What a year.

Should I mention that I am taking up riding at the mature age of 58?

I lost my rescue horse Tanka to a tragic end early in the year. I loved the way he would talk to me. I still remember the time we stood looking out over the desert across the neighbor's yard. Tanka turned to me and said, "There's been someone over there." He looked back towards the desert. "I know, that's the neighbor. He's building a fence." Tanka pondered that, turned his face towards me again and said, "I'm very worried about that." "it's okay, buddy, it's his yard." Tanka sighed and we stood there looking out into the desert....content to be with one another.

I found Tucker and then outgrew him in only 6 months.

The having a big horse and the horse riding has been an emotional, satisfying, scary, exhilarating, confusing roller coaster of a ride. A real learning and growing time in my life.

I have bought or used several types of bridle, lots of saddle pads. I bought a saddle. Used four different saddles to ride in. Ridden three different horses [not counting the three or four I rode when buying a horse]. Bought lead ropes and halters. Used a couple of farriers. The experiences are adding up.

Who knew that I would come so far in so few months of riding? Yes, I have a long ways to go but I am doing it.

I am physically stronger. That was one thing I was hoping to get from riding.

My husband's uncle the cowboy so wants me to keep going. He is so impressed. Such a nice man.

I agree that I have done pretty good at the riding. Maybe not quite as good at the horsemanship and maybe not so good at sticking up for myself. I'll have to work on both.

I am going to ride as many horses as I safely can for the time being. Learn what I like and don't like.

I have a lead on a good trainer who has lesson horses. I'll make the call after the first and see what we can arrange.

I now know that I don't like a horse that is klutzy. I want a horse that can trot or lope but, obviously, is really good at a walk.

I want a smoother trot on a horse. Not so choppy.

Probably a shorter horse. I want to be able to get off and on without a mounting block :) The desert is so flat here. There are no ditches or logs to use for cheaters.

I want a horse I can go out by myself on. I have miles and miles of riding available to me out here and I love being alone.

Of course, I want to be able to camp and ride with a group, as well. I have a couple of fabulous groups available to ride with.

Looks like my buyers will be getting Tucker just after the first of the year. Tucker is going to a great home with experienced owners and lots of grandkids.

I am moving on.

I have lots of advice on what kind of horse to get in the future and some of it is conflicting. That's okay. I have a feeling the right horse will come along.

It's nice to see that my family thinks I should keep going. I have been unsure but I do love riding and horses. We shall see.

Let's just relax and see what the new year brings!