Once upon a time there was a little girl that lived way out in the country who played with imaginary friends and a set of toy figures that consisted of Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Pat Brady, Trigger, Buttermilk, Nellie Belle, and of course, Bullet.  That girl was me.  For the “old timers” like me reading this, you will remember the song Happy Trails, too.  Most little girls want dolls and a doll’s house, but no, I wanted a metal barn, fencing, farm animals, and horses. My play set was completed with a set of cowboy and Indian figures.  Although, most of the time I was riding my imaginary horse, often, at least once a day, I would slip down in the pasture bottoms and find my brother’s horse, Star, and find a stump or mound, and climb on her.  She was my “real live” playmate, along with “Goldie” the milk cow.

All too soon, my brother got “stupid”, in my mind, and decided girls and cars were more important than Star.  So he sold her.  I cried for days and begged and begged for Star to come back.  Under the threat of a “whipping”, I was not to mention Star again.  I made a promise to myself that some day I would have my own horse and NOBODY would take it away from me, ever.

But as time went on, my parents divorced and I had to move to town.  It wasn’t long after that I got the same “stupid bug” and got interested in boys, plus became active in school activities. After graduation, I got married, went to college, and then transferred with my Marine Officer husband to California.  I taught in California for nine years.  I loved my drill team, cheerleaders, songleaders, and volleyball teams!  I was happy!  But my husband decided to become a civilian, which meant moving to Chicago for his job.  I was not happy about giving up my career.  Then my dear sweet husband said those magic words, “If we move to Chicago, we can afford to get your horse!!!.”  I was packed the next day!!!!!  

In Chicago I got my first “baby” named Charcoal von Edelweiss.  He was a 16’2 White Appaloosa gelding with charcoal spots on his rump. We did everything together.  I even met my best friend, Linda, on a trail in the Forest Preserve.  But once again, a transfer was in the works because of my husband’s job, however, Charcoal was going with me. Yep, we all moved several more times, but Charcoal was always with us. But then tragedy struck and he coliced.  Even though we rushed him to Purdue, they could not save him.  I thought I would die, too. The hurt was so intense it felt like physical pain. My husband in his usual supportive and loving way helped me find Smooth Dude, a red roan Appaloosa gelding.  After some time, we were finally able to buy property where I could keep Dude with me.  Naturally, so Dude wouldn’t get lonely, he had to have a pasture friend.  Marked Chestnut was then added to the family.  He is a sorrel Appaloosa gelding with a beautiful full snow blanket with chestnut spots.  A couple of years ago, despite all efforts tried, Chest lost his sight in both eyes.  Dude takes care of Chestnut when he isn’t traveling with me.  Smooth Dude will retire this year.  He is 28 and deserves leisure riding around home on his own 150-acre playground he shares with his 25 yr. Old buddy, ”Chestnut”.