What a difference a year makes!

[DeeThbd]

Last August, a good friend of mine told me that I HAD to go look at a nice gelding at the track....at a time when life was pretty tough - my father was dying of cancer, and the last thing I "needed" was a new horse.
Little did I know that my friend knew me better than I knew myself....I asked the same question to everyone who would give me an honest opinion, and the answer came back the same each time....get him.
So, I did.
And yes, they were right. He gave me something extra to look forward to after my dad slipped away. He's made me start to dream again, of moving forward in my riding and taking up dressage. No, he isn't perfectly put together, but he more than makes up for it in kindness, loyalty and trust. And fun to ride? Oh, baby. When I ride him, it feels so good to focus on building our relationship - and to feel like I used to when I was a teen dreaming of being able to compete. Even if we only do local shows in our future....it feels so good to have that big grin on my face again. I think a lot of you might get what I mean - and sometimes we need to remind ourselves about how much these guys (and especially our OTTBs!) gift to our lives.
Heart, still racing
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29582338@N02/2766251989/in/set-72157606756538513/
racing fit, the day he came home....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29582338@N02/2767191858/in/set-72157606756538513/
And today, after Mother Nature gave him a bath during turnout...there are dapples under there, honest!!!:D
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29582338@N02/3943593808/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29582338@N02/3943588084/
Now, go hug your horses!
Dee

[Threedaydream]

That's so good to hear! I love how horses can almost always give us something to look forward to. You never stop learning on them and aspiring to greater things.
That's really cool that you have a picture from his racing days... I wish I could find pics of my guy racing!

[jetsmom]

He's lovely. And actually looks pretty well "put together". Glad you found your "heart horse". It sounds like it was win-win for you both!

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

How sweet! Thanks for sharing.

[Long Spot]

Wonderful stuff. Aren't horses amazing animals? The things they do for our insides are priceless. So happy you found such a perfect partner for you. On the the track no less, where stories like yours are in the minority. He needed a partner too. Sounds like you are quite the pair.

[DeeThbd]

Thanks, guysQ!:D I have two other OTTBs as well, and I have a differerent relationship with each one. With Heart, I find myself pushing myself as a rider, which feels really good. He makes me think my way through what I am trying to achieve, and when it comes together, it's a cool feeling! He's the biggest horse I've ridden, and yet he isn't lanky or awkward, but very graceful.
Seeing his personality evolve is amazing too.....he has gone from being terrified in turnout to loving to play; he's stopped slamming his teeth agains the wall in anxiety to nickering when I get to his stall....and the way he arches his neck to greet me in the paddock is truly beautiful. We are SO lucky.....when I think of what people who never experience horses are missing, I wish I could share it with them.
Dee

[Noctis]

He is so very handsome :) Thanks for sharing him!

[Liberty]

He looks fabulous!

[Quinn]

Beautiful boy. How very nice for both of you.

http://community.webshots.com/user/ballyduff