Saturday, December 1, 2007

Explaining a picture

I think this time of year, many of us reflect upon our lives, and I have been reflecting on Maddy. My ID photo that I use for blogging is not the most flattering photo of me and it certainly is not the best picture of Maddy. But it marks the exact moment in time that I realized, "this is my horse." I had driven about 6 hours down to Yreka, California to see her. The owner tacked her all up and said, "lets hit the trails." I had been horse shopping for a year and my routine had been showing up, having the owner do ground work, then ride, then if I thought the horse was a good prospect, I would ride. I would video tape the whole thing and then bring it back to my trainer and we would sit down and watch, waiting for the thumbs up or thumbs down. When I showed up in Yreka, the thought of just riding seemed so refreshing. I hopped on and we headed out for almost 3 hours. Beautiful scenery and Maddy was so happy to be out. As we went along, I could also feel my heart swell. This was a great horse, this was the one I had been looking for. The owner took this photo with Mt Shasta in the background. I was so happy. It has been a rough road since that day. Lots of struggles with training and learning to deal with her fears and lack of confidence. Then the fractured coffin bone. I have 14 days left of stall rest and we begin our work again. My goal in 2008 is to feel the way I felt in this picture. I was on top of the world and I am hoping I can find my way back up there again.

15 comments:

EquineSpirit said...

Personally...I think it's a GREAT picture of you two...very pretty! LOVE the scenery too but then I'm totally in love with mountains. Glad to read that the stall rest is about over! That's such wonderful news!! :D

Anonymous said...

That's an amazing picture! Whoever sold you that horse knew how to market with that scenery - lol! I hope the 14 days go quickly for you and you are back in the saddle again soon.

Rising Rainbow said...

I think it's a great picture too. You both look happy and content. I hope that you get your wishes for 2008.

Anonymous said...

I would give you a hug if I could and I would also give that beautiful horse a hug. You make a perfect pair. That horse looks fabulous. Wow. I wish...

I wanted to describe the White Porcelain Duck I photographed this morning. I did put a picture of it on my Birds Blog as it is a new species I think

Molly said...

It is pretty obvious how you feel with your heart right out there on your sleeve :) That's the kind of love that gets you through the rough patches, like long stall rest.

Kathy C said...

Fourteen days! Wow, it sure has gone by fast. Or so it seems to me sitting her half a country away. I'm sure your journey will continue towards happier times. This photo by the way is awesome.

Mellimaus said...

Hello! I just found your blog when i searched "Horses". What a beautiful horse you have. What kind of a horse is Maddy? I have a Quarter Horse mare, that I blog about.
I hope you have a wonderful week!!!!

Anonymous said...

It's a beautiful photo of you both - you are like a kid in a candy store... (or a kid who finally got her pony!)

Lori Schmidt (LoriProPhoto) said...

I also think this is a wonderful photo of you both and hope that you get back to feeling as you did then soon.

Lori

Strawberry Lane said...

Fantastic photo of you and Maddy.

I especially like it now that I know the story ... and what a story!

2008 is going to be a great year for both of you.

Anonymous said...

Loved the story about finding your horse. It's a wonderful feeling when that moment dawns on us, that we've 'come home'
Where in portland do the Parelli people meet. OR is there a Parelli/natural horse Man Ship barn/s around?

kew04 said...

Loved the story about finding your horse. It's a wonderful feeling when that moment dawns on us, that we've 'come home'

Christine said...

Sounds like an awesome 2008 goal to me! Gorgeous picture, actually - but made all the more so when the meaning is given to it.

Blessings for the new year!

Laura said...

What a lovely photo - she looks so kind and genuine!

emma said...

I have just found your blog and have been enjoying you posts - thanks for sharing!