My horse

I have loved horses for forever! I started taking horseback riding lessons when I was 13, but it had always been a dream of mine to own my own horse. Well almost 3 years ago now, I finally got that opportunity! And let me tell you what - I LOVE IT! When Joey was a baby, I was new to the whole 'stay at home mom' thing and of course I loved it, but I was going just a little bit insane. I definately needed something of my own to unwind with. Finally, when Joey was 13 months old, we decided to get a horse. I never imagined I would get one so soon! But a sister in our church was selling an awesome one at a great price, and there was a very affordable boarding facility right down the road, so we did it! Let me tell you what - that horse has been a life saver! I absolutely love my kids, but they drive me nuts sometimes. I must say that having the horse to go take care of and getting that small 30 minutes to myself every day works wonders. I know I'm a better mom for it for certain! Something about it helps me unwind and be a bit calmer throughout the day.

Here are a few facts about her: She is a registered Appendix Quarter Horse, which means she is half Thourogh bread and half Quarter horse, but registered with the American Quarter horse association. Her 'barn name' is Olivia, but her 'paper name' is Ms Dainty Cee. She is out of Cee Debonair by Mr Kane Raiser. She has an amazing bloodline! Her grandpa was the famous racehorse 'Te n Te'. She is 25 years old now!! and still going strong. I expect she still has many riding years left in her. I don't ride her often, I really only ride her once a week or every other week, just because I really don't have much time to ride since Savanna is stll a nursing baby, plus I really want her to be around as long as possible, so I don't want to ride her into the ground. She is amazing - she's gentle and friendly and nice to everyone. She has had 4 foals in her life and at last check, one of them has done quite well in the show circuit. I don't show her, I really just ride her for fun, and trail rides and stuff. Maybe in a couple years I would like to get her into some 'senior horse' shows. I think she'd do well! She really is an awesome ride.

Anyway, I thought I would put in a couple pictures of my baby...

This one was taken in the fall of 2007, but I love this picture because she's all shiny and clean. Let me tell you what - it's impossible to keep a clean horse for longer than 5 minutes. They love to roll in the dirt!!

The next few were taken a couple weeks ago on a trip to Infirmary Mound Park when we went for a trial ride. This one cracks me up because she looks oh so pleased, doesn't she?

This one is of me with Olivia and Rebecca with Goldie - Rebecca is a friend of mine at the barn. Goldie is her mule. She invited me to go with them on this trip, and I was so appreciative of it! It was so fun!

I just had to get a picture of Goldie - isn't she cute? I just love mules... They're cute in a dopy sort of way. Unfortunately her ears were too big and I accidently cut them off in the picture! In the background is Nikki with her horse, Cricket.