From the very first stirrings of my heart, a profound connection to horses took root, a "horse virus" as some might call it, that has shaped my life for forty years. This isn't just a casual interest; it's a deep-seated passion, one that began not in childhood, but as an adult, when I first truly learned to ride. Every hoofbeat, every shared glance with these magnificent creatures, has woven itself into the fabric of my existence, creating a tapestry of moments both challenging and utterly joyful.
You see, the world of horses is never a simple, straight path. It's a journey filled with unexpected turns, sometimes exhilarating, sometimes humbling. There are the early days, for instance, grappling with riding instructors who seemed to view themselves as minor deities, their pronouncements delivered with an air of unassailable wisdom. And who among us, in our beginner's earnestness, hasn't faced that sudden, heart-stopping moment – a "baptism of fire" – when a horse decides to take matters into its own hooves, leaving you to cling on for dear life? These are the shared rites of passage, the moments that forge a true horse lover.
The dream of owning my own horse, a companion to share these adventures, simmered within me for a long time. It felt like an impossible luxury, a whisper of a wish rather than a tangible goal. My riding instructor and I scoured every stable, every dealer, but nothing seemed to fit my modest budget. I almost resigned myself to a life of school horses, each one a temporary acquaintance, never truly my own.
Then, one day, a glimmer of hope appeared. A five-year-old grey, without fancy papers but with a simple "native certificate" that meant he could compete, arrived at our stable. He was a bit wild, a bit green, and initially, even too pricey for the stable owner. But for me, somehow, he was just within reach. The thought of a paying co-rider sweetened the deal, and I was encouraged to spend four weeks getting to know him, paying only his stable fees. It was a chance, a gamble, but the pull was undeniable.
Through the years, my journey with horses has taken many forms. From the thrill of tournament sports, pushing limits and striving for perfect harmony, to the quiet satisfaction of horse breeding, witnessing new life and potential unfold. There's also the profound reward of fostering young riders, sharing my experiences, and even providing a horse for them to learn and grow with. Even after retiring from competitive riding when my horse and I reached a combined age of eighty, the pursuit of knowledge continued, leading me to become a certified riding instructor.
These are but fragments of a life lived alongside horses, filled with the particular humor and irony that only those who truly understand these magnificent, sometimes exasperating, creatures can appreciate. Each story is a testament to the enduring bond, the lessons learned, and the sheer joy that comes from being utterly smitten by the horse virus. It's an invitation to all who share this passion, or who simply wish to understand its irresistible allure, to step into a world where every neigh, every gallop, every quiet moment in the stable, holds a story worth telling.
