I'm pretty comfortable now with the idea that Abby was the last horse I'll ever have. It's taken a while to get there, but I feel at peace about it.
But that doesn't mean I am not involved with horses. Tim has begun telling me that I have three horses and reiterated that at church yesterday yet again. (After he told Craig and Loni that it was me who started the horsey conversation this time, not him. Hah!)
I appreciate his generosity in sharing Sultanna, Hokey, and Eazy with me and he has also repeatedly told me to consider the barn my other home and to come out any time. And I have been doing just that. It's the new normal, and although I still grieve for my girl, I am at peace.
In August, Belle, a friend at church started asking me about buying a horse. She and her family had gone riding at her family's ranch out west this summer and she'd fallen in love with horses.
I invited her out to see "my" three horses and we ended up chatting for two hours. The next day it was the same, and the day after that, too. Texts began flying and horsey memes were exchanged as she began discovering how wonderful the horsey life can be.
A "training about horsekeeping" meme that I sent Belle. (And Tim. Couldn't resist.)
Belle spoke to Tim about her desire and asked if he had space to board a horse for her. He was agreeable and he also was willing to help her get her feet under her as she got to know and understand horses, their upkeep and care, temperaments, and handling.
And now, the search for a horse is on. Belle is jumping right in, but she is also being wise and asking for help and suggestions. One question she asked me was what I look for when I am thinking about buying a horse.
Belle has been looking at a lot of horses online and then sending both Tim and me their pictures and information, asking what our thoughts are and if this might be a good possibility for her and for her family.
Tim and I both liked this mare best of all so far.
She's 16 but very experienced and well trained. Belle and Tim are heading up to see her this week to check her out.
Any guesses on breed? She is a purebred.
There are some other horses Belle is interested in, but I would not be surprised if this mare came home in Tim's trailer.
Stay 'tooned!
