Meet my pride and joys
My three fur children
Vogue, Sage, & Dex
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"My Heaven on Earth"
Dex, Me, Sage, & Vogue
July 2013 |
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Sage & Vogue
August 2013 |
Ever since I can remember, I have had the same obsession: horses. For every birthday and every Christmas, the first thing on my lists each year was a horse. It is a dream many young girls have: to have a horse of their own. Fortunately for me, this dream actually came true when I was in eighth grade. Sometimes I still cannot believe it is actually a reality.
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Vogue & Me, July 2013
Photo Credit: Knotted Tree Photography |
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| Vogue, Summer 2011 |
My journey of horse ownership has been anything but easy, but it has always been worth it. I owned and sold two horses before I found not only one, but two horses that were the perfect fit for me. In the summer of 2004, I had my last straw with finding a riding horse. After these many frustrations, I decided to just purchase a foal. The idea of this seemed simple enough, but I was not actively looking for a foal to purchase. One of my horse friends got wind of the fact that I was looking for a foal. She had bought a filly from an auction in Iowa and not wanting this young horse to make the 6 hour ride back to Wisconsin alone, she decided to buy another filly with intentions of selling it upon her arrival to Wisconsin. The second filly turned out to be my dream horse.
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Sage
July 2013 |
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Me & Sage
July 2013
Photo Credit: Knotted Tree Photography |
Almost one year to the day later, I met Sage. Sage was a 15 year old gelding that was for sale in my hometown. I had been searching for a riding horse since Vogue was too young to be ridden, but hadn't had much luck. Everyone told me that I would know when I found that perfect horse. All of these people could not have been more right. I felt an instant connection with Sage and had a blast riding him. In fact, I took him home that same day. Sage built my confidence back up with riding because a previous horse I had owned essentially destroyed all the riding confidence I already had. I rode him for two years on a drill team though my county 4-H program. He is now 23 years old and has a forever home with me. He's retired, but he still gets pampered and as many treats as he can eat, despite the mischief he can get into (he's quite the escape artist). After everything he has done for me I feel I owe him just as much. I could not have asked for a horse that was so much fun to ride, yet a total sweetheart when it came to seeing me and having such a desire to make me happy. He's truly a wonderful horse and I have so much trust in him. I hope he's around for a while because I'd love for him to be the horse I teach my nieces and nephews to ride on, and maybe one day my own children. I can't believe I've owned him for 8 years already or that he is 23 years old now!
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Dex
July 2013
Photo Credit: Knotted Tree Photography |
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Dex
January 2013 |
In August 2012, I came across the opportunity to buy an adorable stud colt from an incredible breeder that I had been admiring over Facebook and the internet for close to two years. I never thought I'd own one of her babies because they sell for way out of my price range. Due to some connections we had in common, she gave me quite the deal on my newest herd addition. Dex has been the light of my world since I brought him home the first week in October. He's so smart, calm, and vocal. I love having him around and feel that I can't seem to get out of my barn to do other things because I just want to be by him all of the time. I'm anxious for my future to unfold with him because I am sure that it is going to be a bright one. In the meantime, I am thoroughly enjoying building a relationship with him and getting to know his personality.
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Dex & Me
January 2013 |
Unfortunately, my life with Dex was short-lived. He passed away on July 22, 2013. Visit my tribute page to read more about this amazing horse that truly changed my life. I will never forget him, and he truly was the one thing I looked forward to every single day for the short time he was in my life. Even though he is not physically with me, he will forever be in my heart. My guardian angel just happens to have four hooves.
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Sage, February 2015
One of the last pictures I took of him |
On February 21, 2015, I received a horrible phone call from a friend informing me that Sage had not made it through the night after experiencing colic. The worst part of this was that I was out of town for a friend's wedding and couldn't be there for him--something I'll never forgive myself for. I don't think I'll ever have the words to explain the agony in my heart of hearing this news. At times it still doesn't feel real to me and I still have moments where I think I see Sage. He was only 24 years old and in very good health. I can't believe he's gone and I honestly thought he would be around for many more years and be the horse that I taught my children how to ride on. As I've learned in life, we do not always get what we want. I'm so thankful that I experienced the love and support from a horse like Sage for almost an entire decade. He as there for me through thick and thin; life will never be the same without him. How lucky was I to experience a friendship like that? Now, he's with Dex, and I know my two boys are watching over me. I'll never forget Sage and he is still very alive in my memories. He was truly a once-in-a-lifetime horse.
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Vogue & Sage at sunrise
June 2013 |
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Dex, Vogue, & Sage in the barn after baths
June 2013 |
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| Dex & Vogue, Winter 2013 |
Horses will always be a part of my life. I feel pretty lucky to say that I have one incredible horse, and two amazing angels watching over me. They are a big part of who I am and have been the one thing in my life that have always remained constant. They make me happy, and I find an immense amount of joy in caring for them year round. These horses have captured my heart.
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| My favorite butts: Dex & Vogue |
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| Sage & Vogue, Winter 2012 |
