Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Riding your dream horse


Yesterday I rode my dream horse.

I guess Smokey isn't my dream horse, because if he was he'd be older and more experienced. But he has been the horse I've really liked, (okay, loved) since I first met him.

Smokey, the buckskin 4 year old morgan, 14.2, who has been under training at our barn, is for sale (you can see him here).

Like Lily (who I told the owner that I would buy when she wanted to sell him), I said from the moment I saw him that he was my horse. So I was excited to actually get on him yesterday and ride.

Smokey has got the smoothest gaits. And while he has a lot still to learn (let's get that head down. Lets work on steering a little. Lets soften that back), I felt oddly confident on this horse. Probably confidence left over from my rides on Woody, who is much more the kind of horse I need to get. We cantered, trotted, went up and down hills and he was sane, sweet, and it felt like I was floating, his gaits are so smooth (he is NOT gaited).

It was incredible to ride this horse I've admired so long. Someone is coming to look at him this weekend and hopefully will see what I see - a beautiful horse, with great temperment. Young but steady, forward but not hot.

I wish it was 2 years from now, where both of us would be more broke to ride. But given his price is already at the top of my range and the fact that he needs a trainer to work with him for a few months, this is just not the time for this dream.

But I hope you'll forgive me if I don't want to wake up.


14 comments:

allhorsestuff said...

Gosh..he looks so good(though under and evading the bit) and sounds so good too!
I loved all the descriptions they gave for him...very rounded beginnings here!
I LOVE Morgans...and he may turn horse(2 inches)with the right riding. Though 14.2 is nice as you are petite.

Why are you pensive...is it the price? Are you thinking you want a shcoolmaster?
KK

Wolfie said...

Smokey is beautiful, but your perfect horse is out there waiting for you! I know it's hard, but I admire your restraint. :-)

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

You just never know.........


~Lisa

Michaela said...

He is SO beautiful... I love buckskins. You are wise, Woody is more your kind of guy. It's important to recognize the need for a good fit between you and your horse, hey? After all, who wants to get scared right off, or even worse, get a serious injury? xxxooo Michaela

restoration42 said...

Devil's Advocate here. Just gotta say . . . my guess is you know a heck of a lot more than you think. Get a trainer. S/he will work with you AND this gorgeous boy. You will learn together.

Gail said...

He is beautiful...sure you want to pass him up??

Carol said...

It must be very tempting...

Fantastyk Voyager said...

FYI- more age does not ALWAYS mean better riding horse. My Arabian, Annie, will never settle down and she's 17. I have sold 3 and 4 year olds as well broke. If this horse is as good as they claim, you may not do better. Or you may... That seems to be a high price in this horse market. Are they negotiable? You have acquired a lot of riding skills in the past few years. What you need is the right temperament. That is a tough call only you can decide.

Paint Girl said...

Smokey is beautiful!! It has to be so hard waiting for the right horse. I would go absolutely crazy! But it is the right thing to do!

morningbrayfarm said...

He is a gorgeous boy. You're enjoying the moments and that's a really good thing.

Mrs. Mom said...

Ya know Breathe, if it is MEANT to be, Smokey WILL become yours. Maybe not right now--- but if it is supposed to be, it will happen.


Ride for me, girl.

Unknown said...

If you are patient, the right thing will happen. I bought Janow about one year after I met him. He turned out to be my dream horse even though my decision to buy him was based on logic rather than emotion.

Crystal said...

Pretty lucky to get to ride your dream horse! Im sure you will find a horse you love too, even if its not the one you thought it would be.

Shirley said...

It's all right to have a dream horse that you don't own. Keeps you setting goals.