A First Horse Welcome

Addyson and Zac

I'm thinking there needs to be a book---if it doesn't already exist.  

This book would have a simple title:  My First Horse.

Twould be a collection of personal accounts, with pictures or illustrations, of course. 

And, the great part?  Many, many sequels would follow, for the stories would be infinite. 

Through the ages, people have told tales of their first horse. 

Another such story unfolded last night at our neighbors' home over on Selle Road.

Addyson told me last night she had not slept too well this week after meeting Zac for the first time last Friday in Lewiston. 

Twas difficult to get her mind off the very moment when Zac would arrive at her family's small farm just through the woods and across the field from us. 

The moment finally arrived yesterday afternoon when Zac's owner Laurie appeared on Selle Road, pulling a trailer with Zac aboard. 

I heard there were tears because Zac was the first horse Laurie had ever sold.  She would not sell this seasoned show horse unless he went to a good home. 

Talk about a good home in a great neighborhood for the new four-legged kid on the block.  

Horses all around.  

Pretty much any direction Zac could look from his new pasture, he could see new friends sometimes whinnying back at him. 

Zac's homecoming was truly a family affair, plus friends.

 Those friends, my sisters Barbara and Laurie, took Addyson under their wings after she spent hours at their Tibbs Arabians booth at the county fair.

Since then, Addyson, who's 11, has spent hours at their ranch, learning basic horsemanship and even riding their horses.  

Eventually news came of a potential first horse for Addyson.  This news came from yet another person who's loved horses to the core his entire life----former trainer and current horse show judge Monty Collison who grew up in Sandpoint. 

Monty totally understood from his own experience what it's like to dream of and eventually own horses. 

So, the combination of my sisters, Monty, his former client Laurie and a very supportive family led to yesterday's magic moment when a young lady welcomed her new best buddy, along with parents, siblings and grandparents. 

Addyson's dad Jared didn't get too much time to stand around and admire because he was reinforcing fence to make sure Zac would stay safely inside his new enclosure. 

Last night's gathering for the coming of Zac was truly memorable and divine for all involved as Zac got acquainted with his territory, including the water supply inside his barn.  He also enjoyed a nice roll in the lush green grass of his new paddock. 

What a moment it was!  And, what stories are yet to come, but the one most meaningful, like so many others, will be the day Addyson welcomed her first horse. 

Thanks to the family for letting me invade during this very special time. Looks like a winning combo for years to come. 

Plus, I still think that book might be a good idea. Any takers on telling your personal first-horse stories????