Fruits or Nuts?

One of our favorite family stories is of Carrie and her first pony. We received Ginger, an older Shetland-cross pony from Dennis' sister Sharon. Ginger had spent a number of years as a first pony for Sharon's kids, who had outgrown him. He was perfect for Carrie, what we call a "bomb-proof" pony. They are worth their weight in gold, because that gold will not be spent at the emergency room when the kid gets kicked in the head - which actually happened to Carrie with a different pony named Trigger when she was a few years older. Trigger was returned to the previous owner within the day - we only had him two days, you'll be happy to know.

Anyway, when we brought Ginger home, Carrie immediately, at age 2, grabbed his tail and tried to shinny up his hind leg. Did I ever mention, she figured she was invincible - kinda like a little boy I know? Ginger was the most tolerant pony I ever met. We also have a photo of Carrie at about age 3, at a family picnic which we had hauled Ginger to in the back of our van (yeah, he was a jewel!); Carrie is totally nekked (she was one of "those" kids) trying to put Ginger's bridle on so she could ride. Not much later, one of our chuckles was Carrie telling us to get out of her pony's stall, she was going to clean up the "horse biscuits" and told us in no uncertain terms that "I do it MYSELF!". And she did. Dragging a five gallon bucket and a short shovel. Her pony was her world.

I'm sharing these little memories so that you might grasp how nuts about horses this kid has always been. She inherited it honestly, I was the same way. Only we lived in town, and I was never able to have my own horse until I married. Carrie has had some very wonderful horses over the years of growing up - and a couple of stinkers. Good thing she was tough and determined (umm - remember that little boy I mentioned??) When her last horse, her lovely Thoroughbred eventer, Cezanne, died 5 years ago, she didn't know when she would ever be able to have a horse again. A growing family and living in town thus having to board the horse, made the future horse a long way off.

Moving to the farm was the first step towards getting back on a horse. When Nebby joined the family, she filled a void for both Carrie and myself. She was a "family horse" from the beginning, and has filled her role of teacher and companion well.
Then that gene thing kicked in again. The boys wanted to ride more and more, and riding became something on the daily schedule so everyone had a chance to ride. Every one had their day. Carrie was spending more time on the ground teaching than actually riding. Time for another horse.

It's intriguing to us that when we have ever put a "wish" out to the universe, it shows up. I've already shared Leo's story. He is such a joy for Carrie. Although Leo is an Arab, he reminds us in looks and ability of one of her beloved dressage horses, a Thoroughbred called Papa Eagle. Eagle was an expert at opening latches, so we're hoping Leo doesn't follow that particular trait...

The boys are learning a lot from their mom and the horses. It's all good.
As the old saying goes, "The fruit never falls far from the tree." Jaydo and Nebby prove the point.

Another horse on the farm has upped the "happy level". Carrie gets to ride with the kids, providing exercise and instruction for the boys along with some mom-son bonding time.
Everyone still has scheduled days...
but best of all,
Carrie gets her turn - every time!