I’ll have a full story tomorrow, but wanted to give you some pics from yesterday. We looked at a couple of horses, but it was the 10-year-old gelding, Patriot, who drew us.
This horse was so calm, so gentle, that even I got on him. And I don’t know how to ride a horse. This is me saying, “Whatever you do, DON’T LET GO.”
Then the guy led me around and I felt like I was five, being taken on a pony ride at a birthday party.
Morgan does it much better than me, of course.
We didn’t take him home, by the way.
For several reasons, including that there is an adoption process, which means you can’t just show up and take a horse home. Not to mention, I will not bring a horse here until I have prepared to have a horse here, which includes the fencing repairs in the horse pasture along the road. That said, we really loved this boy and would like to take him home at the appropriate time, so we’ll see. I’ll tell you more about his story and how he came to be a rescue horse tomorrow.
Morgan on the horse, of course, and to the left, two of the rescue group members, and to the right, me and Morgan’s friend who came with us:
A horse is like nothing else…….
P.S. Some of the photos in this post were taken by my photographer friend Jerry. I’m going to be doing a piece on rescue horses for the Charleston Daily Mail, so I asked him to come along to take pictures.
NancyL says:
Morgan looks like a natural!!! When and where did she learn to ride?
On March 11, 2012 at 1:11 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Nancy, Morgan started taking riding lessons when we lived in Texas and continued to take lessons when we moved to North Carolina. She took lessons for about four years, I think. She hasn’t taken any lessons since we moved to WV–I didn’t know of any place here to take her. She’s ridden some at friends’ farms who had horses, so she’s had some limited practice in recent years. She’s the only one of my kids who took riding lessons–only one who wanted to–she’s always been a little bit horse crazy!
On March 11, 2012 at 7:22 am
Bev in CA says:
Nothing like it. A gal and a horse, so special. Can’t wait to hear the horse’s story. Though it will most likely be upsetting. Hate animal abuse. Tell them to adjust the stirrups to the correct length next time. Morgan will want riding boots next. I was there when our daughter’s Quarter Horse Sassy was born. Sassy is 33 years old. Though retired she and our daughter rode on many trail rides. The connection between rider and horse is wonderful. So much adventure and love is in store for Morgan. Suzanne, kudos for getting on and going for a ride.
On March 11, 2012 at 1:38 am
sunhurteyes says:
Looks so rewarding and fun!! Once again, great photos!!!
On March 11, 2012 at 7:51 am
brookdale says:
Lucky, lucky Morgan! I have wanted a horse all my life.
That’s a great pic of you smiling, on the horse! Were you screaming “get me off!” inside? 🙂
On March 11, 2012 at 9:02 am
Jen says:
I LOVE the man’s expression while he’s leading you on the horse. :o) It’s obvious he is enjoying it more than you are! LOL
I’m very happy for Morgan. :o)
On March 11, 2012 at 9:47 am
CATRAY44 says:
So happy for Morgan and Patriot! (Great name for a W.Virginia horse!)
On March 11, 2012 at 9:59 am
GA_in_GA says:
Horses are in your blood or they’re not. Morgan has it! And I agree, a gal and a horse are so very special.
I grew up riding my horse as many hours a day as possible. Their care was my responsibility from age 10 onward. Please include the responsibility of care for Patriot in Morgan’s ownership of him. I am sure she won’t let him down. 🙂
On March 11, 2012 at 10:45 am
quietstorm says:
Love the 3rd picture (you on the “pony ride”) ~ you look so happy
On March 11, 2012 at 11:35 am
bonita says:
Phew! I was afraid the tease picture meant you gave in and brought the horse home! Animals can worm they way into your heart very quickly, esp rescues who have such tails to tell.
On March 11, 2012 at 12:39 pm
Tawanka says:
Morgan: Before you buy any tack, the first thing you need is a helmet. Even the most docile horse has its moments or you could fall. All professional riders wear one. Remember heels down, back straight. If there are no riding academies nearby, there are some excellent books available on line and great videos. I applaude you for adopting. He is carrying his ears back like he is not liking what is going on or not feeling well. Sometimes acting docile is being sick. After a shot of antibiotics they can come alive and sometimes not in a good way. Get an expert to go with you. I adore horses-Good luck.
On March 11, 2012 at 12:41 pm
Tawanka says:
Suzanne: You have GOT to buy a trailer.
On March 11, 2012 at 12:46 pm
KentuckyFarmGirl says:
I used to ride all the time and had gotten out of it for several years. Back in October, we bought two mares and started riding. My husband had never ridden and since then he has fallen in love with it. I just bought my first registered AQHA gelding this past weekend and I am loving that my family has found something we all love to do. My boys are learning to ride and we plan on doing a lot of camping at Wrangler’s camp this summer and fall. Hope You and Morgan both enjoy it as much as we do!
On March 11, 2012 at 2:27 pm
Almost Heaven, WV says:
There is just something about horses! I will admit that I’m not the best rider by no means, but that feeling you get sitting up in a saddle, makes you think…..bring on John Wayne…lol Even after $1800 vet bill :shocked: , I wouldn’t trade my 14 yr. old QH gelding for anything.
On March 11, 2012 at 4:07 pm
NancyL says:
Thanks for the response, Suzanne. It’s obvious that Morgan is definitely a horse lover! It’s wonderful to see young dreams coming true.
On March 11, 2012 at 4:59 pm
cabynfevr says:
Yehaw for rescues!
On March 11, 2012 at 7:56 pm
Remudamom says:
Girls and horses…….you don’t outgrow it either. My parents got me a horse when I was a kid, waited for me to outgrow it. 46 years later they are still waiting. I haven’t been without a horse since I was eight, even through college, and the first thing my father-in -law did when I married was to give me the pick of his herd so he could put me to work on the ranch.
On March 12, 2012 at 9:33 am