When I was little, my mom used to take me to the farm down the road and I would pet all of the animals… but none were as great as the horses. Ever since I was young I have had a love for horses, and it’s only gotten stronger as I’ve grown.
I started riding when I was only 7 years old. I took lessons on this little pony named Mouse, and she would trot me around the arena and I’d giggle like it was the best thing in the world… and it was! From ponies, I slowly but surely moved up in talent, beginning to ride bigger, tougher horses. Eventually I began jumping, and that’s when I fell in love! For about 5 years now I’ve been riding what is known as “hunter” in the horse world. You may think of it as jumping. I started out on little jumps shaped like an “X” and worked my way up to what is called a vertical (even though technically, it’s horizontal). I started riding in shows, competing against other girls (and boys) who also loved to ride. And now here I am, jumping 3 ft. jumps on my 15.3 hand horse!
I used to beg my Mom for a horse every day, and I remember her always telling me the same thing, “Maybe when you’re older.” “How are we going to pay for a horse?” “Where are you going to keep it?” And I always argued with her that we could make something work. Now, finally, when I’m 15 years old, I have a horse to call my own! But I’ll admit it; it was very hard work getting to where I am today! Working 8+ hours at the barn feeding, grooming, riding, helping, sorting, cleaning, etc… Plus countless days in the summer working at horse camps and helping children learn to ride. I did all of this for 2 years; all so that I could prove to my Mom that I’d be fit to own a horse of my own.
And here he is, Pokey!
I started riding when I was only 7 years old. I took lessons on this little pony named Mouse, and she would trot me around the arena and I’d giggle like it was the best thing in the world… and it was! From ponies, I slowly but surely moved up in talent, beginning to ride bigger, tougher horses. Eventually I began jumping, and that’s when I fell in love! For about 5 years now I’ve been riding what is known as “hunter” in the horse world. You may think of it as jumping. I started out on little jumps shaped like an “X” and worked my way up to what is called a vertical (even though technically, it’s horizontal). I started riding in shows, competing against other girls (and boys) who also loved to ride. And now here I am, jumping 3 ft. jumps on my 15.3 hand horse!
I used to beg my Mom for a horse every day, and I remember her always telling me the same thing, “Maybe when you’re older.” “How are we going to pay for a horse?” “Where are you going to keep it?” And I always argued with her that we could make something work. Now, finally, when I’m 15 years old, I have a horse to call my own! But I’ll admit it; it was very hard work getting to where I am today! Working 8+ hours at the barn feeding, grooming, riding, helping, sorting, cleaning, etc… Plus countless days in the summer working at horse camps and helping children learn to ride. I did all of this for 2 years; all so that I could prove to my Mom that I’d be fit to own a horse of my own.
And here he is, Pokey!
Pokey is a Morgan/Quarter Horse cross. He is 15.3 hands high, bay in colour, and he has a patch of white on his forehead called a “star”. Pokey is a wonderful horse! He is full of personality and love. I’ve only had him since November of 2011, but already we’ve grown a special bond.
If you’ve ever thought about owning your own horse, I would totally do it. Horses are a great way to escape reality and have some fun just for a while, whether you’re stressed out about school, worrying about family and friends, or just having a rough day, a horse is the one thing that can
never let you down! I love going to the barn after a long day and just sitting on Pokey while he eats grass, or even working on jumping or equitation if I’m in need of a challenge. Either way, Pokey is always there for me. And there’s definitely something special about seeing a horse run to you and whinny at you when they recognize you for the first time.
If you’ve ever thought about owning your own horse, I would totally do it. Horses are a great way to escape reality and have some fun just for a while, whether you’re stressed out about school, worrying about family and friends, or just having a rough day, a horse is the one thing that can
never let you down! I love going to the barn after a long day and just sitting on Pokey while he eats grass, or even working on jumping or equitation if I’m in need of a challenge. Either way, Pokey is always there for me. And there’s definitely something special about seeing a horse run to you and whinny at you when they recognize you for the first time.