I have always loved horses. I spent many years begging my parents for a horse, for riding lessons, for anything horse related under the sun. It wasn’t in the cards for me as a child. I rode for a short while in college, then leased a few horses when I took a break from college. Rode off and on back in college, and then finally started riding consistently shortly after my wedding.
It’s been a long rode to horse ownership.
I was blessed to lease the most incredible horse for the last six-ish months of his life. I worked at the barn that owned him, and he really was one of my best friends during that time. The owner and I made the mutual decision to say goodbye to him, at the ripe old age of 30, in December of 2023. He deserved to be resting this winter, not suffering through another -30 degrees Fahrenheit in hopes he would gain weight in the summer again.
With him gone, it was time to find a horse again, this time to own, not to lease.
I would be remiss if I did not mention my parents and grandfather giving me this opportunity to fulfill my 29 year-long dream of owning a horse. My parents and grandfather gifted me the money for my birthday and Christmas, with the little bit leftover being offered as an interest-free loan. Without them, I would not have my horse.
Over the years, my favorite horse breeds have steadily been Arabians, Friesians, and Fjord horses, in that order. So it was a bit of a shock to me when I suddenly felt pulled towards Appaloosa horses. But part of my journey is learning to use my intuition, so I began the search for Appaloosas, in hopes that I could explore horse breeding as the years went on.
And I did find her, a beautiful little Appy, unbroke, ready to have her own person.
Appaloosa Horses
This page is under construction.
Permanent Haven Members
Zip N Boogie (Firebird/Birdie/Birdiegirl)
Color: Bay Varnish Roan
Date of Birth: May 30, 2016
Height: 15hh
Firebird is a wonderful, well-minded Appaloosa. We bought her unbroke, although she had been shown (and placed!) in local halter shows. This meant that she had a solid foundation on the ground, and was ready for the next step into riding. She has good teeth and good feet, and a solid confirmation with a high neck, and wonderful front leg mobility.
Firebird can be a little jumpy, but is otherwise such an easy going horse! She didn’t balk once at being saddled, sat on, ridden. She’s brilliant. She learns faster than I can train her! And even is receptive to bits and other aids. Firebird is very food motivated, and extremely affectionate. Everyone always tells me what a sweetheart she is when I’m not around! She’s a perfect first horse, and I’m so lucky to have her.