by Peanut, age 8

This is the story about how I got my wonderful Arabian gelding, Gulliver.

First I was told that he was bought at an auction as a school horse when he was around 14. I do not know much about his life before the barn where I ride; I sure hope he had good owners! After that he lived many long years as a school horse working for the stable where I ride. I started riding around four years ago when I was four, and the first year I did not notice the older gray horse. I rode a smaller pinto pony named Hudson. Hudson can be a bit of a pain but for some reason I never noticed.

One day, when I was riding Hudson in the arena, there were a few large jumps set in the middle. When my coach asked me to trot, Hudson took off at a full out canter. I was doing okay until he headed towards the jump. I was only about five and I had not been riding for long so I crouched up and fell off, hitting my head on the standard. I ended up having a small concussion and after that I did not ride him that much any more. That was when I was introduced to Gulliver.

The first time I rode Gulliver I was a bit scared, but after that I got used to him and finally I realized he was perfect in every way. Not only did I like riding him doing flatwork, but I also loved jumping! My favourite thing is playing horse games, going on hacks, and just simply riding around the track. He is the most special horse because he is always there for me, and when I ride him all of my worries just float away in the steady rhythmic pace of his fast canter. Not many people at the stables ride him because he is a bit older, but to me he will always be a very special friend.

I had been riding Gulliver a lot, and when Christmas came around I was in for a big surprise. I got the most special present of them all… Gulliver! On the certificate of adoption, three names had been signed: the manager of the barn, my Mom and Santa Claus.

And that is the story of the most precious, wonderful horse that I will ever meet.