Posted by tomtroughton on June 14, 2009 under Horse - Main, Horse - Stories, Horse Jewelry, Horse Lover Gifts | 
I was talking with a friend last night and asked her “Have you been riding your horse lately?” Her answer was very emotional. She said “I don’t ride anymore, my horse died this Spring.” At first there was bit of silence and then she started talking about how much she missed her horse. The horse had been her loving companion for the last 24 years.
Her horse was more like a family member than a pet. He had been there through “thick and thin” with her. They saw many trails and beautiful sites together and I’m sure she has many memories that are as precious to her as the memories of a lost family member would be to most people.
This love between a horse and horse rider is so beautiful. In many instances, they share more beautiful moments together than in any other way.
Adore your animals and appreciate every moment with them, you never know when it could be their last. For that matter, adore your human friends and appreciate every moment with them too. It’s a wonderful way to live.
Tom Troughton
Horse Jewelry Gifts for the Horse Lover
Posted by tomtroughton on May 14, 2009 under Appaloosa, Horse - Main, Horse - Stories, Horse Breeds, Tom Troughton |
Horseback Riding
What a beautiful time of year for horseback riding. In many parts of the nation, the trees are blooming, the wildflowers are starting to bloom and the birds and other creatures come rushing out of the quietness of winter.
This has always been my favorite time of year to ride. There is something magical about riding a horse through a forrest that is exploding with life.
As a young boy, I remember riding “Blanca.” She was an Appaloosa who loved the barn. When I was able to encourage her with much prodding to leave the barn, we had such a wondrous time. I guess her hesitancy for leaving the barn was due to my lack of riding skills. Nevertheless, she put up with me and gave an “eleven year boy” much adventure.
I hope many boys and girls, as well as older “horse lovers”, find the time to enjoy horseback riding this spring / summer season. Whether it is your first time or one among numerous times, you can enjoy the adventure.
Tom Troughton
http://www.HorseJewelryStore.com
Posted by tomtroughton on May 3, 2009 under Gold Horse Jewelry, Horse - Main, Horse - Stories, Horse Breeds, Tom Troughton |
Nothing brings out the stars and the super rich like the Kentucky Derby!
Mine That Bird
Jockey, Calvin Borel wins on “Mine That Bird“, a 50-1 long shot. One of the amazing “stats” is that he took his horse from “dead last” to first!
Mine That Bird won by an amazing 6 3/4 lengths, making this one of the biggest upsets ever in Kentucky Derby history. I wish I would have had a few thousand on the horse who was sold for only $9500 as a yearling! (Beats the 2 million dollars a couple of others sold for)
Celebrities attending the event were
- Bethenny Frankel
- Kim Kardashian
- LeAnn Rimes
- Valerie Bertinelli
- Joey Faltone
- “Kid Rock”
- Travis Tritt
- Brooke Shields
and many many more!
For a race that last close to two minutes and has over 150, 000 attendees, it is truly a piece of American history. Sometimes the race winners go exactly as the odds predict and at other time, you never know what will happen at the Kentucky Derby. (Louisville KY)
Tom Troughton
http://www.HorseJewelryStore.com
Posted by Dr. Deb on February 11, 2009 under Horse - Stories, Horse Jewelry |
Ms. Hettinger Riding Isaac Sidesaddle
I had the good fortune to grow up horseback riding in a beautiful part of New Hampshire. By far the most intriguing rider in my neighborhood was Ms. Rhonda Watts Hettinger. Rhonda is a 5 time national sidesaddle champion and author of The Western Side Saddle, The Encyclopedia of Sidesaddle, and Sidesaddle’s Greatest Ideas. She is also on the board of directors of the American Sidesaddle Association. When I was growing up, Ms. Hettinger rode a handsome horse named “Isaac.” Ms. Hettinger and Isaac were always easily spotted at shows as Ms. Hettinger jumped Isaac, riding sidesaddle. This, in and of itself was impressive. What made this feat even more impressive is that Isaac was blind. Ms. Hettinger and Isaac were so well known they even rode in 3 different presidential inaugural parades. (They were scheduled for an additional presidential inauguration, but it was canceled due to the cold). Rhoda rode as a regional affiliate for the American Sidesaddle Association. Riding sidesaddle allows a rider to ride with both of his or her legs on one side of the horse. Riding side saddle is found as far back a recorded history. In the Middle Ages riding sidesaddle was adopted by women as a way to ride modestly, while wearing fine clothing. Many sidesaddle riders enjoy dressing in period clothing and participate in historical reenactments. More information on riding sidesaddle and pictures of Ms. Hettinger jumping Isaac side saddle can be found at http://www.americansidesaddleassociation.org/jumpingphotos.htm
For the finest horse jewelry gifts for yourself or the rider in your life visit
http://www.horsejewelrystore.com/
Happy Riding!
Deborah Barnett, Ph.D.
www.ManifestingWellBeing.com
www.DeborahBarnett.com
Posted by Dr. Deb on January 25, 2009 under Horse - Main, Horse - Stories, Welsh Pony |
Everyone remembers the first pony to capture their heart. For me, my first “love” was a Welsh pony named Jelly Bean. Jelly Bean lived at Pony Farm in Temple NH, where I was fortunate to begin taking riding lessons when I was 6-years-old.
I loved Jelly Bean. His study, stocky, little Welsh pony body, was the perfect size for me, a timid and quite 6-year-old. I loved to put my arms around his neck and bury my nose into his white coat. Grooming him was very soothing for me and apparently for him as well, as he would often start to nod off in the process.
Riding Jelly Bean was and adventure and challenge and he helped me to build confidence and assertiveness. Like any good Welsh pony he was determined. A wonderful trait, except when his focus was the closest tuft of grass that he could find. My little arms were no match for his strength. Holding firmly onto the reins, I was pulled down onto his neck, head first, when he decided to plant his nose into some juicy grass. Thank goodness for my saddle, or I would have had many tumbles right down Jelly Bean’s neck and onto the ground. The final solution was that on trail rides either the instructor would pony me, or tie baling twine from my saddle to Jelly Bean’s bit, to prevent the frequent nose dives.
My first horse show with Jelly Bean for some could have been seen as a disappointment, but it was a good experience for me. The classes included Sit-A-Buck and a basic equitation class. I didn’t even place, but I did receive a ribbon. It was purple, likely for good participation, but I didn’t care. I was proud of my ribbon and proud of Jelly Bean. He looked so festive with that purple ribbon pinned to his bridle.
Jelly Bean, the Welsh pony who taught me how to ride, will live in my heart forever. I am grateful for the love, patience, and yes, even focused stubbornness that he showed me. I grew in the process by spending time with him and I’ve come a long was from being a timid 6-year-old.
Deborah Barnett, Ph.D.
www.ManifestingWellBeing.com
www.DeborahBarnett.com
Posted by Dr. Deb on November 18, 2008 under Horse - Main, Horse - Stories |
I don’t remember exactly what age I was when I became “horse crazy.” The “bug” must have bitten me when I was around 5-years-old. The first symptom was that I started collecting Bryer Horses. My collection grew quickly and the circular green rug that was in my room at that time usually doubled as a pasture for my herd.
By the time I was 6-years-old I was taking weekly riding lessons at a pony farm in Temple, NH. My first favorite pony at the farm was a Welsh pony named Jelly Bean. Once I outgrew Jelly Bean I fell in love with other larger ponies including Star, Pumpkin, Lance, Marquesa, and Honey Suckle, to name a few. As the years went by my love of horses didn’t wane. I don’t remember begging my parents for horse, but I’m sure that from time to time I must have at least given strong hints at how wonderful it would be to have one.
In the forth grade my dream manifested in the most amazing way. One day my dad called me into his room. With a twinkle in his eye he asked, “How would you like to get a horse . . . for free?” My heart leapt and I jumped up and down several times shouting, “Yes! Yes!” The horse was being given away by a family who lived about 10 minutes away. That was only the beginning of this amazing miracle. We lived next to a field and the owners of the land said that we could keep the horse on their land, free of charge. Across the field was a magnificent old yellow barn, built in the early 1800’s, that was empty and used only for storage. The owners, with whom my family really only had a friendly acquaintance, said that we could keep the horse in their barn – for free.
My new horse was a 14-hand, 28-year-old Morgan mare, named Pepper. I rode her to her new home one crisp day in October. I was so excited and felt like I was in a parade, as my parents followed slowly behind me to make sure that I was okay during our first ride trail ride together. For a year Pepper lived with me. She taught me so much as we rode through the woods of Wilton, NH. She was gentle, patient, kind and showed me unconditional love. I grew up a lot that year and learned about responsibility. The barn didn’t have running water and I had to pull the water in milk jugs, in either a sled or wagon, across the field from my house to the barn, twice day. By the end of the year I was jumping more and more at the farm where I still took lessons. Pepper was no longer light enough on her feet to jump. I made a decision that it was time to say goodbye to Pepper and find a new home for her. I found a new home for Pepper in Northeastern New Hampshire where she could retire and spend her days munching grass in a field. I must admit that when we parted I felt a mixture of sadness at saying goodbye to her and a sense of relief at no longer having to haul water twice a day across the field.
I’ll never forget Pepper and the special time we shared together. The way she came into my life, and the ease with which everyone in the neighborhood welcomed her, were magical. It was the kind of experience that little girls dream of and I was fortunate enough to live the dream.
Deborah Barnett, Ph.D.
www.ManifestingWellBeing.com
Manifesting Well Being for Health and Success
