I have SOOO enjoyed this feature in Equus and reluctantly read the last article of this heartwarming feature. Every month I would frantically search the page number for "Saving Sophie" and curl up to catch up on Sophie's new trials and errors! I am so proud of the efforts made, and most often against all advice, by her heroic owner. I am 60 years old and cannot remember when I didn't love horses. More times than not horses are misunderstood and few people take the time to understand where the horse has come from and the abuse they have endured, then the time it takes to undo the negatives or mistrust. Abuse, whether intentional or not, is always at the forefront of a horses' reaction and maybe there are times it cannot be undone, but to me it is always worth the try. The love they give back is worth the effort! When I have had a bad day, just being at the barn and surrounded by my horses makes everything "good" again!
There had been a span of about 25 years I did not have a horse in my life, raising a family, but then was able to buy a horse.When I turned 50 I began barrel racing, finding out that I had missed a lot of joy by not trying that sport earlier in my life. Since that time I have owned four barrel horses, one that I trained. They have all brought me joy and tears and have been given or sold to other owners, to continue bringing joy to others. Each one taught me much more than I taught them and have a special place in my memory, forever.
