Together for 24 years!

My best friend in the world, Sultan, and I have officially been together for 24 years as of my birthday this year. I think of all we have been through together. He taught me everything I know horse wise it seems, which most of it was learned in a very physically and emotionally painful manner! He taught me how to win, but most importantly how to lose with grace! My dad bought Sultan for my 10th birthday for me, and we knew nothing. Neither one of us. We learned together, and I have scars to prove it! I started out barrel racing with him, and by the time I was 11 we began our Hunter/Jumper career. Sultan won everything in sight once he mastered his skills. We were year end Champions at Rolling Hills Saddle Club in 1989 and 1990 in the Low Pony division, Intermediate Pony division, and Reserve Champion in the Under Saddle Division. He always placed well at "A" shows too! This horse knew his job and did it beautifully!

To think, he was there when I was a little girl, when I got my drivers license, when I got married, when Gracie was born, when I got divorced. Sultan has been there for me through it all. Such a special thing he and I have. I can't imagine life without him. I tell him all the time that when he gets to heaven he has to promise to watch over me, and be the first to greet me when I make it there one day! I'm so very thankful for this horse. He roams around Rivermont like he owns the place, and during the day I'll find him in my garage by my car as if he's waiting on me! His favorite treat are Little Debbie Oatmeal Pie's. Oh I love this horse. He has been there for me when it seemed the world had turned against me. Anyway, I just wanted to share a few pictures. One is of us the first day I owned him, back in 1985, then 24 years later on my birthday at Rivermont.

As the clock ticks...time slips away

Today I turned 34. I can't believe it. I feel like time is slipping by and there are so many things I want, so little time. I spent yesterday with my friend Kathy Nava. We got pedicures, manicures, ate good food, drank good wine. It was a nice day! Tonight I'm going out with Cathy Gregerson and Marisa Goode to celebrate! Pictures shall be posted soon. Here are a few pics taken yesterday though.

As summer winds down

Since my last post Gracie has competed at the Rolling Hills Saddle Club horse show in Alpharetta, placing well. I think she got a couple of 3rds and a 5th. Then the following weekend we returned to Wills Park for the Ticket To Ride GHJA horse show where she got a 2nd, two 3rds and a 5th. She showed at Rivermont last Saturday in Open Walk Trot and Open Walk Trot Equitation and out of at least 10 horse and riders that were in the class got a 3rd in the Open and a 2nd in Equitation! I was so proud of she and her pony who she has named "Match Made In Heaven". Best of all though is her attitude. It was hard for her to understand you can't win everytime. Now, she comes out of the arena and says "Mama, is a 2nd place good? Did I ride well?". Then she turns to the rider who won first and says "Hey, good job!". THAT is what it's all about!!! She has managed to learn a very important lesson at 8 that took me a whole lot longer to learn! I'm so proud of you Miss Gracie!