Summer of the Horse

I haven't been on here much lately so hello to anyone who missed me. I have been enjoying summer vacation with the girls and a beautiful horse named Jodie. Jodie is a 9 year old, bay quarter horse mare who has given me one of the happiest summers of my life. Anyone who knows me knows I love horses, when I was a kid I asked for a pony every year from Santa, drew horses, painted horses, even had horse wall paper and always dreamed of going to horse camp, owning my own horse and riding off in the sunset so to speak. It never happened, we didn't have the money for a horse, riding lessons all that. My wonderful mother cleaned the dance studio on the weekends to keep me in dance lessons but I don't think she could of mucked a stall for horse lessons. Anyways 30 some odd years latter I am finally getting to live my dream (at least for the summer). My cousin Melissa recently moved up to the high desert and she has two horses Montana and Jodie. For the last few months the girls and I have driven out to Hidden River Ranch in Hesperia and received free horse care lessons and gotten to ride horses for free. It has been wonderful. I now know how to put the halter on, lead, groom, clean the feet, bathe (fun like washing a tall moving car), bridle, feed, saddle and ride around the ranch (nothing fancy). It is kind of like being a kid again and almost like having my own horse. The girls have learned how to groom and bathe the horses and have ridden a few times. Cheyanne is getting over her fear of horses and both the girls will be going to a week long horse camp this month where they can put their newly learned skills to the test. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and due to financial hardships Melissa is having she will be selling both of the horses at the end of this month. I can't put into words how heartbroken I am over the sale of Jodie. We have developed a relationship and it will be very hard to say goodbye for me (I can't even imagine how hard it will be for Melissa). BUT if I never get a horse of my own which is looking highly unlikely I am so thankful that God gave me this chance to realize my little girl fantasy and have this summer. Thanks Melissa, and thank you Jodie Girl I will miss you.