What is it about little girls and their love of horses? I was definitely one of those girls who had a long standing love affair with horses. I read every book by Marguerite Henry, Walter Farley, and Mary O’Hara and stories like National Velvet by Enid Bagnold, The Horsemasters by Don Stanford, and Black Beauty by Ann Sewell. I took riding lessons in both English and Western styles. I stopped riding western when the stirrup leather buckles kept rubbing my knees raw. Today, the western saddle doesn’t have this issue, thank goodness.
As an English rider, I learned everything I could about the horse itself, about tack, about the care and feeding of horses, as well as the English seat. I was in love. If I could have lived at the stable, I would have. However, I was never going to get a horse as long as I lived with my parents. This was a dream that relegated itself to a wish and stopped my wanting voice cold.
Owning a horse came off the shelf in 1971 when my best friend at Ft Devens, MA where I was stationed, decided to sell one of her horses. I thought I was done with my love affair with horses. Oh I was so wrong! Together we put together a spreadsheet to see if I could afford Lady Brett Ashley, a beautiful dapple grey with black mane, tail and legs. We looked at initial, one-time costs as well as maintenance. I also looked at time to be with Brett. I took the leap and acquired her. There are more stories in the adventures we had but suffice it to say, I had a great year with her. Then I moved to a place she could not live safely, and I sold her to another young girl who had a dream.
Horses and riding have come up several times after this but without ownership. I have ridden with my daughters, learned to jump, fallen and injured my neck and back, and now am helping to rescue thoroughbreds from abusive situations. Horses still hold a special place in my heart, and I am glad I got the opportunity to love Brett.
Our dreams are important no matter when they are realized. They just may not take the form we originally thought.
Something else I have learned as a business woman is to ask for what you want. If you loved what you just read, this content is not for free. As a form of payment, I am asking you simply to comment or share this on Facebook or tweet about it on Twitter.
Linda Patten, MBA, BSN, RN has over 30 years of experience leading women to success in building and achieving their dreams. She turns networking marketing women from product sellers to leaders of highly functioning teams. To learn more about her innovative programs, click on Contact Us.