Hey ya'll. I was looking for an interesting horse forum to get into, and this one just felt right. I've got a great one for fish (my family is big!)
Brief bio: I was born at an early age to a stunning young couple, Dad a captain in the Air Force (fighter pilot), Mom, a beautiful young woman working in commercial advertising. My year-younger sister and I had a real passion for horses and, as soon as we could walk, and throught out the moving every year or so always managed to find horses to ride--States, England, Italy, you name it. We could never own one, but sure dreamed.
At 35 my ex bought me my first horse, a 15 yo racing bred AQH named BB (figure that one out). It was on from there--as soon as I was out of school (art teacher) I was changing and driving to the barn about every day. Rehabilitation from abuse and cowboying--that horse taught me more than I ever gave her (especially how to fall off a horse!!! LOL What a pistoy) She died at 25 of the grey cancer--went very fast, dad dug a grave on his "farm" so I can visit her anytime.

Sorrow--at 16 she gave me a miracle of a baby, but dummy foal, got her over that and at 2.5 mos a stifle injury, osteomyelitis, I ended up having to put down the closest I ever came to having a baby. Just about killed me.

When we divorced, and just a few months after Zephyr died, I bought her half sister, who I named "Li'l Sista"--being Impressive bred (double negative) and raised and trained her. She's now almost 11, I have an almost 5 yo TWH mare I've also trained myself, born here on the farm I live on (my road is Walking Horse Trail, my mom thought I was making it up!!), well, Rose is a work in process, I believe in taking time, and I also have her almost 2 yo full brother!!!!

So , I am in horse heaven on this farm, I "know my baby daddy" and mommy, out in the country, and dreams do come true. All my present horses I have known before they were born, and training has come naturally to me--guess cuz I'm a teacher??? Hope I can leave teaching and train someday . . . yeah, right.

The rest of my family is a rescue cat, 11, two American Staffordshire/x rescue dogs, 6, and about 50 freshwater tropical fish--my zen.
Sorry to go on so, but my horse history is a big part of my life. Oh, and I went to see the Lipizzan stallions last night--I first saw them in 1970 in Washington DC on their return to the States, and THAT is burned into my memory, too. Think I got some good shots, need to upload, will be glad to share if anyone's interested.

Hope I can get to know some of ya'll!! OH, I trail ride, Western pleasure, jumped when I was a kid in Virginia, and just enjoy riding my horse and enjoying a nice ride (hopefully this afternoon!!!)
Happy trails, Renee

Hey there! It's nice to meet ya! You sound like you'll be alot of fun- got any pictures of the Lippizzans you can post? I went to see them about 10 years ago...and then again about 3 years ago. I don't think I could ever get tired of them . Have you ever heard of Cheval Theatre?? It's also an awesome equine performance. It has many breeds of horses...Friesians, Percherons, Arabians, Andalusians etc...and it really reminds me of an irishy-french atmosphere, the horsemen and women all look like wild gypsies. It is amazing and worth the money to see.

Mudbugg

Oh, yeah, I took lots of pix, had to recharge my camera battery today. I need to upload and edit, then I"ll post the best. Hope I captured the levade and capriole.
Never heard of Cheval Theatre--sounds awesome. There's something so . . . just awesome about those big, bodacious, beautiful horses. Ah, Friesians . .. . a friend just got a Percheron rescue, "Conan," he's a darlin'. I want to draw him some . .. . .

Welcome Renee,

Can't wait to see the pics!!! Glad to have you with us, and I agree, you sound like lots of fun.

Welcome to the pasture Renee,

I understand having that driving urge growing up and not being able to have a horse of your own. My dad was also in the USAF. Thank goodness I had a grandpa that surprised us with a pony that he kept at his place for us. School vacations never came fast enough. We always spent them there. IT wasn't until the very last base that my dad was stationed at that had a boarding facility right on base. So I took all of my graduation money and bought the (In my opinion)prettiest little breeding stock paint filly. I have been horse poor since. We are welcoming a new addition anyday now. IT will be a Paint/Friesian cross.

Hope you enjoy the site.