I have loved horses all my life. Although the stories and pictures made riding seem romantic and exciting, somewhere in my passage to middle age I discovered that I didn't need to ride to enjoy horses.

I have two older horses, both of which were bound for the slaughter house. One was simply worn out after years of use as a cutting horse, and the other had been abused as a filly. Any time anyone went to pick up her feet, she would throw herself over backwards. Her desperate fear of being handled made me hesitate for only a moment before I put out the $400 necessary to save her.

Was I crazy to spend that kind of money on an unusable animal? No, I think it was one of the sanest things I've ever done.

The pleasure I derive watching my mares galloping around their field is immeasurable. Their welcoming whinny when I turn in the driveway after a long work day puts everything into perspective. The way they follow me around as I pick up after them makes me realize the preciousness of true animal friendship.
I wouldn't have it any other way.