Some of you knew Ella, the old black Tennessee Walking Horse that lived here and was such a good babysitter for kids and so tolerant of beginning riders. Age and arthritis finally caught up to Ella last fall. She had started to trip and fall with a rider on board. She was no longer safe to ride, so after a discussion with her owner, the decision was made to have her put down.
I was really sad to say goodbye to Ella, but I also wasn't sure how I would continue my riding lesson program without her. About that time I traveled to Boise for a gaited horse clinic with two other ladies from this side of the state. I had ridden a couple times with the one, but hadn't met the other until the day we left for Boise. We quickly became friends on the long drive.
I shared my sad story with them. My new friend ended up offering to send up two calm, beginner-type horses for me to use for lessons. She said she just wanted them to be used. I contacted her in February and asked if she was serious. She was!
Raven is a 10 year old registered Mountain Pleasure horse with impeccable bloodlines. Sweetheart is 8 years old and not registered, but is eligible to be registered as a Spotted Saddle horse. Her sire was double registered as a TWH and a Spotted Saddle Horse. Her dam was a Foxtrotter/Shetland pony cross.
I can't say enough about how excited I am for this opportunity. I plan to spend the next while making sure both horses are tuned up and ready for kids and beginners. Then we can go full speed ahead with the summer riding program! We still have Valentine, so I will have three good, solid horses for lessons.
Who's up for a ride!?!