My former coach, Kim, called me on Saturday afternoon with an interesting offer: She was looking for a home for a three-year-old thoroughbred mare she had rescued from the meat man and she wanted to give her to us. Kim has always felt bad about what happened to Ariel - it wasn't her fault, and we've never blamed her, but she said she wanted to "pay it forward". I need a horse, April needs a person - it just makes sense.
Except for the fact that we're trying to save for a down payment, that is. I've spent the past three days searching for a place to board that's within reasonable driving distance and not too expensive, but I don't think such a place exists. We can afford to keep her, but then we won't be saving anything.
Well, except a beautiful horse :)
April's not the first free horse to come my way since we lost Ariel four years ago, but she's definitely the sweetest. She's an in your face kind of filly, more interested in pats and scratches than eating her hay. I spent an hour with her last night and I fell in love. She has a few cosmetic blemishes from her days on the track but she's sound. She'll never be a jumper or a high level competition horse, but I'm at a point in my life where that's not what I'm looking for. I want a nice, friendly, family horse and that's what she is. She's the kind of horse I could ride and then throw Topher on and lead him around. She's young, but she's kind - definitely something I could work with.
But do I want a house, or do I want a horse?
I've been going back and forth for three days. Nathan's been a very patient listener!
The truth of the matter is that I want both. We've outgrown our condo and a house is within reach. We're planning to list our place early next year and hopefully be in a house of our own by the time summer rolls around - and then I can have my horse.
Look at me, being all grown up about things!
But still. We really need to start playing the lottery, and then I won't have these problems.