I was a horse-crazy kid. I had a spring Wonder Horse to ride when I was a toddler, I moved on to the West Family and their horses, Thunderbolt and Comanche. Of
course, I also had Barbie and her horse (whose name escapes me). I was that kid
who was playing with her Jane West doll while all the other girls where playing
jacks or double dutch. I begged. I begged again and again. Please, mom and dad, I need a horse!  

Then one day, much to my disbelief and delight, they bought a horse! For my dad. Thus began my life with horses. I was 11 and Pappy, my dad’s new horse was nine. A match made in heaven except for the fact that he was my dad’s horse, not mine.  Then, along came TJ – short for Tally’s Jewel. He was only two years old and super scrawny but I did not care because HE WAS MINE!!  I will not bore you with the details but suffice it to say that my parents got some misguided advice and thought it OK to buy an 11-year-old girl with NO horse experience a wild, two-year-old colt. He taught me a lot.

Flash forward some 38 years and I am still horse crazy. My current horse, Dash, is 25 years young and we have been together for almost 13 years. He lives at Boots and Saddle Riding Club in Salisbury Township, where I am the club president. He is, I think, the finest horse I have ever had the privilege to own. He, too, has taught me a lot. He taught me about patience, discipline and perseverance. I love him. He loves me. We are partners. There have been many horses in my life between TJ and Dash. Each and every one has taught me something. I hope to share some of the things I have learned along the way with all of you via this blog. I look forward to hearing from you about questions you may have or “horsie” topics that interest you. Meanwhile you can find me at the barn.