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I'm a children's author. Animals are a constant source of writing material for me. They are also my heart!

Sandra's Famous Quote about Horses and Granddaughters

>> Wednesday, July 1, 2009


I'm a sucker when it comes to quotes about animals, kids, and love. I savor them and can usually recite my favorite ones at any given time. Some quotes stay in our hearts and minds forever. I was reading the comments you left after I wrote about my granddaughter and Tango.

Sandra left a quote (that is now famous as far as I'm concerned) that touched my heart. She said: A great horse is a treasure. A granddaughter to share him with is even better.

Alexa stayed all night with us last night. This morning, bright and early, Alexa and I headed for the barn. I saddled up Tango while she saddled up Tantra. First we warmed up in the indoor arena. Then we went to the outdoor arena and trotted around for awhile.

After about twenty minutes Alexa said, "Let's go on a trail ride Nan."

I hesitated.

There was a slight problem. One of us had to get off our horse to open the gate (since everyone else had left and we were alone). I thought for a minute and then said what any responsible grandparent would say:

"Okay Lex, if I get off Tango, gravity is going to keep me on the ground. There's no mounting block out here. You get off and open the gate and then YOU get back on.

Now it was Alexa's turn to hesitate, but not for long. She hopped off Tantra, opened the gate, and allowed me to pass.

"I knew you could do it," I told Lex. "Now get back on!"

Just so you know, Alexa and I ride in English saddles. We don't have saddle horns or an easy way to hoist ourselves up. What I knew was that Alexa was young and had the coordination to do just about anything she wanted to do. She just needed the confidence to try something she had never done before.

I was her cheerleader from atop Tango while Alexa gave it a few good shots. Of course by now we were both laughing. It's a good thing Tango and Tantra are both calm. Luckily, Mary (a wonderful woman who works at the barn and loves the horses) came around the corner.

"I'll give her a leg up," she said. And she did.

With that, Alexa and I were off. A gentle breeze cooled us. The day was about as perfect as it could get.

Alexa and I rode down the lane where the trees form shaded umbrellas. We rode in the fields where butterflies and bothersome flies were everywhere. We rode by the edge of the woods where birds were singing like they were serenading us. We rode around the paddock where Tango and Tantra graze. We rode and rode and rode. Alexa and I.

All the while we were riding, Sandra's quote kept going through my mind. A great horse is a treasure. A granddaughter to share him with is even better.

What a glorious day we had. What a gift to be able to share the fresh air and peacefulness with my granddaughter. No matter what obstacles or challenges I will face in my life, I will always remember today and the comment Sandra left on my blog.

**photo's from the day SIL traveled with me to the barn

9 comments:

Ziggy Stardust July 2, 2009 at 2:46 AM  

Thank you for sharing that day. I was right there with you and I loved it.

Anne

jet July 2, 2009 at 5:11 AM  

Thanks for making me feel the joy of such a day.

Sandra July 2, 2009 at 8:22 AM  

Oh my goodness! I feel somewhat overwhelmed that something I said had an impact.

You described about a perfect a day as one could want. I've had several great horses but no granddaughter to share them with. You are very lucky.

Sandy July 2, 2009 at 8:58 AM  

This post brought tears to my eyes. My daughter and my mother, her grandmother won't have those days. Really never did, Mom worked full time when she was young enough to have done special things; and then later...how special for both of you. I wish people everywhere would realize they do make lasting memories with special people in their lives ...if only they would live each day to it's fullest.

Hugs

Tweedles -- that's me July 2, 2009 at 10:09 PM  

That was such a fun little walk along the trails. Thank you for sharring with us.
It reminded me of times, long ago. But at that time- it was just my soul mate Pine Cone (who was my horse)to share the time with. And they were special moments too- when your in the midst of the very quiet deep forest, and your body moves as one.
Thanks for sharring what it is like to have a Granddaughter to experience your wonderful ride.
Tweedles mom

SquirrelQueen July 2, 2009 at 10:58 PM  

That's a great story, it sounds like the two of you had a wonderful time. From the photos it looks like you have a really nice area for rides.

T July 3, 2009 at 11:53 AM  

What a wonderful story.

Miss Janet July 3, 2009 at 12:36 PM  

Oh how beautiful!

I found something that you may like!!! It's a horse blinkie for your blog that says, "Feeling down? Saddle up!"

You can find it here if you'd like: http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/accessorize-your-blog/item/701/asInline.html

Sandy July 4, 2009 at 8:33 AM  

Glad you like the slide show. It was a good trip, golf for Ern, down time for Chrissy, walking time for me, history time for us all.

I'm trying to learn a better method for the related posts, I've seen them in other places.

Sandy
The 4th of July wake up call came through our neighborhood twice this am.

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