I don't know why it surprises me so much, but I am amazed at how many of us have had or have horses. With the holiday's approaching, a very special Christmas eve memory comes to the forefront. The stress of the holidays had really gotten to me and I had recently broken up with my boyfriend. I left work and all I wanted to do was go home and hibernate. I couldn't imagine facing people at the various "merry" gatherings I was suppose to attend. The snow was coming down heavily and I stopped to pick up my beautiful berner girl, Magic, on my way to the barn to feed the horses. I trudged through the chores and when the horses were all fed, blanketed and put up for the night, I sat there on the grain bin and listened to the comforting munching of hay while Magic worriedly sat at my feet. I need to get out of this funk!!! My wonderful POA pony who I had since she was 2 years old (then 20 years old) had her newly washed red winter blanket on. I grabbed an old set of sleigh bells out of the tack room and a halter & lead rope off the hook. I hopped on Dots, tied the bells to her blanket and hooked the lead rope on her halter. With Magic, along side us, we ventured out into the night with the snow coming down all around us. We trotted around neighborhood, bells a-ringing! As we passed people, smiles came across their faces and by the time I returned to the barn, a smile was on my face as well. Both Magic and Dots have left me now, but the memory of that one Christmas eve will never be forgotten.
Since Dots, I have owned Promise (QH/Arab cross) who has been donated to a handicap riding program, Tess (TB) who is being leased by a young lady and showing in hunters/equitation and Panda (Paint) who still provides my neices and nephews with rides when they come to visit and me when I have time to ride. The horses have slowly been phased out as most of my time is spent with the dogs. You have to admit, it's a lot easier to load up the dogs to go to a show, than it is to load up the horses. Karen Thoubboron Maibock Kennel Pittsfield, MA
