My dream horse at last

[Angstmufin@aol.com]

I finally own the horse that might take me to Tevis!  I got her a few months
ago but haven't been able to re-join ridecamp until now.  Her name is
Sumeria's Lilith--'Lilith' after an arabic godess and 'Sumeria' after ancient
biblical arabia.  Her mother was a purebred registered arabian for endurance,
easier conditioning, and good metabolism.  Her father was a TWH for
surefootedness and a smooth ride.  Both attributed to her willing disposition
and huge heart.  'Jessie', as we call her in the barn, is very young yet and
won't see a competition for years--she's only 6 months!  Still, even at such a
tender age she handles like a dream, leads at the walk and trot, ties, cross-
ties, accepts farriers and vets, loads, saddles, and is learning to pony.
With many, many other horses this would be burning them out and confusing
them.  Yet Jessie loves it.  She runs up to the gate when she sees me and
eagerly pokes her nose into the halter.  Saddling and loading are her
favorites, because that's when she gets treats and hugs just for being calm!
The first time I saddled her, the only reaction she gave was to casually sniff
the saddle.  Then I led her out and around the property and it was like, ''ok,
what's next?''  However, I won't let her quick acceptance cause me to ride her
too soon.  The last thing I want is for her to break down.  She's still living
in the weanling paddock right now, but early next year she'll move in to the
big 15-acre pasture where she'll learn to accept the elements better than I
could train her to.  I take her out once a week for short "trail rides"--hand
walks on smooth, short routes.  I think she was born for the trails, the way
she happily prances down her favorite wooded paths.  I look foward to a long,
happy future on the trails with Jessie, whether it's competitive or not.

--Sara
Two Lake Farm