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I started riding about 8 years ago. My first horse was a 20-(plus)-year-old palomino Quarter Horse named Belle Star. Star was a beautiful gold color with a sway back. She was too short for my long legs, but to me, she was still the most beautiful horse. My husband’s horse, Sunny, was very spooky at everything, so this meant that on the trail Star and I were put up front and put in situations that made me learn fast! Star had a spirit and fire about her that made her a good combination of a teacher, a fun friend and most of all, she lead the way for my love of horses. I had Star for almost a year before she had to be put down. The day she died was to be our first parade together. I still think of her many years later and I keep a strand of Star’s tail in my saddle bags so that Star rides every parade with me. I would not be the rider I am today without the love of Star. I was blessed to have found my true soul mate: my gray Quarter Horse, (rollover photo with mouse to see her) named "Princess" Sally Mae Saratoga. (Her registered name Allen’s Barbie Doll.) Sally is now 19 years old. I have had her almost 7 years. The love and trust that Sally and I have is what every cowgirl wishes to have. Sally has gotten herself hurt so that I would not be injured on several occasions. Someone once told me what it is that is so special about Sally: she is a kindred old spirit. One of my favorite memories is just looking in the barn and seeing Sally sharing her dinner with about 10 bunnies. She has done parades for years before I ever bought her and she has had police training, done mounted patrol work as well as taking part in memorial gun salutes. Sally has done it all but she still has a fire and spirit that keeps me on my toes. She is beautiful on the inside and out. I thank my lucky “Star’s” everyday that I found Sally. |
