First, storytime.
The last Sunday of spring break, I decided to ditch studying and go play with the horses at Connie's barn, where I used to teach. I normally ride just a few lesson horses and call it a day. After getting off ol' Jack, Connie told me about a couple of jumpers for sale. I remembered having the opportunity to ride one of them the last time I was out there and regretted not taking advantage. So I piped up and we got to saddling up Escaret, a nice-looking thoroughbred, with the owner standing by.
I appreciated the ride, and had a great time taking him over a few jumps. He was quite the jumper, using his neck dramatically to power over the osbtacles.
After hopping off Escaret I got an invite from the owner to come over to his barn to watch him school a few lesson horses and his schoolmaster, Jabula Jahomba (say it aloud, and with vigor!).
Horse and rider were going round the course, and my jaw dropped at the athleticism and charisma of this horse. He snapped his knees up over each obstacle and cantered elastically on to the next to repeat with fluidity.
The trainer on site offered me a ride on the horse. Yes! Yessss!!! I took him over a few jumps and a gymnastic line of jumps and was quite wowed.
I left after watching a few other horses worked, and called up Connie to thank her for allowing me to come out and ride. I also told about my ride with Jabula and how impressed I was with him. She seemed surprised, as he is a bit on the high-strung side, but was glad that I had a fun ride. Out of curiosity, I asked what his selling price was. (With zero intention, mind you.) She quoted a very accessible price, and in my excitement I blurted "Oh, I think I can do that!"
My (strong and persuasive) rational side screaming in protest all the while.
It has all been a steady series of events since then. And everything has been going surprisingly swimmingly. I rode him once more to be sure, had a vet check arranged, got my finances and horse board in order, and I am now officially a new horse owner. As of March 30, 2008. Indeed I will mark that day on the calendar as the most memorable holiday of all my years. Seventeen years in waiting!
And now, the dust is settling, and I'm to put my game plan into play. The day to day maintenance required for horses I have been familiar with through books and actual horse owners is something I am now able to do. My class schedule allows for early morning rides and visits on alternating days. Early, so that I will have my days for school. And everything, so far, is working well.
Though my mind at times is calling me the craziest person alive, I always come to the realization that this is probably one of the best things I've ever done for myself. The feeling I get from just being around horses is such a deep sense of satisfaction, and to have my own horse to care for and work with as a team is already becoming one of the most gratifying experiences I've ever had. I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have this opportunity and the guts to carry it out. I am looking forward to the coming years with JB.
This post definitely wouldn't be complete without pictures. Tell me what you think!
