Horses helped me find myself, in a time when I felt a little lost in my journey through this world. I had just become a young, single mother, struggling to find my way...the responsibility of raising a little boy, into a man, daunting and quite terrifying to me. He had become my whole world! How amazing it was, the instant, unmatched love I felt for him. And, as my life took a turn onto this unknown path, the beautiful and majestic horse galloped in full force, guiding my way, carrying me through the tough times, difficult decisions, struggles, and the precious moments, joys, and endless love. Was it luck, just good timing, chance, fate, that had the horse and I uniting again when I needed it the most? Who knows...but I am thankful, whatever the reason may be!

I broke my left leg this summer, needed major surgery, pins and a plate, to put it back together, with a long recovery time ahead of me. I was told to not ride for at least a couple months, and preferably not for 6 months. However, my passion and desire to get back in the saddle and ride could not be put off for long. So against my doctors orders, earlier than I maybe should have, still limping, and with little flexion and strength in my foot, Amazonia safely got me back in the saddle. I went out one day, tacked her up, mounted from the wrong side (since I could not put my full weight in my stirrup to mount up from the left), rode with no stirrups (because I couldn't flex my foot far enough to get them in and no strength even if I could), and had to dismount hanging off her neck and landing on one foot. Amazonia was there...so quiet, calm, and safe. She had not been ridden in over a month! She can switch between giving pony rides, hacking at the park, competing in the jumper division, and going on a foxhunt with dependency. We are now going strong; jumping, hacking, and getting ready for the winter schooling shows.

The trust I have with this mare is truly remarkable. Not only with myself, but with my 6yr old son. Kind, gentle, forgiving, and so steadfast and solid. I never worry about her making a mistake or taking a wrong step. She always seems to know exactly where my son is in the barn, whether he's walking around, grooming her, playing with the cats, or in the hay room. It is as if one eye or ear never leaves him. She walks quietly and with care while he leads her about. And when I'm riding her, she knows when he is with me on her back and seems to pay special attention to both my body language and voice. She will stand perfectly still while I pull my son up onto her back and place him in front of me, while also never moving when we get home and I lower him to the ground. It is as if she knows she is carrying my most precious possession, my life, my son!