The summer that I turned 13 I was plucked from suburbia and plopped down into the small village of Verndale. I was less than enthusiastic about my future, middle of no where, home. Fairly sure that I would die of lack of socialization - stuck out on a 40 acre hobby farm, I could think of nothing but the day I would graduate and move back to the big city.
A desperate attempt to make me enjoy my surroundings, my parents purchased a horse. All little girls want a horse, right? Katie was the horse-devils name. She appeared so calm and docile, like a large dog I could bribe with sugar cubes and apple slices, I could handle this. I lead her around the yard feeling like a boss, I was ready for my "cowgirl up" tattoo any day now! Today was the day to ride! How hard could it be? Pull left, she'll go left.. Pull right, she'll go right - Right? Besides, I was safe... with my two real estate agent parents watching over me that had no actual real farm experience themselves - what could possibly go wrong? I slid my sneaker in the stir up and with a little boost from dad, I was up. The reigns in my hands I was ready! We started walking across the yard, going in circles by the corral - well this was cake. Suddenly she seemed a little agitated, picking up speed... Katie's jet black coat was shining against the sun as we headed faster than I wanted across our newly acquired farm land. "Please slow down, hault, yeild, BRAKES!" I nervously mumbled at her while pulling back on the reigns. She listened, sort of, as she came to a sudden halt trying to buck me over a red tractor parked at the edge of the field. Thankfully I held on for dear life and was able to live to ride another day! NOPE - once they peeled my petrified body off of the saddle I never sat on a horse again. Even the ponies at the county fair walking in a circle with babies on their backs was stuff nightmares were made of. I didn't even like to watch reruns of Mister Ed. So here I am 20 years later (don't bother with the math). I never did make it back to the big city, I remained in Verndale. A farm wife and mother of three little girls, I've lead a horseless existence. Realizing I am very fortunate to be a stay at home mom, I wanted to find something to do with my spare time that would hopefully benefit others. Thankfully, I came across a good group called "Saddle up for the cure" whom raises money to fight Breast Cancer. I believe everyone has either been diagnosed themselves or know someone who has been diagnosed with this horrible disease. It is a great cause and I cant wait to do whatever I can to help ... but... saddle up? If women all over the world can battle breast cancer I suppose I can battle my fear and attempt to get back on the saddle, for a good cause! I plan to blog my progress, falls and fears and we shall see if I can do it! Please check out our website for info on our up and coming events - ways you can donate and personal stories about families that have been helped by your donation dollars! Make sure you LIKE us on Facebook together we can make a difference! |
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