You know that recurring dream every little girl has where she wakes up on Christmas morning and her parents point out the window and there in the snowy yard stands a little chestnut pony with a white stripe down its nose and a big velvet ribbon around its neck? I still have that dream all the time.
This “horse-craziness” has plagued me my whole life, and there’s no cure. I had to put horses on the back burner while I did the college thing, held down my first professional job, got married, and settled into our new life…but now, all of that is done, and I’m ready to get back in the saddle!
We’ve been “horse shopping” for a couple months now. I have been driving all over Tarnation to visit and ride different horses for sale, but as it turns out, the one I have fallen in love with lives only a mile away from us! He’s a big {16.3 hh} chestnut Thoroughbred gelding with four white socks and a blaze {actually, he is almost identical to the famous “Pie” from this movie.} He’s easily won over by apples or carrots, likes his face itched, and has a big bouncy trot.
I’m pretty smitten. Actually, I’M FREAKING OUT!!!!!! He was looked at by the vet last week and passed the exam, so it looks like a pretty sure thing that he’ll be mine by Christmas.
Here’s a little video of the boy and me, going through the basic gaits and getting to know each other. We have a really easy flow of communication between us, and his trainer said that she can see I give him a sense of confidence and peace. It’s a great feeling to “click” like that with an animal.
Those who know me well know that this bit of good news is the equivalent of me announcing that I’m pregnant {although, my friends who have had kids tell me that how you love your pets just doesn’t compare to how you love your human children. I nod my head and smile, but deep down I just don’t know if it’s possible to love anything more than I love my animals…}
I think I need to start a “Horses” category for the blog, because you’re going to be hearing a LOT more about them from now on. Or maybe I’ll hold off and just make a general “Farm Animals” one. We’re getting pigs and chickens this spring.
Most importantly, though…..WHAT SHOULD I NAME HIM??
To say I can relate would be an understatment. We are also getting pigs next year and, maybe just maybe, I’ll get a horse again. There’s just something about them…. Feel free to post lots of pictures and description of his personality so we can help with a name!
Janet,
Oh yay, we can swap piggy stories and advice!!
Oh, he’s so handsome! For some reason I keep thinking of names like Jasper, Sheldon, and Chester when I see his picture. Is that weird? I don’t know what good horse names are, but he is very handsome, so it seems like he needs a good strong name?
How about Thor? It’d fit with your Norwegian-God-horse theme, plus it sounds really awesome.
Excited for you!!!
I love that humans can connect with an animal on a level as you describe. I have such a soft spot for animals and like them more than people sometimes.
Everything has fallen into place for you and it sounds like having a horse will be the icing on the cake. I’m terribly uncreative but one of the first things that popped in my head for his name was Thursday. Not sure why. Maybe you’ll get him on a Thursday and it will make sense. 
Tonia, that’s wonderful! What a big, handsome guy he is – I agree with Brittany that he needs a really “handsome” name that will bring out the decent, honest strength he shows. Gods are good, too… I can’t imagine him ever losing his cool 😉
Wow, what a canter, too, he covers a LOT of ground!! Really nice gaits. He seems very biddable and keen to please, too. A gentle giant.
What will you be using him for? Classic riding/showing/jumping or a roam-the-miles companion? Logging, like you did with your Fjord?! Driving? Ooh, how exciting it all is…
Squeals from me and Sturuss (presently looking more than a little fluffy!) x
wow that is great! I wasn’t able to get into horse ownership until I was in my 30s, and now have 2 half arabs, and found a barn that fits me to a T. I struggle to train both horses myself, not always very successfully, but I love it soo much! You guys looked great! very steady and quiet.
OMG I just realized he’s super farty in the video! Hahahaha….that’s awesome.
Thanks for the great name ideas, everyone!! I have to say, though, that I’m leaning towards The Pie, simply because he looks sooo much like The Pie from National Velvet. Most people in my generation don’t know that movie/book, though…so that name might set me up for a lifetime of explaining.
As a joke the other day I told Mike that I was going to name him “Her Christmas Present” so that when I ride him at horse shows and they announce us in the ring, it will sound like “And next up is Tonia, riding Her Christmas Present”! Hehehe…and I could call him Chris for short…
An absolutely beautiful horse. I really hope he’s all yours in time for Christmas.
Oh Tonia – congratulations! He’s SO handsome and I’m so happy for you. I followed a similar path – got my adult life going and then the first thing I did once things were stable (pun intended) was get a horse. I wish you many years of joy together!
Thank you, Shelley! Yay for horses.
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