First Impressions: When Horses Woke Me Up
Published by GHC • May 22nd, 2007 • Category: Horse Girls, Odds & Ends, by Madelainaby Madelaina, age 11
I’ve always been fond of animals, and took a special interest in horses from a young age when my family lived in Hong Kong, where it is common to run flat-track racing events. I was curious about the shape of their hooves and face, not to mention their long, lively, flowing manes and tails. At jewelry shops I used to admire the golden statues of running horses, though back then I loved dogs more.
When I moved to Australia, my life changed dramatically during the first year. A school fete was held in October and the whole school was mapped with different stalls and booths. I read in our weekly newsletter about all the different rides and games. Surprisingly, the word “pony” didn’t jerk me up like it does now. When it was mentioned as “Pony Rides” I thought it was another Merry-Go-Round. But this is the interesting part — I was proved wrong.
I was quite excited to see four little Shetlands on our school oval, decorated with fancy frills on their saddles and browbands. Bracing myself for the worst, I picked the smaller of the two biggest ponies and mounted up. Immediately the world began to shrink and I sensed an unfogettable adventure ahead of me. As my pony started to walk, I held tight to the saddle pommel and edged with its movement. I lost my stirrups a few times and failed to get them back. But for fear of missing something valuable, like a few seconds of scenery on horseback, I cared less about my lost stirrup and looked straight ahead.
I could have pinched myself for thinking I could miss out on horse riding, which was what my mum recommended I try. She believes trying more is great experience for me. I thought bikes were just as good! I’m biting my lip as I am saying this.
My dad took photos and my mum filmed my short, but precious adventure down. I was speechless as I dismounted and gave the start and end of my journey a final look before turning away. My parents knew from my smile that I loved it! So now I beg everyday for riding lessons and grab any opportunity to go horse riding with haste and definite approval. I jump at the sound of any horse related word. I even react with a broad smile at the words “mucking out stalls.” Through reading all types of books, watching movies and meeting new people I have learnt 60% about horses even though my riding experience is low.
One thing is absolutely, positively, extremely and definitely sure; horses are ALWAYS better than bikes!
Yes, horses ARE better than bikes! Bikes don’t love you back. Thanks for sharing your love of horses!
Wow! I wish I got riding lessons! Lucky! =)
i get to.
LUCKY! I imagine it’s so much fun!
Exactly Marisa…still begging.
I’m still begging too!
If you’re willing to muck stalls, you’ve got the bug bad. Good for you. It’s the bestest bug in the world to have.
Right back at you risingrainbow. Even mucking out stalls can teach you something.
I would want to muck out stalls to be near a horse!
I am on a waiting list to muck stalls in exchange for free riding time. My friends say I’m crazy but honestly, how is loving and spending time with horses crazy? :D
Lucky, Julia!!!!!
I think you are lucky, not crazy!!!!!!!! :D
Same thing ponyprincess. I don’t mean your friends Julia, but I just love this saying: There are two kinds of people in the world, one that is horse crazy, and one that is just plain crazy. I read it from a Saddle Club book, and I think I’m both!
Anyway, this is just a message. I’ve signed up for horse sim games and they have forums and horses and stuff. But the thing is people there are so rude and mean. The name’s [name removed]. Maybe some of you have an account for it. I don’t dislike the website, I dislike the people.
Madelaina: Which horse sim games are good or bad doesn’t really relate to this blog post.
If you’d like to write a review of [name removed] or any other online sim, we’ll consider it for publication. Thanks!
I love horses and I would do just about anything to be near one!
Ok GHC Editor.
Horses are indeed better than bikes, and just about anything else you’d care to name. ;)
I named my bike after my favorite horse! that’s how desperite i am!
i named my bike Honey and my mom’s bike Poncho! Ha ha!
Horses are very important! Don’t ignore any chance you get to be around them! That’s the only way to get what you really want! Go Madelaina- Good Story!
:D I pretend my bike is a horse too! After a ride I would always want to hang around for another hour and help out.
Since everything is done on the left side of a horse, I can only get on my bike from the left. I sometimes catch myself saying “whoa” to myself, like I was stopping a horse.
I wrote a poem about horses being better then bikes, it’s called “horses are better”
I hope you like it!