The Horsepower Homestead

Most equestrians when they picture the perfect show horse, they see something bright, flashy. Lots of socks, perhaps a big white blaze. Not me. I think of Precious. Solid brown. The tiniest single speck of white, a penny sized bird catcher spot on her cheek. She was a liver chestnut, brown like a chocolate bar. Only turning the slightest hint of red in the summer sun by mid July. Precious was my favorite lesson horse. She was flawless. Built like an athlete. She'd carry you over anything you pointed her at. Sturdy and fearless. Extremely versatile. She taught me how to jump. She never refused a fence. I also did play-days with her and once did a local pole bending completion with her. I was convinced she could do anything. She wasn't anything special. Very plain to look at. No special blood lines. Not a special breed. Just a simple colored Appendix Quarter horse. But she was special to me. Precious   And now, as an adult re-rider, I wish she was still around. ...

At the Hunter/Jumper barn that I take lessons at during the week, there are over 15 different horses. I've only been there a few months. I'm still learning them all. I've ridden about 5 different horses so far. They wanted to offer some variety, make sure they found the best fit for me as a rider. Yesterday, I rode Mickey. I didn't know much about him previously. Even though I've ridden him quite a few times now. He was actually the horse I rode during my first lesson at the barn. He's a very tall, 17 hand, stocky Appendix Quarter horse. He's about 13 years old. Bright red chestnut, thick white blaze, two white socks on his hind legs, and bird catcher spots sprinkled over his back and rump. Mickey  From what I've learned of his bloodlines, he's a very well bred horse. His dad was an OTTB. His mom was Champion AQHA Jumper. He used to do shows. But he got hurt. He has a chip in his back right knee. And an occasional sore back (Ki...