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Featured Article (November 2007)"I had asked for a horse ever since I knew what a horse was," said Linda Whitmire, owner of 4BarW Tack and Feed in Gloucester, Virginia. "At the tender age of five years old, I decided to help myself." She convinced a friend of hers to help her steal one from the farmer down the road. They walked the short distance to the farm and crept into the barn. "We were able to get a halter on the horse, which was good enough for us, and we started to lead him out of the barn," she laughs. The farmer caught them outside (surely he must have been smiling inwardly) and reminded them that horse thieving was still a hanging offense in New Jersey. Wide-eyed and caught red-handed, they called their parents to come get them. "It never stopped my love for horses or my wanting one of my own. I kept hoping and wishing. It wasn’t until I was much older that I got my first horse, but I am finally living my dream," she said. Truly blessed are the children who grow up with horses—whether they are begged, borrowed…or stolen. Kids who bear hoofprints on their hearts know well the hard work, responsibility and joy of having equine friends. They know, too, how fortunate they are. To celebrate this Thanksgiving season, we asked some of Virginia’s youngest horse enthusiasts to tell us why they are grateful for the horses in their lives, and in straightforward, unadorned simplicity they did. Enjoy.
I’m thankful for my pony, Cody, because he’s a great jumper. He is so patient while I’m grooming him. He always seems happy to see me. I like how Cody nudges me when he wants treats. Cody has a girlfriend named Breeze! Everybody says that we are perfect for each other. I am so glad that I have him for a pony. I love him so much. Cody and I are lucky to have each other. He’s my best friend! Alison Fagan, Age 9 Virginia Beach, VA I am thankful for Peanut because he is sweet, kind and handsome. He loves to sniff flowers and meet people. I am thankful that he teaches me to ride and takes me safely through the woods on the trails. He also plays jump rope with me and he is so much fun. I am thankful for such a wonderful friend. Brynn Katany, age 5 Forest, VA.
My name is Abigael Reed and I am five years old. I live on a farm, with lots of different animals. I am very thankful for all of our animals, but my favorite animal is my pony Sugar. I have always loved being around horses and Sugar is very special to me. My mom and dad took me to look at two ponies one afternoon. They liked the other pony named Dusty, but when I saw Sugar I knew she was the one I wanted. Sugar is a 6 year old Welsh/Mini cross. She is a sorrel with flaxen mane and tail, she has one white sock and white stripe down her face. The prettiest thing about her is, she has one brown eye and one blue. I am so thankful to have my own pony. I like to wake up and look out my bedroom window each morning to see her in the pasture. I feed, brush and play with her almost every day. I love it when she comes over to the fence and sticks her nose through to give me a kiss. She has helped me learn how to care for horses better since she is small and I can do a lot of the work all by myself. I am very thankful to have Sugar in my life and I love her very much. Abigael Reed, Age 5 Gloucester, Virginia
I feel happy about having Justin. He is very sweet and has never kicked anyone. The only time he ever bucked, I was riding him at a canter when it was dark out and something spooked him. Justin is one of the smoothest rides I’ve ever ridden. He’ll do whatever you ask him to do. I’ve never really had any problems with him. Justin is an Arabian. I’ve always liked Arabs the best. It’s just something about them, with their dished heads and seemingly endless energy. They really are amazing animals. I’ve never met a horse as pretty as an Arabian. I’ve been riding since I was nine. Though I’ve ridden all sorts of horse, Justin really is my dream come true. Someday I hope to have my own barn where I can look out my window every morning and know life is good. Best friends and riding just go together and Justin is my best friend and we were meant to be together. When life brings you down I just look at my horse and all is well again. Ashley Wiant, Age 13 Gloucester Point, VA
My name is Ben Reed and I want to share why I am thankful for my horse. Apache (a 15 year old Quarter Horse/Appy mix) has been a companion to me since September of 2006. I always wanted to own my own horse, and my parents agreed to let me have one as long as I took full responsibility for her, to include the purchase of her and care of her. I am finally about to pay her off this December 2007. She has been my best friend at times and taught me everything I now know about horses. She has been my first experience in showing at our local horse shows where we even won a few ribbons. I love to ride her bareback most of all around our property and she always seems so happy when we go on our walks together. She is always willing to try something new without hesitance. Our family owns five horses including mine and I have discovered they take a lot of time and money. However, what they give us in return we only begin to repay them daily. I am so thankful and happy that I put forth the time and the effort for her. Ben Reed, Age 14 Gloucester, Virginia
I like Flash because he goes slow. I like feeding him my snacks. Kimberly Sweeney, Age 2 Newport News, Virginia
I’m thankful for my horse because he has taught me a lot through the years that I have had him. He’s taught me of course to ride better but, he’s also taught me life is too short to be worried about small things. That when you are kind and able to trust each other you become friends. And that’s what my horse Boozer has been to me through the years--not just a teacher but a friend that I can trust and count on. Sure at times he can be a bit moody, but that’s his own way of teaching me patience and understanding for those who are not having a great day or moment. That’s a lesson that you can’t by any means learn at school. That’s why my horse AKA friend Boozer is special, and that is why I am so very thankful for him! Nadina C.Vavala, Age 11 Gloucester, VA
Jimmy’s disease, A-T (ataxia-telangiectasia) is progressive and terminal. It has left him mostly wheelchair bound and he has lost most of his speech. Jimmy’s smile says it all as he wheels in to the barn each week for his lesson. Jimmy Lewin, Age 14 Dreamcatchers at the Cori Sikich Therapeutic Riding Center Williamsburg, Virginia
I am thankful for Chester because he is a lot like me. He’s a big guy, he’s funny, he’s ‘laid back’ but he also likes to play. He has a funny habit that is great, he flops his lips!! I am also thankful for Chester because he is a good jumper and takes care of me. I am just thankful because Chester is an all around good horse and he’s my buddy. Preston Richardson, Age 11 Franktown, VA
"I never did get a horse when I was growing up and it wasn’t until I was much older that I got my first horse. But I am finally living my dream." Linda Whitmire Age 4 in Picture Gloucester, Virginia
I am thankful for my horse, Teoc’s Chahta Isuba, even though I do not own him, but I wish I owned him. I have been riding him for almost six years. I started when I was in second grade. I am in seventh grade now. Chahta is an American Bashkir Curly. He is 14.3 hands high and is black with a white blaze and stockings. Basically, he has taught me how to ride. I jumped my first jump on him. I participated in my first horse show with him. I have learned how to take care of a horse with him. He has brought me a long way since I first began. In my eyes, he is the best horse I could ever have. I will not be riding Chahta for much longer. I am outgrowing him. I will have to buy my own horse. I know that he will bring a lot of joy to the next person who rides him, like he did me. I will really miss riding him. I hope I will still be able to ride him once in a while. I am really thankful for him. I love him so much. Rachel Sturgis, Age 12 Virginia’s Eastern Shore
Horses come when you call them. They love to eat apples out of your hands. They have soft noses and would never tell your secrets to your brother. They are fun to ride, and even better to share with friends. I love my pony, because I am a horse lover. Christian Flournoy, Age 7
Hi, my name is Amber Hughey, I am 10 years old and live at Kentucky Farms in Yorktown, Virginia. That is where I keep my beautiful pony named Ravenwood’s Disney. I’m very thankful for my pony because she loves to jump, goes fast, is great on trail rides, gets me blue ribbons in shows, and lets me ride her bareback. She has a very big heart and is my best friend. When I get sad she is always there for me and makes me feel better. That is why I would rather ride my pony than be at school! Amber Hughey, Age 10 Yorktown, Virginia
I am grateful because she helps me, I can love on her, and I have somebody to be with. Winnie Swanson, Age 8 Williamsburg, VA
I love Beau because he lets Pooh Bear ride with him! Bryan Rich, Age 5 Virginia Beach, VA
Max Francis says, "You are never too young to learn about horses! Read the Virginia Horse Journal."
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