The "Horse Gene"

I know there are many of us out there who are the only ones obsessed with horses in our family.  A lucky few have grown up around them with their family, but it seems a lot of us got the horse bug and it never went away.  It makes me wonder where the "horse gene" gene comes from. 

Most little girls are fascinated by horses.  But for some of us, about the time our friends are packing away their "My Little Ponies" we are slipping on our jodphers or chaps.  Its not enough to read books and watch movies, we NEED to be around these animals, to touch, smell and just interact with them.  Even if it is walking around in a circle at the fair.But why, what compels us towards these animals?  As an adult I appreciate the incredible bond and trust that comes from working with such large animals, but was I that wise when I was 7?

For me, no one in my family ever rode horses or ever had the desire.  All I know is that when I was 7  I started to ask for riding lessons.  My mom said sure, but I'd have to give up tap/dance.  I don't remember thinking twice about it.  It was an easy decision for me.  I think my mom thought it might be a little girl phase, but it wasn't.  After 5 years of taking lessons in some lady's back yard my mom gave in and got me legit riding lessons and a horse.

And in all the years of watching me ride and compete the bug only bit my family once or twice.  My mom tried to take lessons when we switched barns, but only lasted a few times and always made me pick the horses feet.  Not because she's a pre-Madonna, I think she is just genuinly afraid of the size of the animal.  My brother rode my new horse once.... the day we got him.  And my dad bravely took a lesson once after we had my first horse for a while... My point is they all tried.... and still didn't get it.  So out of a family with no interest in horses how did I get obsessed? 

I don't remember the first time I ever rode a horse, I've been told it was a pony at a fair.  I was 4, he spooked, I fell off.  Not the best begining.  I do remember my first lesson.  It was on a 19 yr old Paso Fino, I was 7, all we did was walk.  But I got to steer and I was in control.  And I remember feeling so powerful and so free being on top of this huge animal and having it do exactly what I wanted.

And I know there are certain traits I have inherited that steer me towards Dressage, the need to be perftect and always have a clearly defined goal.  But my brother had those same traits and used them to become an Eagle Scout and later compete in rowing.  We have always been an animal freindly family (other than the horse we always had cats) but never an animal obsessed.... so what's my deal? our deal?

I don't really have an answer, I just find it facinating that so many of us come from families with no horse history.  And so many of us are deeply devoted and intrenched in the horse world.... so where does it come from??

My Kind of Maternity Pictures

First off, I've never understood the "maternity picture" thing.  Of course I've never understood the getting pregnant thing either, but that's my own issue.  I get the fact that its a magical time in your life that only lasts a few months so you want to capture it.  What I don't get is the fact that almost every maternity picture I see looks awkward and/or creepy.  And I know there are those out there with great pictures where the mom-to-be looks comfortable and the dad isn't doing something totally weird, but for every good one I've seen 4 bad ones.  Still family members seem to want to see pictures of me all fat and round and since they threatened to fly out and visit if they didn't get them I figured I'd comply.

So rather than just take the "I'm standing here , here's my big ol' stomach" against the wall picture that looks more like a mug shot, I drug the husband out to the barn and took some there.  Tell me what you think.

First the "good" ones. 

Is Dexter sniffing his brother-to-be or the treat I have in my left hand? You decide :)

The relatives got a huge kick of the second one and I admit it is super cute.  But if I'm being honest with myself I know Dexter is only going for the treat.

And some out-takes... its hard to get a horse to cooperate when he knows dinner is on the other side of the fence.

Yes, I get it, you're tall.

A good head rub makes it all worth it, plus all the treats.

So, overall I think not too bad.  I still look big and uncomfortable, but no akward husband (by the way, he has no interest in being in the photos... I've asked) or weird bare belly.  Just me doing what I do, hanging out with my horse.  They do still looked posed, but what can you do.... we were posing.

I thought about hopping on for a picture but thought that might be pushing it.  Don't need to stir up any controversy this far into it.  Maybe I'll take one of those later just for myself.

Good Luck Everyone!

I know there are quite a few fellow bloggers out there planning on heading out to shows this weekend, some the first time this season, some the first ever.

Good Luck!

May your horse be focused, the weather be nice, and the ribbon be blue (or red for our Canadians).

I'm looking forward to reading about the adventures come next week!!