The First Horse I Loved
Author at Five Years Old.
He was a black steed, smooth to the touch, with a molded saddle and two wooden pegs placed behind his ears for hand grips. Suspended on four silver springs and hung from a metal frame, my trusty steed and I would ride across imaginary landscapes, racing the wind and flying high over fences. Blackie, my first horse love, and I were inseparable.
My mother would place me on Blackie’s back and let me ride until it was time for lunch. She never had to worry where I was in the house because the second I was on that plastic horse, I refused to budge from my spot. I remember a time when she came to get me for lunch. I screamed and refused to let go of the handles as she tried to pick me up. She said, “You can ride after you eat and have a nap!” I still wouldn’t let go. She managed to pry off one of my hands only to have me grab back on the second she would try to get the other hand off. I ended up dragging Blackie with me until my mother promised to let me ride him again. I did not want to be parted from my plastic mount.
Unfortunately, the day came when I had outgrown Blackie. No longer able to support my growing body, he was passed on to my little sister when she was old enough to ride him, along with the round-toed, red cowboy boots I also outgrew and adored. She never loved Blackie like I did. She barely rode him at all.
I was surprised to find a photo of him and me. I’m about 5-years-old in the above photo (and obviously hating to have my picture taken). There Blackie is, looking as sweet as always. I’m so much taller than the toddler I was when I rode him every day! Still, he was with us for a long time after this photo was taken. I think he was finally passed along to a family friend when she’d had a child and thought she could use Blackie to entertain her small daughter. At least he was still useful in his old age.
Photo Courtesy of Owner
Horse News:
Gent, the horse I rode for lessons, is on the mend. Here is a photo from his owner as she used the infrared tool on his hind stifle. He is such a sweet horse. He looks pretty relaxed. I haven’t been to the barn in a week, but since my lower back is better, I thought I would go over tomorrow and spend some time with him. I will groom him and do his therapy too. I’ve missed being around the horses, but I couldn’t take a chance on possibly being jerked around while leading a horse. I wanted my back to heal, not keep being re-injured. I think I’m good to go, though no riding yet for a few more weeks. I’ll try and remember to take some photos tomorrow to use in next week’s blog.
MHWF Website.
I donate regularly to the Midwest Horse Welfare Foundation. I have followed them for years and send a portion of the book sales to them quarterly and for their annual fall hay drive. They always need donations for the rescued horses they have in their care.
Author Kerri Lukasavitz and the middle grade Oak Lane Stable Novel Series: Books written for young readers, but enjoyed by horse lovers of all ages.
