Lately, I’ve been thinking about the quote by Winston Churchill, “The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.” I have been connected to horses for over 50 years. Everyone needs something that brings them joy. For me, horses bring me joy. Spending time with horses helps get me away from the intense world we live in today. Once a week, I have the pleasure and honor of going to visit Honeybee, age 20. Honeybee lives on Jody’s property. Jody’s place is gorgeous. I have known Jody since I first came to Colorado. She has been a huge part of encouraging my adult connection to horses.
I have always had a connection to horses. At 10, I went riding with a neighbor at a stable in Shakopee, Minnesota. I rode a pony. I had no idea what I was doing, and the pony ran away with me. I stayed on, though when I told this story to my mom she decided I needed to learn to ride for my safety. My mom did some research and found Merrywood Stables. Merrywood Stables was the best thing that ever happened to me.
Merrywood Stables was a perfect place for me to nurture my love of horses and learn how to ride English. I would take a lesson in the morning, and in the afternoon, I would go on a trail ride. At times, my parents would pay $3 for me to stay overnight. The overnights were wonderful, since other children would stay, too. In the evenings, we would set up jumps in the arena and pretend to be jumping horses. In the morning, we would help feed the horses. To this day, I still love the sound of horses eating.
As my love of horses progressed, so did my ability. I learned to jump. I also started longing for a horse of my own. At age 12, that dream came true. I fell in love with Sandpiper. Sandpiper was a powerful jumper, so I could only ride him under saddle while another more experienced rider, Debbie, would jump him. I did eventually jump Sandpiper, though my fondest memories are of our quiet times. I loved grooming Sandpiper, enjoying the times I could talk to him. Horses are good listeners. I was learning about taking care of another being, feeding, grooming, being present and, most important, empathy.
I lost my adult horse Spot in 2015. Spot was 20 and had been in my life for 14 years. Spot picked me out. I had been looking at his brother, and every time I would be at his stable, Spot would be there as if to say, “What about me?” I decided to check Spot out. I drove to the stable and Robin, Spot’s trainer, and I spent several hours riding on the property and taking a few jumps. I fell in love, and a few weeks later Spot was mine.
Spot had been trained in the natural way. This started a whole new chapter in my connection to horses. I loved riding Spot, though mostly I loved grooming him and walking in nature. While in an arena, I could take Spot’s halter off, and we would play. Spot would stay beside me no matter what I did. It was a beautiful feeling to be so connected. Spot saw me through major surgery and a divorce.
Spot’s death was tough. Every spring, I think about how wonderful it was going out and seeing Spot. This past week while I was with Honeybee, it reminded me of how blessed I am to have Honeybee and Jody in my life. To walk and talk like I used to with Spot. To absorb Honeybee’s gentle nature and soft coat. During this horrific time in our country and world, to once again be transported back to the loving days of my youth. Horses are a window to my soul and always will be. Thank you, Mom, Jody, Sandpiper, Spot and Honeybee for making this love possible. A connection to horses that will stay with me forever.
Sue Winthrop is a long time resident of Longmont. Sue is a horse lover and has been involved with horses for over 50 years.
