Its Just A Horse...
From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, its just a horse."
Or, "that's a lot of money for just a horse."
They don't understand the distance traveled,
the time spent or the costs involved for "just a horse."
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a horse."
Many hours have past and my only company was "just a horse", but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a horse", and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a horse" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you think it's "just a horse", then you'll probably understand phrases like "just a friend", "just a sunrise", or "just a promise".
"Just a horse" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.
"Just a horse" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.
Because of "just a horse" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.
So for me and folks like me, its not "just a horse" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a horse" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a horse" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a woman".
Amigo
Amigo was my first horse. He is very special and will never be sold. He is my companion and my teacher. I have learned so much from him. I got him when he was 4 years old, he is now 13. He is 16 H and a beautiful boy. He has taken me everywhere I wanted to go and more. He let me train him for barrels, poles, flags, goat tying, and everything else those little shodeos could dream up. He also took me to the bigger jackpots and rodeos. He's been to Texas with me two times for Martha Josey's Clinics. He and I learned together how to team ropeHe was a great heading horse and I even heeled off of him some. We have such a great relationship that I can ride him without any equipment at all. Bareback and bridleless; it's the best feeling in the world to have a relationship like that with a horse. He trusts me and I trust him. He also helped quite a few little kids learn how to ride in riding lessons.Unfortunately Amigo's riding days are pretty much over now because of an old racing injury that has progressively gotten worse. He is only able to walk and trot a little these days. He can't be trailered anywhere due to being unable to brace himself well but he is still happy and comfortable and will live out the rest of his days being pampered. He deserves the best life I can give him. I couldn't have asked for a better horse; I am what I am today because of Amigo.
Amigo is still able to trail ride. I would be willing to lease him to the right person as on-farm lease only. He still enjoys being ridden and even better, just having someone give him attention. Details on Horses page.
Will and me riding Amigo in the fall of 2005
Amigo bows, lays down, and hugs on cue.
Amigo and me in a ranch rodeo in Granby, MO
Amigo and me running poles...in the good ol' days :)
Making tracks!!
Amigo was, of course, included in our wedding. He carried me down the aisle. June 2006
He really wanted to eat my bouquet.... :)
