Oh Sunny Day...

Well, it's official. If I get home before dark, I'll be riding my horse! Taking him to a small jackpot this weekend, which I'm looking forward to for more than one reason. Don't get me wrong, the big ones are fun 'cause you get to see some pretty big names run. Like at the last one, my friends and I got to watch Janet Stover turn in some awesome times (Go Janet & Deacon)! And, I got to meet Martha Josey, which is probably a once in a lifetime thing for me!

But in all reality, sometimes the smaller shows are better... you get to see people you know & just get out and have a day of socializing while doing something you love with people you know you can trust. Also, it gives you time to better prepare yourself for those bigger races and lets you continue your ever growing bond with your horse.

See, if you're a horse person the growing never stops. There's always something new to learn, and no matter how much you love your animal they will always do things that never cease to amaze you & just when you think you can't love 'em anymore than you already do, you realize that that's not the case. It's an ever-changing, ever growing love. I found a poem that I'm sure many have read as I've read it before myself, but it just fits how I feel about my horse, so I'm going to share it...

"Just A Horse"
From time to time, people tell me,
"lighten up, it's just a horse,"
or "that's a lot of money for just a horse."
They don't understand the distance traveled,
the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a horse",
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a horse".
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a horse,"
but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a horse,"
and in those days of darkness,
the gentle touch of "just a horse" gave me comfort
and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a horse"
then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend",
"just a sunrise" or "just a promise."

"Just a horse" brings into my life the very essence of friendship,
trust, and pure, unbridled joy.
"Just a horse" brings out the compassion & patience
that make me a better person.
Because of "just a horse" I will rise early,
take long walks and look longingly to the future.
So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a horse"
but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future,
the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a horse" brings out what's good in me
and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a horse"
but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a woman".
So next time you hear the phrase "just a horse", just smile because they "just" don't understand.

Opening Weekend...

Okay, before we get to the reason for my blog, let me give you a little bit of background information. I started riding horses when I was 12 thanks to my best friend. Horses had always been my passion, but being raised by my grandparents, we were never financially able to buy a good, well broke horse. A miracle happened, my friend knew someone who was looking to find a good home for an old horse they had & my home fit the bill. Yay! I was stoked! I went and picked up this little 21 yr old paint mare named Apachie! I got involved in the local 4-H and Apachie quickly helped me learn how to better my riding skills. I rode her through high school competing in barrels & playday events. Then, I fell in love, got married, and pretty much quit riding. She was too old to compete any more & I had a full time job & a husband to worry about.

I missed riding, but Apachie was retired and living peacefully in the pasture, until last winter when we sadly had to put her down @ age 33. Last year, I decided I couldn't sit by and watch everyone ride while I was sitting on the sidelines, so 6 years and two kids later, I told my husband I had to find a horse, so I did. I bought a 15 yr old AQHA gelding, "Doc's Duce Bar" aka "Doc" and I love him. You see, rodeo & barrel racing has always been a dream of mine. Taking him to the BBR finals is a goal I will someday obtain.

"Doc" had never seen a barrel until last summer, but I figured I could pattern him, so that's exactly what I did. He's all heart and loves to run. I'm still not in the "go fast" mode as taking a 6 year break kind of put me out of shape, but I'm getting there, slow and sure.

Anyhow, that's what this blog is going to be about, mine and Doc's progress as we strengthen the bonds between us and get back in the groove of a sport I love. I took him to a big jackpot on the 13th & 14th of March. We still have a long row to hoe as far as getting where we need to be in competition, but we are having the time of our lives. I'm once again, finally, chasing cans & living my dream.

Pic was taken on his first lope around a barrel last summer, 2009.