I was cleaning out an old box of photos and came upon this one and countless others from a part of my life that is long gone. Horses. They were my very first passion in life. For as long as I can remember, I had to be on a horse. My first ride was at age 3 and I have a photo to document the event. After relentless begging, when I turned 8 years old my parents finally allowed me to start taking weekly riding lessons. I learned to ride 'hunt seat' on retired polo ponies - every week on a different horse to build up a skill set. Horses, if you are unfamiliar, are just like people; they have unique quirks and varied personalities. Each ride is a completely different experience. Some horses are agreeable and pleasant, while others are ornery and stubborn. Your job, as the rider, is to to elicit the behavior you want. And horses are smart...they don't hesitate to take advantage of their riders if they can.
Most of all, I loved jumping over fences. What an adrenaline rush when you are on a big horse riding over a course of fences! And yes, it's dangerous. Helmet = Important. I've heard it said that if you spend a considerable time around horses it's not IF you get injured, but WHEN. And, I'm certain proof of that. I lost count of the times I've fallen off. I've been bruised, bitten, stepped on, kicked, had stitches, broken bones, and surgery. But damn, I loved those horses!
As time went by there was college graduation...job...marriage...children...more school. There was no time (or money) for horses. I reminisce about this part of my life with much fondness and think about all the good friends, the fun times, a few trophies and ribbons, but most of all, the majestic, wonderful horses.
Pictured is me, at about age 16 in mid-winter, old riding "King Nakoma,." The name 'Nakoma' is of Native American origin and it means "great warrior or great spirit" which suited this gentle giant perfectly.
Most of all, I loved jumping over fences. What an adrenaline rush when you are on a big horse riding over a course of fences! And yes, it's dangerous. Helmet = Important. I've heard it said that if you spend a considerable time around horses it's not IF you get injured, but WHEN. And, I'm certain proof of that. I lost count of the times I've fallen off. I've been bruised, bitten, stepped on, kicked, had stitches, broken bones, and surgery. But damn, I loved those horses!
As time went by there was college graduation...job...marriage...children...more school. There was no time (or money) for horses. I reminisce about this part of my life with much fondness and think about all the good friends, the fun times, a few trophies and ribbons, but most of all, the majestic, wonderful horses.
Pictured is me, at about age 16 in mid-winter, old riding "King Nakoma,." The name 'Nakoma' is of Native American origin and it means "great warrior or great spirit" which suited this gentle giant perfectly.
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