Like most little girls, I loved horses. A big drawback was that I lived in Indianapolis. Fortunately, my aunt and uncle lived on a farm and I spent time there each summer. The farmer to the right of their house had big draft horses. To the left, was a real cow pony. Needless to say, I spent a lot of time visiting those horses. My family moved to New Winchester, Indiana during my sophomore year in high school and we began to have livestock, including horses. I graduated from New Winchester High School and began working in Indianapolis. I was married in 1954. In 1971 we bought a mini farm and I bought my first horse. He was a beautiful Palomino gelding and he lived to the ripe old age of 33. He and I had many adventures. During my horse owning years, I have been involved in the following activities: In 1975 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania gave each state a Connestoga Wagon to have for the Bicentennial in 1976. I was one of Indiana's outriders for the wagon. The wagon appeared at numerous parades throughout the State in 1975 and on May 3, 1976 our wagon and many riders (me included) and other wagons left downtown Indianapolis to make the trek to Valley Forge. I was working at the time so couldn't do the entire trip but did join the train when I could. That was probably my most memorable activity. I was a member of the Hendricks County Sheriff's Horse Patrol We did many parades throughout the county but it was only in existence for a few years as we could not get people to join the group. I guess we needed Red Hats instead of brown ones. I have been a member of Indiana Trail Riders Association since its beginning and am a life member. I was a member of the board for many years - then vice president and president.. I am a member of the board of directors for Indiana Hoosier Council and a life member. I am a member of the Hoosier Back Country Horsemen. At present, I have four horses: 16 Year old Peruvian Paso - 11 year old Peruvian Paso - 11 year old Dr Jekyll Mr. Hyde grade gelding, and a spotted, gaited witch which is for sale. I haven't had a horse of my own that is safe for me to ride for lots of years. I don't seem to have any luck buying a well broke horse. The little gelding is showing promise this year and I have hopes I will be able to ride him this Fall. The most wonderful part of all my years of horse ownership has been the wonderful people I have met along the way! |
||