Man I bought my first horse two years ago, pretty much green and was a broodmare for a while. but anyways we were doing a jumping line with three jumps. the first one was good the second one I got launched up her neck. my head is between her ears and she has a long neck, and we are cantering to the next jump.... i thought she was going to bail and i was going to break my neck. Everyone was just staring not knowing what to do I think one parent covered her eyes. Justice i dont think seemed fazed she seemed to be having fun jumping and just sailed over the jump without my prompting. Somehow, I let go and landed back in the saddle with out my reins and stirrupts. To this day i do not know what exactly happened that day.

My horse Sky is my best friend! i swear she knows what im thinking and what im feeling just by looking at me haha. We have been together for 5 years now and im looking forward to many more years with this horse. I got her when i was ten after riding her a few weeks in lessons. But i guess when i first saw her i knew there was something about her that just clicked with me. i think we just sat there looking at each other a good minute before either of us moved haha. She knows me better than i know myself. And when i got trampled by 3 horses (including her but it wasnt her fault.) I grabbed on to her neck and only my feet got banged up haha. But when i was lying on the ground balling she was right there with me and would give me a little lick everynow and then :) She is my pride and joy and i dont no what i would do without her :)

I remember when I fell off for the first time, it was on this horse named Spirit, she did something and the next minute I was off, I flipped once and landed on my tail bone. It hurt...a lot. Of course I couldn't get on again because it hurt but as I sat and watched the other girls ride, Spirit came up to me and nudged me in the chest. She blew in my face and nudged me again and wouldn't stop until I looked at her. And once I did she planted her nose to my chest and didn't move for at least a minute. I stroked her neck and told her I forgave her, and it seemed that when I looked into her eyes I knew she had understood me.

My Heart My Horse - My Heart Broke Today

I called the herd for their morning meal.
He didn't come and the fear in my heart was immediately real.

He was always there, the head of the herd.
The other horses didn't come for the grain that was offered.
Those equines had a look in their eyes that something was wrong.
I knew in a moment that my pride and joy might be gone.

My heart broke that day.
As I saw Zip in the spot where he lay.

Zippos High Caliber was still beautiful, shiny, and warm.
I'd spent the night before washing and trimming in the barn.
He was silky and clean and ready to show.
All I could do was hug and hold him crying out “no!”

August 1st is a day I will never forget.
Blast the drought, the dust and the humidity that let
my best buddy fall to asthma, that dreadful disease.
I knew in my heart that I couldn't ask “God, please!”

He was gone in his prime and loved by all.
No more trophies or championships or figuring his way out of a stall.
Zip gave his heart in whatever he did.
Be it reining, halter, trail, games, or teaching a kid.

He had almost human-like qualities like no other.
We sadly buried him right beside his dear mother.
Two beloved horses laying side by side.
Thank you to all who rode them, loved them, and cried.

The healing process has barely begun.
I'll never forget the reining patterns that he run.
His speed and his quickness, the collection, the spins.
It was his pride, his heart, his versatility that helped him win.

Now as I stare at his retired bridle and special bit,
those horseshoes, the blankets each with a championship year on it,
I find my heart heavy and sometimes so sad.
I do have Zip's black sister and know that I should be glad.

There forever will be a fondness in my heart
and know that our souls will never be far apart.
I'll look up to heaven and listen for hoofbeats so fast
and know Zip and Blackie are galloping through the grass.

Rest in peace my beautiful red bay.
A piece of my heart went with you that day.

Shelley Sime Fossen

I'm new on this site and when I saw this group I had to join. My first horse left such an impression on me. Seal was a gorgeous grey Arabian mare who was 5 years old when I bought her. I had her for three months or so before she colicked the first time. My barn manager took her to CSU veterinary clinic and my family decided to go ahead with surgery. She made it through great and before I knew it she was back at the barn. On stall rest for a month, she was healing well. But then that dreaded call came in mid-January and she was colicking again. When I got there, it was apparent the only solution was to put her down. It was strange though. As I was standing there watching her she caught my eye with hers and just looked at me. It really was the strangest feeling but it was as if she told me it was okay for me to let her go. I know how cheesy that sounds but it was soooo true. Seal was put to sleep January 17, 2005. I know that was long but to me it is such a powerful story.

Your title caught my attention cause I had a similar quote engraved on a sterling heart with my horses hoof print cast in it. Maverick was a wonderful buckskin gelding who left hoofprints across my heart. I had to have him put down because of Osteo Arthritis, he was a wonderful horse with so much love and personality. Even though I never even rode him, he was only four when I had to have him put down, he was a force in my life I will never forget. I love you Mave!!! XOXOOXKim

Hi! I've just joined this group and know I will enjoy it greatly...I've also created 2 new groups and am trying to connect with Floridians to check out & join 'Florida Horse Lovers!'...:-) 2nd group is for POA lovers--'POA's (Appaloosa Ponies)'...

My horse left a huge print on me when he got sick. He nearly died and was only 4 (to young). The boarders let him in by cattle feed, which contains Eurea (not good). He nearly had a heart attack and was at high risk for it. He colliced, then came inches from severly foundering. I had to go out every hour and get vegetable oil in him and walk him every hour or so to make his intestines work. Ever scince he's gotten better (now 5) he's never bucked bean rood towards me.

My horse is a brat. I often refer to him as brat. But I have to say through all of the hard times we've had, I love him to death. He wasn't socialized very well when he was young and can't be around other horses. His previous owner was afraid of him and he developed a fear of people. It was sad to see. But I hung in there and now he trusts me. There is nothing more heart warming than when your horse sees you coming out to the pasture and comes running to you just happy to see you. It's a great feeling. Though a bit scary when he comes at a dead run straight for you and then stops just shy of a few inches from your face. Gets your heart rate going and you know they do it on purpose!

Hey everybody! I just wanted to say that I really hope you enjoy this group. Everybody has horse stories (I know I do!!!), and this is the group where you can share them. Tell your stories, let others read them, comment on them, and let them sympathize or rejoice with you.
I will be telling some of my stories later on.
Oh, and if you have some horse sense that you've learned over the years, share that too! =) Funny humor, or just plain old common sense.
Remeber, have fun!!!!