By Tabitha Forbes, MS posted April 25th, 2009
My name is River. I am a sorrel and white paint mare who enjoys long rides and participates in local team -penning events. My partner is new to equestrian activities, so fortunately I usually have enough horse sense for the both of us. I was rescued by my partner last April, and became her first horse. After alot of medical care and attention, we began riding about a year ago. She provided me with tack that would make any horse hold it’s head up with pride. I was eager to go…until I saw her sneakers. The other horses in our riding club whickered at us behind our backs. My white patches turned pink with embarrassment. We were riding WESTERN, for crying out loud! My horse-feathers didn’t stay ruffled for long. I gently explained to her she needed to wear boots. I then stepped on her toes, just for emphasis. She went to a second hand store and came back with a pair of gently-worn boots. I thought our problems were solved…until about a month later when went on a trail ride. The morning started out cool, but by lunchtime, it was sweltering. It was even to hot to flirt with the gelding beside me. I was proud of the way my partner pulled me up and dismounted like a pro…until I realized the heels of her boots had peeled off and were still in my stirrups!
