It was a cold
& windy night….
A typical March evening out in the country. Accompanied by a friend, who was an excellent rider and knew horses very well, we were driving to look at a horse. She talked about how she was looking for ‘a diamond in the rough’ for us – a backyard horse who’s potential eluded the owner.
Excited at the prospect of buying a horse we watched as the owner rode the thoroughbred around an unenclosed circular track at the top of a hill. As the wind picked up the mare, who’d been cooped up pretty much all winter, showed her TB energy. Her owner couldn’t keep her at a walk or even a controlled trot, I didn’t know how she was able to even stay on the track!
We looked at each other in horror and let our saddle slip to the ground. No way we were going to test-ride THAT horse. Aah, but my friend, the accomplished horsewoman, was not put off by the TB’s show of spunk. She rode the horse around the track seemingly having little difficulty getting the mare to come to a walk but she couldn’t keep her there – immediately she took off again – her energy just couldn’t be contained. After a few minutes my friend dismounted, walked over to us and said, “Buy this horse, buy her NOW.”
We were shocked but, trusting her, we did! A leap of faith that started the greatest, most rewarding adventure of my life.
While far from the beginner horse I’d looked for ‘Pins’ was the forever horse I needed. With some coaching, lessons and refresher training, her tolerance and sweet personality allowed me work through the learning curve as I rode. We developed an incredible bond – Pins was truly a ‘diamond in the rough.’