diggerbez
Well-Known Member
was chatting with a friend last week about the idea that everyone has a horse of a lifetime... do you agree? and if so...please tell me about YOUR horse of a lifetime...what made/makes them so special?
'horse of a lifetime'
- Thread starter diggerbez
- Start date
toomanyhorses26
Well-Known Member
I think my current horse would be my horse of a lifetime. I had always had the ponies/horses nobody wanted - the buckers,bolters,rearer and he was the first horse that I had that I just thought wow when I saw him. Having said that we spent most of our first year in and out of the vets and generally having a bit of a miserable time. He has won me my first red rossie 
. my first reserve champ (we woz robbed ) ,first 1.30m jump (see for miles up there ) have had lessons with andrew gould,phoebe buckley and anna hilton ,qualified for PUK summer champs,trailiblazers finals,ex racer club champs and the south east sunshine tour and gave me the ride of my life at my first county level show and he is the first horse I have bought on from scratch really (he is an ex racer ) so all the stuff we have done is as a combo not me sitting on someone elses work . He infuriates me,makes me feel as if I can't ride sometimes and sometimes leaves me sitting on the floor with a bridle in my hand if a cow dares to look at him the wrong way but when he is good he is blooming awesome .
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=15407773&l=50cb144ea9&id=800455152
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=13825635&l=33c29d3dda&id=800455152
. my first reserve champ (we woz robbed ) ,first 1.30m jump (see for miles up there ) have had lessons with andrew gould,phoebe buckley and anna hilton ,qualified for PUK summer champs,trailiblazers finals,ex racer club champs and the south east sunshine tour and gave me the ride of my life at my first county level show and he is the first horse I have bought on from scratch really (he is an ex racer ) so all the stuff we have done is as a combo not me sitting on someone elses work . He infuriates me,makes me feel as if I can't ride sometimes and sometimes leaves me sitting on the floor with a bridle in my hand if a cow dares to look at him the wrong way but when he is good he is blooming awesome .http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=15407773&l=50cb144ea9&id=800455152
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=13825635&l=33c29d3dda&id=800455152
louisem
Well-Known Member
Amaretto D'arco was my horse of a lifetime. We bought him when he was 18 months old,a scawny,ugly Darco colt. He was clever and talented beyond belief and in all the 5 years that I rode him,he always did his best for me. With him I rode my first 1.40 class,my first international Grand Prix,won my first international class,jumped 2m10 and had my first approved stallion,and all at the age of 40! Selling him changed our lives for the better and still I miss him every day. Now he's a member of the Irish team,and was reserve in Kentucky. I would love to be able to come to London to cheer him on in 2012!!!! Thanks for this excuse to write about him,he was just amazing,I'll shut up now...;-))
Baggybreeches
Well-Known Member
I have been very fortunate to have a pony and a horse of a lifetime.
Horse is obviously Sovereign (even though my mum says he's like Marmite!) He has fulfilled ambitions I never even knew I had.
Pony of a lifetime was my Silver (aka Warren White Lady aka Silver Grey!) she was found for me by Grandad, she was a 19 yr old 13.2 JA pony, I was 10 and had a 12.2 that rarely ventured as fast as canter! She taught me so much about attention to detail, dedication and how to be competitive. She taught me the hard way about XC, and was always on PC and RC teams as the banker for a double clear (even if the dressage was really bad!)
She was 32 when she had to be PTS and had been to PC camp the previous summer, been hunting and SJ 6 weeks before she went. I seem to recall a certain Jonty Evans once having a go on her and her running off with him!
Horse is obviously Sovereign (even though my mum says he's like Marmite!) He has fulfilled ambitions I never even knew I had.
Pony of a lifetime was my Silver (aka Warren White Lady aka Silver Grey!) she was found for me by Grandad, she was a 19 yr old 13.2 JA pony, I was 10 and had a 12.2 that rarely ventured as fast as canter! She taught me so much about attention to detail, dedication and how to be competitive. She taught me the hard way about XC, and was always on PC and RC teams as the banker for a double clear (even if the dressage was really bad!)
She was 32 when she had to be PTS and had been to PC camp the previous summer, been hunting and SJ 6 weeks before she went. I seem to recall a certain Jonty Evans once having a go on her and her running off with him!
OneInAMillion
Well-Known Member
I have been very fortunate to have a pony and a horse of a lifetime.
Horse is obviously Sovereign (even though my mum says he's like Marmite!) He has fulfilled ambitions I never even knew I had.
Pony of a lifetime was my Silver (aka Warren White Lady aka Silver Grey!) she was found for me by Grandad, she was a 19 yr old 13.2 JA pony, I was 10 and had a 12.2 that rarely ventured as fast as canter! She taught me so much about attention to detail, dedication and how to be competitive. She taught me the hard way about XC, and was always on PC and RC teams as the banker for a double clear (even if the dressage was really bad!)
She was 32 when she had to be PTS and had been to PC camp the previous summer, been hunting and SJ 6 weeks before she went. I seem to recall a certain Jonty Evans once having a go on her and her running off with him!
Reminds me so much of my first
Maple Leaf
Member
Yep I agree!
Although I think you can have more than one horse of a lifetime.. because they are special for different reasons.
Both of my horses made huge impressions on me, and I will never find horses like them, with their own special qualities, again.
My gelding was bought for me as a Christmas present when I was 15. He had been in a sales barn for 12 years of his life, and was notorious for being a bit hot and a difficult. I had leased him for a year, and for whatever reason, we got along. He had won me a few titles and championships, and so when his owners decided he was doing well enough to be put back up for sale, I was devastated. My parents ended up getting a steal on him. He was not athletic, not super talented, but he tried SO hard. I ended up getting a national award on him and winning multiple championships. He was limited with where he could go, but he taught me a lot and always tried his best. As he aged, he kept trying despite the fact that his physical ability really limited him, and I had to make the heartbreaking decision to sell him so that he could move down to where he was comfortable and teach another young rider.
My mare that I just recently sold was special to me fora different reason. I bought her as a baby and trained her- she was the first horse I trained on my own. She was a real gamble as I had purchased her without any idea of what she would be able to do. She ended up being a more difficult ride than my gelding, as she was very sensitive to her rider and could be quite spooky. She, however, ended up having the most amazing personality of any horse I have ever met. She was (and still is) the sweetest horse ever. She did not like treats; all she needed/wanted was affection and love. She was like a big dog, and would do anything to please me. She did anything and everything for me, and selling her was one of the hardest things I have done. I was so picky about where she went, and she now has the best home I could have asked her. I put in her sales contract that if she were ever to be sold, I would have the option to buy her back. I don't think I will ever have the opportunity to work with such a sweet, big-hearted horse. She would have jumped the moon for me if it meant she would get a kiss on the nose and a pat!
Although I think you can have more than one horse of a lifetime.. because they are special for different reasons.
Both of my horses made huge impressions on me, and I will never find horses like them, with their own special qualities, again.
My gelding was bought for me as a Christmas present when I was 15. He had been in a sales barn for 12 years of his life, and was notorious for being a bit hot and a difficult. I had leased him for a year, and for whatever reason, we got along. He had won me a few titles and championships, and so when his owners decided he was doing well enough to be put back up for sale, I was devastated. My parents ended up getting a steal on him. He was not athletic, not super talented, but he tried SO hard. I ended up getting a national award on him and winning multiple championships. He was limited with where he could go, but he taught me a lot and always tried his best. As he aged, he kept trying despite the fact that his physical ability really limited him, and I had to make the heartbreaking decision to sell him so that he could move down to where he was comfortable and teach another young rider.
My mare that I just recently sold was special to me fora different reason. I bought her as a baby and trained her- she was the first horse I trained on my own. She was a real gamble as I had purchased her without any idea of what she would be able to do. She ended up being a more difficult ride than my gelding, as she was very sensitive to her rider and could be quite spooky. She, however, ended up having the most amazing personality of any horse I have ever met. She was (and still is) the sweetest horse ever. She did not like treats; all she needed/wanted was affection and love. She was like a big dog, and would do anything to please me. She did anything and everything for me, and selling her was one of the hardest things I have done. I was so picky about where she went, and she now has the best home I could have asked her. I put in her sales contract that if she were ever to be sold, I would have the option to buy her back. I don't think I will ever have the opportunity to work with such a sweet, big-hearted horse. She would have jumped the moon for me if it meant she would get a kiss on the nose and a pat!
TheoryX1
Well-Known Member
My horse of a lifetime is quite simply my happy hack. He will never jump around a Foxhunter track, he wont even ride around a BE90 course, or do an elementary BD test, but I dont care. I have owned him for 6 years, he really is not the novice first horse he was described to med as. He has a penchant for spinning and napping when he feels in the mood, he can be bargy, as he has been allowed to know his own strength, and he hates being girthed up. However, he is the kindest, calmest and most honest horse I have met. He takes me for miles out hacking on my own or in company, he loves a bit of dressage and growns to 16.2hh from 14.3hh when he sees the white arena boards and his short cobby legs grow to the length of a warmbloods and he tries his hardest. He loves his hunting, going first or last and carrying his nervous 40 something rider across all sorts of obstacles. Mini TX has pony clubbed him and he has gone to PC camp and loved every minute of it. He has no hang ups whatsoever, Mini TX even has been known to sit on his bum in his stable and he does not bat an eyelid and just carries on munching his haynet. I take him on holiday twice a year to a retreat in the Cotwolds my best friend and I go to, and he carries me for miles and is a good boy. He is a total gentleman with the vet, farrier, etc. He had to go to 'hospital' last year for 3 nights to find out why he was lame, and the vet nurses said he was such a gentleman, he stood like a rock while he was xrayed and nerve blocked etc, and he seemed to really appreciate the treatment he was having.
He is now 17, loving life, healthy and having fun. I know I wont get another one like this who I can trust totally and he truly is my horse of a lifetime.
He is now 17, loving life, healthy and having fun. I know I wont get another one like this who I can trust totally and he truly is my horse of a lifetime.
brighthair
Well-Known Member
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- 30 August 2008
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- Preston, Lancashire
I wouldn't know where to start! He was an ex racer, 16 years old, who had raced since age 4 in steeplechases. He'd been between Ireland and England more times than I could count, and through Doncaster sales twice
When he came to me, I thought he'd just done 2 P2Ps, it was only a few months later I counted 120 races... including Cheltenham, and being ridden by Richard Dunwoody
He would clip, load, shoe, be injected, wormed everything all without a headcollar. He also tolerated being vaulted on, and having small children clambering over him. In 4 years he never stopped, or ran out at a jump, if you cantered to something, his ears would lock on, and that was it whether you were planning to jump or not!
He gave me my confidence back jumping and hacking, and was absolutely, totally bombproof in traffic.
2 vet memorable moments
- he had a small lump which then started tracking down his neck. Vet came, and opened it up, to remove a barb of wire - with no anaesthetic
- being nerve blocked, vet pinches skin on other leg to get reaction. Nothing. Tries again harder, nothing. Vet looks worried that she has blocked the wrong leg. Eventually uses hoof testers and twists skin. Horse looks mildly interested, vet gives up. He had the highest pain threshold ever, so when he was ill, I knew something was really wrong
Following numerous abcesses and the day when I found him stood on 3 legs, he looked at me, and told me it was his time. He was PTS after a morning galloping in the field on bute, and with me at his side, as I always was. Photo below taken 20 mins before PTS - they say a photo speaks a thousand words, this one does
I wrote this after he went. It's been 8 years now, and I struggle to talk about that day. I found the vet in her car afterwards, crying her eyes out as she had known him since I got him, and she was so upset
You shone more than the brightest star
On our journey, you took me so far
Cross country jumping, quiet lazy hacks
You were always there, you had my back
You gave me confidence, strength and trust
And when you left me I thought I must
lay down to go, and close my eyes
When they are open, I can only cry
You were so brave, strong and true,
When I had nerves, you carried me through
Without you, it's like I've lost an arm
Beacuse you were always here, safe from harm
After I left you there, lay on the ground
Your hooves were sore, you couldn't come sound
I know I surely did the right thing
I sat beside you and wanted to sing
The song was twinkle twinkle little star
How I wonder where you are
And now it hurts deep in my heart
Was it really time for us to part?
Four years I owned you,
And by they flew.
All the things I wish I'd said and done
But you'd had your glory, the time had come
I'm sorry I can't be with you any more
But deep inside I'm very sure
You're watching me with that gentle gaze
And having many happy days
But I miss you so much, you wouldn't believe
Why did God ask you to leave?
All he's left is a broken ghost
You're the one thing I miss the most
When he came to me, I thought he'd just done 2 P2Ps, it was only a few months later I counted 120 races... including Cheltenham, and being ridden by Richard Dunwoody
He would clip, load, shoe, be injected, wormed everything all without a headcollar. He also tolerated being vaulted on, and having small children clambering over him. In 4 years he never stopped, or ran out at a jump, if you cantered to something, his ears would lock on, and that was it whether you were planning to jump or not!
He gave me my confidence back jumping and hacking, and was absolutely, totally bombproof in traffic.
2 vet memorable moments
- he had a small lump which then started tracking down his neck. Vet came, and opened it up, to remove a barb of wire - with no anaesthetic
- being nerve blocked, vet pinches skin on other leg to get reaction. Nothing. Tries again harder, nothing. Vet looks worried that she has blocked the wrong leg. Eventually uses hoof testers and twists skin. Horse looks mildly interested, vet gives up. He had the highest pain threshold ever, so when he was ill, I knew something was really wrong
Following numerous abcesses and the day when I found him stood on 3 legs, he looked at me, and told me it was his time. He was PTS after a morning galloping in the field on bute, and with me at his side, as I always was. Photo below taken 20 mins before PTS - they say a photo speaks a thousand words, this one does
I wrote this after he went. It's been 8 years now, and I struggle to talk about that day. I found the vet in her car afterwards, crying her eyes out as she had known him since I got him, and she was so upset
You shone more than the brightest star
On our journey, you took me so far
Cross country jumping, quiet lazy hacks
You were always there, you had my back
You gave me confidence, strength and trust
And when you left me I thought I must
lay down to go, and close my eyes
When they are open, I can only cry
You were so brave, strong and true,
When I had nerves, you carried me through
Without you, it's like I've lost an arm
Beacuse you were always here, safe from harm
After I left you there, lay on the ground
Your hooves were sore, you couldn't come sound
I know I surely did the right thing
I sat beside you and wanted to sing
The song was twinkle twinkle little star
How I wonder where you are
And now it hurts deep in my heart
Was it really time for us to part?
Four years I owned you,
And by they flew.
All the things I wish I'd said and done
But you'd had your glory, the time had come
I'm sorry I can't be with you any more
But deep inside I'm very sure
You're watching me with that gentle gaze
And having many happy days
But I miss you so much, you wouldn't believe
Why did God ask you to leave?
All he's left is a broken ghost
You're the one thing I miss the most
jess_asterix
Well-Known Member
Nugget by far. He has taguth me so so much and given me so much confidence, from jumping 1m to 1.30!! He has just took me out on the best days hunting!
He is irreplacable, such a loving horse, always wants attention and is always looking after me.
He is irreplacable, such a loving horse, always wants attention and is always looking after me.
Baggybreeches
Well-Known Member
Reminds me so much of my first
Yeah well I bought my step daughter a pony that reminded me of Silver (needless to say it frightened the pants off her, and I had to ride her!)
FigJam
Well-Known Member
I believe Hopalong to be my horse of a lifetime. Nothing else is ever going to measure up to her- she has brought me on from being a happy hacker and never having competed in my life, to feeling comfortable jumping PNs in the space of 18months. I trust her with my life and wish so much that she was younger and we had much more time ahead of us. 
She is just so clever with her jumping, can really sort herself out and fix it when I invariably get it wrong!
She is so easy to handle, both at home and out at shows and other than the odd mare-ish grump about girths/rugs and grooming tummies, anyone can do anything to her. She is definitely my superstar and I owe her so much.
I know, you're all fed up with pictures of her, but just 'cos I love her!
She is just so clever with her jumping, can really sort herself out and fix it when I invariably get it wrong! She is so easy to handle, both at home and out at shows and other than the odd mare-ish grump about girths/rugs and grooming tummies, anyone can do anything to her. She is definitely my superstar and I owe her so much.
I know, you're all fed up with pictures of her, but just 'cos I love her!
Holidays_are_coming
Well-Known Member
Mine is my current mare poppy, she has taken me from being a wimp jumping to jumping a 1.25 course (at home) and from never having gone x-c to popping round a 90cm like its nothing, however crap I am!
She is an amazing patient, when she was injured earlier this yr, no-one could believe how good she was, made the trauma so much easier!
she tells me when im doing something wrong in the school, by bucking or just refusing to do it till I get it right!!!
Love her so much
She is an amazing patient, when she was injured earlier this yr, no-one could believe how good she was, made the trauma so much easier!
she tells me when im doing something wrong in the school, by bucking or just refusing to do it till I get it right!!!
Love her so much
only_me
Well-Known Member
I can't really say i have ever had a horse of a "lifetime" since I havent had that many horses. However, some are very memorable 
My first proper, "competition" pony was a 5 year old grey connie x with an attitude! he had the most AMAZING jump, he had endless scope for a 14.2! I had him as a very very green pony and needed total re-schooling which I did myself (I was 13!) and taught him everything. In our first year, we were eliminated at every single ode we went to - and I was very close to giving up on him. However, I am a stubborn fool who will not give up, so I kept him and persisted with him. We once got 280 xc jumping penalties. See how stubborn I am?
The following year we won every ode and competition we entered - together we were 2nd at an Equitation qualifier for dublin horse show, and I jumped my first 1.10m track on him at our Dengie area finals - which we would have won if I had taken a slight pull before the treble!
We represented NI in Tetrathlon in Scotland, where he jumped clear xc. We also won our pony club area dressage and eventing; and were 5th at the pc champs at sansaw in eventing.
He was the most amazing pony once I got him to do what I wanted, and he was also rather ditchy so you would see me hailing a cab over EVERY ditch we jumped...!
Here he is, jumping our first 1.10m track -
and i have to put this in; here we are jumping "wire" in a working hunter pony comp
and this one; open tetrathlon
Merlin, was special because he was my first horse - I had dino then Merlin - so a 14.2 to a 16.2 - quite a jump!!
Merlin is special because he is the product of my own hard work - and yes, i ruined him, but he had endless scope and put the showjumpers out of joint when we won the area showjumping
It was the fact that he is SO easy to jump - needed very little contact, all I did was kick and he jumped, even with him choosing to put 2 strides in a 1 stride double (I rode for the 1!!) he always jumped clear jumping. The last time I had a pole down showjumping with him was last June. He was mister double clear - ultra consistent and all he did was jump! I jumped my first proper 1.20 on him - and of course, it was double clear and we were 2nd!!
My first proper, "competition" pony was a 5 year old grey connie x with an attitude! he had the most AMAZING jump, he had endless scope for a 14.2! I had him as a very very green pony and needed total re-schooling which I did myself (I was 13!) and taught him everything. In our first year, we were eliminated at every single ode we went to - and I was very close to giving up on him. However, I am a stubborn fool who will not give up, so I kept him and persisted with him. We once got 280 xc jumping penalties. See how stubborn I am?
The following year we won every ode and competition we entered - together we were 2nd at an Equitation qualifier for dublin horse show, and I jumped my first 1.10m track on him at our Dengie area finals - which we would have won if I had taken a slight pull before the treble!
We represented NI in Tetrathlon in Scotland, where he jumped clear xc. We also won our pony club area dressage and eventing; and were 5th at the pc champs at sansaw in eventing.
He was the most amazing pony once I got him to do what I wanted, and he was also rather ditchy so you would see me hailing a cab over EVERY ditch we jumped...!
Here he is, jumping our first 1.10m track -
and i have to put this in; here we are jumping "wire" in a working hunter pony comp
and this one; open tetrathlon
Merlin, was special because he was my first horse - I had dino then Merlin - so a 14.2 to a 16.2 - quite a jump!!
Merlin is special because he is the product of my own hard work - and yes, i ruined him, but he had endless scope and put the showjumpers out of joint when we won the area showjumping
It was the fact that he is SO easy to jump - needed very little contact, all I did was kick and he jumped, even with him choosing to put 2 strides in a 1 stride double (I rode for the 1!!) he always jumped clear jumping. The last time I had a pole down showjumping with him was last June. He was mister double clear - ultra consistent and all he did was jump! I jumped my first proper 1.20 on him - and of course, it was double clear and we were 2nd!!
diggerbez
Well-Known Member
some lovely stories about some amazing horses (and ponies!)
Brighthair... that made me cry amazing to have such great memories though
Brighthair... that made me cry
amazing to have such great memories though
Oldenburg
Well-Known Member
Thomas was my horse of a life time!!
I got him as a scraggly 5yo that had only don the basics! And jumped a 2 course or so!! I worked mt arse of on him and very nearly caved in after he tried to role on me etc!! But he turned in to a beautiful swan!! He did his first 3'0 class with me and won it!! Then my sister started showing him!! He then qualified for the RIHS in 2009 and 2010!! Sadly he fractured he shoulder a week before the show!! Sadly i lost him 2 weeks ago!! My heart is still broken i will never find another like him!! This is my beautiful boy!!
Sweet dreams Tommy i love you always!!
I got him as a scraggly 5yo that had only don the basics! And jumped a 2 course or so!! I worked mt arse of on him and very nearly caved in after he tried to role on me etc!! But he turned in to a beautiful swan!! He did his first 3'0 class with me and won it!! Then my sister started showing him!! He then qualified for the RIHS in 2009 and 2010!! Sadly he fractured he shoulder a week before the show!! Sadly i lost him 2 weeks ago!! My heart is still broken i will never find another like him!! This is my beautiful boy!!
Sweet dreams Tommy i love you always!!
Firewell
Well-Known Member
I've been lucky enough to ride and own some exceptional horses. I've never had a bad one. They have all had their little ways and quirks but they have all looked after me and taught me lessons unique to their own characters. They were each heartbreakingly special to me in their own ways and I had a different but none the less important bond with each one. Each of them will be irreplaceable.
Saying that my current horse may even surpass them. He really is everything I could ever dream of and we really really click. I can see myself achieving things with him that I have only dreamed of and that's why I think he may be my horse of a lifetime. I've even thought if it doesn't work with him I'm not getting another horse. If I can't make it with him I never will I don't think.
He's a funny stick, enthusiastic, fun loving and playful but very willing. I got one of the animal communicators reccommended on here to talk to him and he told her 'tell (me) that I was an absolute bargain because I will never let her down'. Sounds a bit strange but I already knew that, he never has let me down. It's that bit of him that makes me think he is the one
Saying that my current horse may even surpass them. He really is everything I could ever dream of and we really really click. I can see myself achieving things with him that I have only dreamed of and that's why I think he may be my horse of a lifetime. I've even thought if it doesn't work with him I'm not getting another horse. If I can't make it with him I never will I don't think.
He's a funny stick, enthusiastic, fun loving and playful but very willing. I got one of the animal communicators reccommended on here to talk to him and he told her 'tell (me) that I was an absolute bargain because I will never let her down'. Sounds a bit strange but I already knew that, he never has let me down. It's that bit of him that makes me think he is the one
lizzie_liz
Well-Known Member
We have has a family owned 4 horses but I have to say Honey is my horse of a lifetime. My parents bought her for me when I was 13 and she was a 3 1/2 year old IDxTB chestnut mare from Ireland. Not your ideal first horse but she has taught so much about horses. As a 4 year old I spent 2 hours one day trying to keep her in a 20x40 dressage arena, completed my 1st ODE on her, represented local PC at Area for Novice dressage and Prix Caprili (presented a trophy from WFP). But was diagnosed with navicular syndrome as a 6 year old but has come sound been to Trailblazer finals, went BD on her attending Area Festivals. We have had her 10 years now and she is horse that neither my parents or I could sell, she is my baby and will be absolutely devestated the day she is no longer with us even though she can drive me up the wall with her quirky behaviour.
Shrimp
Well-Known Member
Ive only ever had one horse technically, though my two ponies prior were both brilliant in thier own ways but Shrimp was my horse of a lifetime.
We got him as a four year old ex racer who needed to be taken completely back to basics. Not what we were looking for as I was only 15 (i think) but he had such a fantastic temperament. It was very hard work especially when he was five, we nearly ended up selling him but a week at pony club camp and something clicked. He was not easy, liked to charge at jumps, throw his head around and be silly but we got through it and he turned into the most fab little horse. One of the most memorable things was doing my first Novice BE. It was a JRN section so extremely competitve and i'd never jumped anything that big but went double clear and 10th! We had many ups and downs and he was accident prone but I loved him to bits. Unfortunately, had to sell him when I went to uni but I hope that there might be a chance that I can get him back when i've finished
One of my fav ever photos just to add
We got him as a four year old ex racer who needed to be taken completely back to basics. Not what we were looking for as I was only 15 (i think) but he had such a fantastic temperament. It was very hard work especially when he was five, we nearly ended up selling him but a week at pony club camp and something clicked. He was not easy, liked to charge at jumps, throw his head around and be silly but we got through it and he turned into the most fab little horse. One of the most memorable things was doing my first Novice BE. It was a JRN section so extremely competitve and i'd never jumped anything that big but went double clear and 10th! We had many ups and downs and he was accident prone but I loved him to bits. Unfortunately, had to sell him when I went to uni but I hope that there might be a chance that I can get him back when i've finished
One of my fav ever photos just to add
alwaysbroke
Well-Known Member
No other horse will ever hold a candle to M, (competition name Misred) my beautiful TB chestnut mare.
I bought her as a 're break' straight from the field, one of those purchases which was a really silly thing to do, but I just head of heels with a very poor looking horse.
Thought I had bitten off more than I could chew when she threw herself on the floor the first time I put a roller on her. OMG at some point would have to get on her
Despite her antics she was a horse that really only wanted love and to please, she was terrified of men to start with, but eventually trusted evryone that came near her.
It was a long. but very rewarding time, gaining her trust and realising that she would give her all for and of the family.
These photos were taken on the day that I realised what a partnership we had
A week later she had an accident in the field, another horse ran into her back end, OH saw it happen, she just had grazes to the inside of her hock, but when I saw her I knew that I would lose her.
Despite all the tests that could be done she got lamer and lamer, 6 weeks later, despite not having a diagnosis she was put to sleep, she never complained a she deteriorated, but the day that she went she lay done in the stable and rested her head in my lap (I had never sen her lie down before), her eyes were 'gone' I knew it was time to let her go.
OH and I stayed with her until she was gone, and many may not understand this but we watched the PM, my need to find out that I had done the right thing, and my past nursing experience meant it was something I needed to do.
There was an area of dead tissue deep in her hock joint, if it had been visible on x ray or scan it would have been in operable. We made the right choice.
She left me far too young she was only 7, her 'song' (something I do with our horses is pick songs that suit them, that I would like to do dressage to music to) was Dancing Queen, still well up every time hear it.
Strange though, the day we were due to pick J up I wasn't sure I was doing the right thing, got in the car to drive to the yard, the first song on the radio was Dancing Queen, it made my mind up M was telling me to go ahead, she was right, he isn't her replacement, but he is coming in at a very close second.
I bought her as a 're break' straight from the field, one of those purchases which was a really silly thing to do, but I just head of heels with a very poor looking horse.
Thought I had bitten off more than I could chew when she threw herself on the floor the first time I put a roller on her
. OMG at some point would have to get on herDespite her antics she was a horse that really only wanted love and to please, she was terrified of men to start with, but eventually trusted evryone that came near her.
It was a long. but very rewarding time, gaining her trust and realising that she would give her all for and of the family.
These photos were taken on the day that I realised what a partnership we had
A week later she had an accident in the field, another horse ran into her back end, OH saw it happen, she just had grazes to the inside of her hock, but when I saw her I knew that I would lose her.
Despite all the tests that could be done she got lamer and lamer, 6 weeks later, despite not having a diagnosis she was put to sleep, she never complained a she deteriorated, but the day that she went she lay done in the stable and rested her head in my lap (I had never sen her lie down before), her eyes were 'gone' I knew it was time to let her go.
OH and I stayed with her until she was gone, and many may not understand this but we watched the PM, my need to find out that I had done the right thing, and my past nursing experience meant it was something I needed to do.
There was an area of dead tissue deep in her hock joint, if it had been visible on x ray or scan it would have been in operable. We made the right choice.
She left me far too young she was only 7, her 'song' (something I do with our horses is pick songs that suit them, that I would like to do dressage to music to) was Dancing Queen, still well up every time hear it.
Strange though, the day we were due to pick J up I wasn't sure I was doing the right thing, got in the car to drive to the yard, the first song on the radio was Dancing Queen, it made my mind up M was telling me to go ahead, she was right, he isn't her replacement, but he is coming in at a very close second.
LEC
Opinions are like bum holes, everyone has one.
I don't agree with horses of a lifetime. Each one I have had has been different apart from one who I loathed. Also it sounds really fickle but I love the one I have at the time. As soon as they go I do not tend to think about them. I saw my old eventer who is out on loan today and clipped him out. I felt fondness towards him but do not miss him as he has a perfectly nice life in fact better than if he was with me.
I think I have a lot of aims that I want to achieve and that are unfulfilled so maybe this is why I feel differently. I suppose my horse of a lifetime will be the one that completes these aims for me.
I think I have a lot of aims that I want to achieve and that are unfulfilled so maybe this is why I feel differently. I suppose my horse of a lifetime will be the one that completes these aims for me.
siennamum
Well-Known Member
I agree with Lec, to a degree. I've had a few animals that were significant - mainly due to their impact on my life at the time. The 14.2 that was unreideable & went on to the PC champs, the young horse that I evented successfully as a teenager etc.
Sienna is the horse that I will always love the most tho. I was there within hours of her birth:
She was my consolation when I was a strugging mum, with toddlers, in fact Will was up on her when she was 3 & he was 18 months old.
She has never said no to anything, has always been loyal & honest, she gave me my best ever horsey moment at HOYS:
She reintroduced me to eventing & SJ, albeit at a modest level, and now she is doing the same for Will, I just wish he would stop growing as they get on so well:
So although I wouldn't describe her as the horse of a lifetime, she is the one I would never sell and who really is a family member.
Sienna is the horse that I will always love the most tho. I was there within hours of her birth:
She was my consolation when I was a strugging mum, with toddlers, in fact Will was up on her when she was 3 & he was 18 months old.
She has never said no to anything, has always been loyal & honest, she gave me my best ever horsey moment at HOYS:
She reintroduced me to eventing & SJ, albeit at a modest level, and now she is doing the same for Will, I just wish he would stop growing as they get on so well:
So although I wouldn't describe her as the horse of a lifetime, she is the one I would never sell and who really is a family member.
_MizElz_
Well-Known Member
Ellie is my horse of a lifetime, and I don't honestly know how any horse I ever have in the future will ever match her I dread the day I have to try to find another, because no horse will ever fill the gap she will leave
She was always going to be my 'forever' horse - we scoured the country to find her, and the day before I met her for the first time, I had actually decided to pack it all in because I just felt I was looking for something that couldnt be found. Then we got the call from my instructor to say he had found 'the one', and Mum persuaded me to have one last try.
She was the twenty third horse we looked at, but she was perfect in every way. The moment I saw her in the stable, I knew she was my forever horse for sure, and when I rode her, I could not stop crying, because she was everything I'd been searching for.
Ellie was my 'plaster' - not only did she help me get through the pain of losing my previous horse after a heart attack in the stable, but she also helped me cope with my parents' separation. I will always be grateful to her for that - she was the best friend I could have hoped for. And she still is - even after the toughest day at work, she never fails to make me smile - even though she can be a grumpy madam in the stable! I love her so, so much.
I always say that riding is a bonus for me - if I could never ride her again, it would make me love or cherish her no less. But over the years, Ellie has helped me achieve things I never thought I ever would. She was - or is - far too good for me in many ways - my instructor has constantly tried to buy her back from us because of her 'wasted potential
' - but even so, the things we have done together still give me an immense feeling of pride. I was a useless rider before I got her - she has taught me so much. And even though we've had some ups and downs - a crashing fall for us both during a gridwork session resulted in me losing my nerve and giving up jumping altogether - we've managed to get our confidence back, and this year we've had some amazing times together doing some cross country
Slushy post, but I always feel good writing about her - I will never be able to make her understand how grateful I am to have her, so by writing it down, at least I'm telling everyone else
The day I got her:
One of our best days:
Most recent:
And this one just sums us both up I think:
I dread the day I have to try to find another, because no horse will ever fill the gap she will leave She was always going to be my 'forever' horse - we scoured the country to find her, and the day before I met her for the first time, I had actually decided to pack it all in because I just felt I was looking for something that couldnt be found. Then we got the call from my instructor to say he had found 'the one', and Mum persuaded me to have one last try.
She was the twenty third horse we looked at, but she was perfect in every way. The moment I saw her in the stable, I knew she was my forever horse for sure, and when I rode her, I could not stop crying, because she was everything I'd been searching for.
Ellie was my 'plaster' - not only did she help me get through the pain of losing my previous horse after a heart attack in the stable, but she also helped me cope with my parents' separation. I will always be grateful to her for that - she was the best friend I could have hoped for. And she still is - even after the toughest day at work, she never fails to make me smile - even though she can be a grumpy madam in the stable! I love her so, so much.
I always say that riding is a bonus for me - if I could never ride her again, it would make me love or cherish her no less. But over the years, Ellie has helped me achieve things I never thought I ever would. She was - or is - far too good for me in many ways - my instructor has constantly tried to buy her back from us because of her 'wasted potential
' - but even so, the things we have done together still give me an immense feeling of pride. I was a useless rider before I got her - she has taught me so much. And even though we've had some ups and downs - a crashing fall for us both during a gridwork session resulted in me losing my nerve and giving up jumping altogether - we've managed to get our confidence back, and this year we've had some amazing times together doing some cross country Slushy post, but I always feel good writing about her - I will never be able to make her understand how grateful I am to have her, so by writing it down, at least I'm telling everyone else
The day I got her:
One of our best days:
Most recent:
And this one just sums us both up I think:
FREESTYLER
Well-Known Member
What a lovely thread...and so many have come across their horses of a lifetime... I have too....his name is Freestyler..aka Mister...he has taught me much, been an inspiration to me..and kept me going when things got tough in life.....here he is...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnI3gEZmhyk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnI3gEZmhyk
rowy
Well-Known Member
i love all the horses I have/ had but my horse of a life time by a clear mile is rowan. He is just perfect for me in everyway. Not only is he near leopard spotted with large spots and has a heart shaped spit on either side of his bum. He is finer legged (like a tb) he is really laid back and not scared of anything. He tries his heart out for me and loves cuddles and kisses. He has such a lively character and makes me laugh everyday. He has the most amazing paces I have ever seen, I could just watch him float around his field all day, even his walk is incredible. At his first show we received 2 1sts in the only 2 classes we entered and behaved impecibly. U can safely say of the many horses I have ridden he is the most comfortable and so amazing.
All of this and he is only 3 years old. I cannot wait for the rest of our lives together
All of this and he is only 3 years old. I cannot wait for the rest of our lives together
ihatework
Well-Known Member
I have a horse of a lifetime. He has spent more days lame than he has ridden, he is a cheeky little begger, but for some reason I cannot explain I just clicked with him. He gave me back my confidence and self belief after hitting rock bottom with a very ungenuine horse. So now at the age of 15, he is retired and the one I would still do anything for.
It's very odd, he is the only horse I have ever felt that way about.
It's very odd, he is the only horse I have ever felt that way about.
kerilli
Well-Known Member
I don't really believe in the "horse of a lifetime" thing, because i think one can have a lot of really super horses over the years... and I hope that I've not had my best one yet, but so far, it would definitely be my lovely, and much missed, Doris, aka Skylarker.
When I bought her, she'd only showjumped, never jumped a solid fence. She had sarcoids, was very tricky on the flat, and had her own jumping style, brooking little interference and/or alteration, but she was an awesome little mare. She was unlucky over the years, suffering from a thrombosis when she was a novice, a chronic atlas/axis problem that made dressage really difficult for her, and then a cataract that ended her career, but in between she sailed from Novice to Advanced, and was such a brilliant, generous girl for me. I received some lovely compliments from top riders about her, which I really treasure.
Sometimes I still dream about her, about having her to event again and getting to 4*, then I wake up totally heartbroken. Daft, huh.
R.I.P. my beautiful Dotty, you were the best.
When I bought her, she'd only showjumped, never jumped a solid fence. She had sarcoids, was very tricky on the flat, and had her own jumping style, brooking little interference and/or alteration, but she was an awesome little mare. She was unlucky over the years, suffering from a thrombosis when she was a novice, a chronic atlas/axis problem that made dressage really difficult for her, and then a cataract that ended her career, but in between she sailed from Novice to Advanced, and was such a brilliant, generous girl for me. I received some lovely compliments from top riders about her, which I really treasure.
Sometimes I still dream about her, about having her to event again and getting to 4*, then I wake up totally heartbroken. Daft, huh.
R.I.P. my beautiful Dotty, you were the best.