For the Love of a Horse
Essay Contest Winners

Grand Prize Winner - Katie Patrick, Grantsville, PA
Second Prize Winner - Teresa Chaney, Douglas, GA
Third Prize Winner - Mona Tobias, Port Aransas, TX

Grand Prize Winner - Katie Patrick, Grantsville, PA
What do you get when you add a love of horses, a fondness for bargain hunting and a severely limited budget? Well, in my case, it equals a lineup of horses over the past ten years that would justify a revolving stall door. I hunt for bargain horses like some people pursue ribbons. I love their varied personalities and strengths. If I had the funds, I'd probably be a horse collector. Since I don't, I'm forced to sell as much as I buy. Well, almost as much; there are two exceptions. Of the two equine constants in my life, one represents my past and the other (hopefully) my future.

Star, a 14.2h Quarter Horse mare has carried me through numerous horse shows and trail rides, pony club rallies and summer camps. For upwards of 15 years now, we've been partners and friends. She's not perfect: she will occasionally run out to the right at a particularly scary jump and in spite of many training sessions she still hates crossing water. She's won numerous ribbons at hunter shows and is rock solid on the trails, but what I treasure most about her is that swinging astride is like settling into the most comfortable, best fitting, completely broken in pair of shoes you have ever owned. It's like walking back into your childhood home where you still know which floorboards creak and exactly how many steps it is to the kitchen. You see, though I certainly wouldn't be in contention for World's Greatest Rider, on Star I look pretty darn good, simply because we know each other so well­-the strengths and the weaknesses. We've had so much practice filling in the gaps for each other that it really is effortless now.

And next to her is a 16h grey Percheron/Thoroughbred who's working on the next phase of my development as a rider and horseperson. Originally a premarin foal from Canada, she's the first horse I've trained "from the ground up" completely on my own. I've watched her grow from a skittish, panicky filly to a confident, curious horse and I constantly marvel at the trust and good nature she exhibits every time we take on a new challenge. She's better-natured and better-behaved than horses twice her age, and while I always vehemently refused to get a "white" horse (way too hard to keep clean), I wouldn't trade her. Daily I see our relationship become ever more solid and am awed that in spite of mistakes I'm sure I've made, I helped produce a well-mannered, obedient, and trusting equine partner.

I had rather hoped by now I would be competing an expensive warmblood on the jumper circuit, but whenever I start to think about might-have-beens, I stop and count my blessings. And I am blessed. If you were to see me at the end of a ride on Rosie-whether we were jumping some cross-rails or working on lateral movements-I would most likely be wearing a smile simply because I'm having such fun.

As much as riders can make the horse, the reverse is true as well-horses make the rider. These two horses have played major roles in helping me on my journey to become the horseperson I want to be and I am grateful to them.

Second Prize Winner - Teresa Chaney, Douglas, GA
I am asked frequently what time I get up every morning.  My answer is always the same -- 6 AM.  To some that seems odd, since I usually don't get to work until about 9 AM and only have a ten minute drive.  The reality is my day begins and ends with my horses.  My horses take care of me and I thrive on taking care of their needs.  Though it is sometimes difficult to make the commitment, I am certain the benefits I receive of owning and showing horses include a healthy and rewarding life.  

My physical and emotional health is good, even great by some standards.  I almost am never sick and can never remember being depressed.  My physical health is good because of the activity associated with the extra chores of owning horses.    The rewards my horses give me also directly contribute to my emotional health.   Sometimes after a very stressful day working in a busy hospital laboratory, I drive home worried and fatigued.  No matter how tired I am,  I change into my barn attire, catch my mare, and prepare for our nightly training sessions.  

She is a young mare, and as I teach her the fundamentals of being an "all around" western pleasure horse, the worries of the day escape.  She inspires me to be more patient, to have more self-discipline, and to understand the true meaning of dedication.     Every day is an opportunity to recognize achievements, no matter how big or how small.    Recognizing her achievements makes me more aware of my accomplishments.

Most authorities agree that stress is responsible for the majority of visits to the doctor.  Stress rears its ugly head in many physical and emotional forms including blood pressure problems, cardiac problems, eating disorders, as well as mental disorders.   Staying focused on the proper care, treatment, and achievements of my horses relieves the daily stresses associated with life.     Most authorities also agree that laughter contributes to a healthier life   If you own a bunch of horses, there are so many opportunities to share laughter.

Everyday should begin with a purpose.  Each day should be filled with laughter. Everyday should end with reflection on what goals were achieved, what can be improved, and a plan for success. 

Third Prize Winner - Mona Tobias, Port Aransas, TX
I pull up to the house, turn the engine of my truck off and rest my head on the steering wheel as the tears run down my face.  I’ve just returned from the airport for the third time this month sending both of my sons and my husband off to war.

I pry my hands from the steering wheel and can only think of one place I want to be, in the pasture with my horses.

I go to Epic first, he trots to me and I throw my arms around his neck and bury my head in his mane and cry. Epic is used to this, I have shed more tears in his mane than I can count and he stands quietly until I hiccup my last sob. I pet him scratching all of those favorite places and he hugs me. This is a trick I taught him during his recovery from surgery. He had fractured the cartilage in both of his stifles and had to have surgery to repair them, he was in the stall for one year and we spent allot of time learning tricks.

He wraps his head around my shoulders and pulls me to him, keeping me there for a few seconds not wanting to interrupt the scratching for too long. I smile.

I honestly don’t know what other wives and mothers do while their loved ones are overseas. If I didn’t have my horses I think I would loose my mind with worry about LJ, Travis and Toby.

I saddle Epic and we go down the trail until the sun starts to set. Epic and I spend allot of time on the trail, we show a lot in dressage, but our passion is endurance riding.

We come in the back gate and I get him unsaddled and groomed to perfection. This is one of my favorite times with my babies. I clean corrals, brush and spend time with the other horses and feed.

 I sit by the corrals and listen to the contented sound of Epic, Anna, Injun and Melody munch their grain and I know that all is well in the world. I sigh wanting to stay here all night, not wanting to go into that dark, lonely house. Epic comes to the bars of his corral and watches me walk up and give him a good night kiss. Anna wants hers too, Injun and Melody stay with their feed, I run my hand across their soft shiny coats and can’t wait until tomorrow, it will be one day closer for my family to come home and another ride with Epic.

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