Happy Father's Day

 

I want to wish all dads a Happy Father's Day, but extend a special "Happy Father's Day" to all the poor horse dads out there. 😄

I started asking for a horse the moment I could talk. It was the only thing I wanted to do in life. My parents tried to sidetrack me with me other pursuits early on: ballet, jazz and tap, gymnastics, band. I was fixated. They started me out with smaller pets: finches, frogs, a dog, a rabbit. But I wanted to ride. My mom rode as a kid and teenager, and she was fully on-board, but my dad took some convincing. I finally started lessons when I was nine, and we bought my first horse, Skip (there he is!) when I was ten. Dad might have been reluctant before I became a full-fledged horse girl, but once I was in the saddle, he never once tried to discourage me. He's not exactly an animal person, but he knew that it was my dream. Over the years, friends and family members alike tried to convince me that horses were a phase, and that once I started dating, or went off to college, I'd sell my horse and pursue "adult" hobbies. 

Well, I'm thirty-seven, and just celebrated Kit Kat's second birthday yesterday, so it's safe to say it wasn't a phase! 

Thank you, Dad, for all the entry fees, and the show barn camp chair naps, and the awkward well-wishes before I went into the ring. For being there the night we put Cosmo down, and knowing how painful each goodbye has been over the years. You didn't ever ask for the equine life, but it found you anyway. 

This picture was taken by a barn friend who was starting up a photography business and wanted some practice. I'm either 14 or 15 here, and I'm glad she insisted on a group shot. Skip and Spoof have both crossed over the rainbow bridge now, Skip in 2011 and Spoof in 2023. Miss you, boys. ❤

(Also deeply regretting my choice in riding breeches.)

Happy Father's Day!