10 Items on My Horse Bucket List …
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Here are 10 items I have on my horse bucket list that I would like to accomplish before I leave this earth:
1.) First and foremost, to get back in the saddle again. It’s been about 13 years since I have ridden consistently, meaning weekly lessons at a private barn. The barn was close by and offered (or so I thought) hunter seat riding lessons. The instructor preferred teaching Western Pleasure/Dressage, so I ended up riding Western again (I hadn’t ridden Western since I was about 16-years-old) on her lovely bay Quarter Horse mare. I learned a lot and was quite comfortable, but I missed a hunter/jumper barn. We parted ways when I went to graduate school. The thing is, is that I’m not afraid to get back on, but I seem to have a lot of reasons not to get back on again. I need to address this. Here is a New York Times article on riding later in life: It's Never Too Late to Learn to Ride Horseback
2.) Adopt a horse, or two (three?). Once I’m around horses regularly again, I would like to adopt a horse. I feel there are so many wonderful horses who need a second chance. Many of them ended up in the wrong hands and were handled poorly, or endured some other sad circumstances. I would like to be the person who gives a horse the opportunity to settle into a forever home - at least to the best of my ability. The first place I would look would be the Midwest Horse Welfare Foundation I have followed them for many (many) years and even donate a percentage of my books’ sales regularly to their organization. I have seen the magic they do with abused, unwanted horses. I would enjoy meeting Scott and Karen Bayerl in person. Anyone who runs an animal/horse rescue gets a gold star from me.
3.) Finish writing the Oak Lane Stable Novel Series. I am almost done with Ghost Horse at Oak Lane Stable (Book 4). It will be released in October of this year. I hope the readers enjoy the book as much as I have enjoyed writing it. I thought this would be the last book in the series, but I have had inspiration for a Book 5, where I take readers back to when Cassie, the main character, moves on from a large pony and starts riding George, a crafty old school horse who teaches her many lessons about horses and riding (We first meet George when Cassie is still riding him in Mystery Horse (Book 1). I also have had an idea for a Christmas shorter novella that would follow Ghost Horse, but I have to wait and see how Ghost Horse ends before I will be inspired for that.
4.) As odd as this may sound, I would like to show again. Now, I am not sure where this comes from because I haven’t shown since I was young, but I think it would be fun to compete again. Not that I have my sights set on the Olympics or other major horse shows, but smaller, local shows would be great to attend. The last time I was at horse shows regularly, I groomed the horses and only rode if I had to cool down someone after a class. This time, I would probably ride in the hunter classes, equitation most likely, and use the experiences to learn and grow. I think the camaraderie with the other adult riders would also be enjoyable.
5.) Write (and illustrate?) a picture book idea I have had about a young Appaloosa filly. I have been so busy with the novel series that I haven’t had time to write down even a quick draft. Picture books are usually around 600 to 700 words, although some are as long as 1000 words, but I haven’t made the effort to commit it to paper. I need to do this and research more on the Appaloosa. The idea has been wanting my attention. It will take some time to sort through the story, but I know the gist of it. It has also been a while since I have illustrated anything, but that’s what a book dummy is for - to get the idea down in rough form. I can go from there.
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6.) Attend the Dublin Horse Show. Ever since I was a child, I have always wanted to be at the Dublin Horse Show. I must have read about it in one of my horse books. Maybe there were photos and captions of riders and their horses that caught my attention. I believe there is (or was?) a three year waiting list to get tickets, but I can certainly investigate to obtain them now so I can attend in the future. I would enjoy an Irish horse vacation and the opportunity to watch some fine equestrians and their horses. Which brings me to number 7 -
7.) Ride in Ireland. Another childhood dream of mine. At first, I wanted to go fox hunting in Ireland, until I read about how wild and aggressive their riding can be. Maybe when I was younger, but not now! I would love to hack along the countryside and take in Ireland (the UK, really) on horseback. I had the opportunity to travel to Ireland this fall, but the plans fell through. I looked up another trip through Ireland Equestrian Tours. I wanted to do the 7-Day stay at Castle Leslie, where riding was a part of the vacation. I also wanted to include high tea at a manor house, garden tours, Dublin sites, etc., anything that I would have had the time to do/see without feeling overbooked. I need to plan the trip and simply go. No excuses!
8.) Visit Middleburg, Virginia. I became interested in Middleburg, Virginia after reading Vicky Moon’s book The Private Passion of Jackie Kennedy Onassis. The thick book contains the story of Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ lifelong passion for horses. The books'‘s photos are stunning. Moon’s writing is informative and interesting. I didn’t know Middleburg, VA was the nation’s horse and fox hunting capitol. I was simply intrigued with the town’s history. There are quaint shops, restaurants, hotels, etc., that seem to be a horse lover’s paradise. I learned that there are a few stables that will teach you to fox hunt, which leads me to number 9. -
9.) Go Fox Hunting. I have always wanted to fox hunt, not to kill the fox but to enjoy the day spent with other horse lovers/riders. I read a 2023 back issue (Sorry, I can’t find it, but I will edit this when I do) of the Chronicle of the Horse Magazine that there are several stables that will teach you to fox hunt before you actually ride to the hounds, something I would definitely investigate. I would much rather be prepared BEFORE I arrive at a fox hunt than to show up uninformed (or unconditioned). The riders value their traditions. I think that’s one of the enduring qualities of the sport.
10.) Attend the Land Rover Three-Day Event in Kentucky. I have been to Kentucky twice - first, driving through with a childhood friend and her father on our way to vacation in Tennessee and second, to visit Lexington and Louisville’s Thoroughbred farms. Next time, I would like to attend the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. Again, I loved riding cross-country in my youth, so this would seem like a given. Three days of horse-eventing, what’s not to like? My favorite part would be the show jumpers, but I actually think the whole experience would be fabulous. Now, time to start looking into all of these trips …
