazy jealous...mostly just really really happy). :-)

Can't wait to hear how it goes. How could she not love you?

Stacie said...

you're making me cry already!!!

Mary Alice said...

Ohhhhhh. Perfect. I love it. THe universe provides.

Kate Coveny Hood said...

How wonderful to have a new (old) activity to enjoy in the New Year. You'll feel like a kid again!

derfina said...

Things happen for a reason! Happy New Year!

Rebecca said...

I'm so happy that this came into your life as the new year was beginning.

I too think it's a good sign!

Enjoy every single second of it. :)

Vodka Mom said...

Isn't is funny how things come into our lives JUST when we need it???

Have a wonderful time! (Try not to fall off...)

flutter said...

I have never ridden a horse, I get to live vicariously!

NAVAL LANGA said...

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Threeundertwo said...

Enjoy the ride! I love horseback riding, there's nothing like it.

Anonymous said...

Starting the year off by doing something you've always loved doing is a great thing to do. Good for you!

Tricia said...

Of course you'll hit it off and you'll be riding so much, you'll soon forget how much your thighs burn when you've not ridden in forever. What a fabulous start to the New Year.

Anonymous said...

Good for you! What a wonderful surprise! Happy New Year!

shrink on the couch said...

Talk about a gift horse! Here's to horses and friendships and thoughtful in-laws. Have a trotting 2009!

Anonymous said...

I agree with Vodkamom. It does seem that these things happen precisely when we need them to. I hope it's the beginning of many wonderful rides for you!

Smiles, Chris

Anonymous said...

That is SO awesome!

JCK said...

Oh! It's a good omen. Can't wait to hear about it.

Ash said...

Can't wait to hear how it went.

Nothing like a ride in the fresh air to clean out the cob webs, and have a great start to the New Year.

And I'm not a big believer in "coincidence."

Suzie said...

OH enjoy riding sounds great

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited for you that this opportunity came to you. I hope it is everything you need it to be and more.

we_be_toys said...

Saddle up girl! I hope you not only have a great time, but maybe it will open a door to riding more often!
Happy New Year!

Louise said...

Since I'm going backwards,I can say that I am so glad K seemed like a kindred spirit. I hope you had a wonderful time yesterday.

I never wanted a horse, but my oldest daughter does. She lives and breathes it.