By: Denise Trizinsky

My love of horses really has no beginning, it just is, and has always been a part of who I am. I started riding when I was 5 years old. My family purchased a horse for my ninth birthday. He was an energetic two-year old Appaloosa from Boise, Idaho appropriately named “Bob’s Gitty Up Go”. I learned quickly a few of life’s lessons. The full and exact meaning of stubbornness, a backyard pool is not necessarily a good amenity next to the horse barn, and that a crash course in time management is helpful with relationship to the daily routine of mucking stalls, feeding, exercising, and getting your school studies done.

By: Kathy Steimel

Ellie came into my life when she was 6 years old. At that time., I had a beautiful palomino quarter horse., beautiful and a sweetheart until you put a saddle on him., then he was MEAN.

He threw me constantly., (and sort of hurt my ego that I could handle just about any horse.,) Leslie Kaye., our niece was here the summer that I had him. She probably remembers him leaving hoof-prints on her Uncle Tom’s tee-shirt.

By: Connie Siders

Parents make mistakes and mine was one I will never forget. It all started with overestimating my son, ten year old Jacob Siders, riding ability.
Jacob had shown his entire life in leadline and walk-trot. In 2001 he showed a hand-me-down mare from his older brother and actually got reserve champion in special skills with her. It was easy too get overconfident.