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 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 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
