11/27/13

Thankfulness

Woah. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. How'd that happen??? Honestly, it feels like Christmas. Our ground is completely covered with snow, and it's still coming down. The horses are all warm and cozy in the barn, we're washing horse blankets, I'm wearing boots and coats. Last year, it was much warmer. ;)

There are so many things that I'm thankful for this year, but since this is a horse blog, I'll only talk about one thing, my biggest blessing of all.

This time last year, I was continuing my round pen work with Red, struggling to get down the basics of riding which I'm still working on today. I had a horse, finally, and that in itself was something to be thankful for, but this year, I don't just have something to ride around on. I have my heart horse, my horsey soulmate and my co-being. I have the product of hard work, determination and lots of sweet itch medication. ;) To think that less than two  years ago, I was still crying inside because I knew I couldn't accomplish my dreams and get a horse, to think that less than two years ago, I was scrolling through horse ad's every. single. day. and dreaming of having one, and now....I have one? I'm so thankful. I don't just have a horse. I have the best horse in the whole wide world. He may not be the perfect match for everyone, he may not be perfect for everyone, but he is, without a doubt, perfect for me. I have never had any doubts or worries about getting Red. And I can honestly say, I've never wished I had another horse. Sweet itch aside, he has been such an amazing horse and he has a home with me until the day he dies-which hopefully doesn't happen for a long long time.

When I got him, everyone said that he'd just have to be a trail horse. Apparently, according to most people, he had no hope to be anything more than a simple trail horse, maybe a lesson horse if I desired. He wouldn't be pretty enough for shows, he wouldn't be athletic enough for rodeos. He's too stubborn for bridleless and natural horsemanship.

Every single day, we proved them wrong.

Every single day, Red improved. His skin started getting better, he gained that weight back and then some, he started gaining muscle and looked like a true Quarter Horse. Before I knew it, he started feeling better. I was no longer making him trot, I was holding him back if anything. This time last year? The fastest he'd EVER go was a slow trot. Today? There's nothing he loves to do more than gallop around in a big ole field and just let er' rip. My horse grew a mane and a tail, and a love for his job. But most importantly, I can say without a doubt that he loves me back. Everything he does? I know he does it for me. We're a team. I don't own him, he doesn't walk over me-we respect each other and that makes us an amazing team.

Redman, you are the best horse ever.


19 comments:

  1. Love your post Kalin! I am so glad the Lord blessed you with Red. = )

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  2. Red sounds like a really special horse. I once read that every horse is meant for someone. Red is definitely meant for you!

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    1. I 100% believe in that!! I can't wait to see the horse that you end up with!

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    2. I can't wait either. It's difficult waiting, but maybe I'm waiting for that special horse to come into my life.

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  3. :) Love it when we find out other half!

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  4. Great post!! :) Everyone has their special horse, and you've found yours! :)

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  5. Aww, seems that Red is so special to you :)
    Love that bridle and breastcollar!

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    1. Thank you! :) Breast collar was custom made, best $60 dollars I've ever spent! (And bridle was $10, sells for over $100, woot, haha!)

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  6. What a nice post and lovely photo. Thanks for following us - looking forward to catching up on your blog too. :D

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    1. Thanks!!! I'm looking forward to reading a few more of your posts after Thanksgiving when I get a chance! :)

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  7. So glad for you and Red! Happy Thanksgiving!

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