Legacy, the Beginning.

In my recent search for a horse to shareboard or lease, I came across an ad for a 20 year old, 15.2 hand, chestnut Arabian in Bartlett, only about ten minutes away. He was advertised as both English and Western, second level Parelli. I was put into contact with the owner, Chris. Here's how the conversation went.

Me: Where is he boarded?
Chris: Do you know Bartlett?
Me: Yeah, I live in Streamwood. (neighboring town)
Chris: Do you know Sunset Hill?
Me: WHAT!? No way!
Chris: Hm?
Me: I used to volunteer there! With Georgette?
Chris: OH! JESSICA! I REMEMBER YOU, YOU USED TO RIDE GAMBLER!
Me: YEAH!

So, it turns out that my previously prospective lease horse actually boards at the stable where I used to ride for the past six years! This meant I didn't have to be nervous to meet all the new people or get used to a new environment. I didn't even have to be too nervous about making a good impression because I actually already KNEW the lady who owns him! I just haven't been around the barn for the past year or so because of school and work...

As of November 23rd, I have been shareboarding Legs, financed by my own money, and set up all on my own. My parents haven't even met Chris or Legacy. I have to admit that I'm pretty proud of that.

Already, Legs and I have gone up and down and all around. He's a carrot-monger and a bit of a cranky old man as far as I'm concerned, but he seems to put up with a lot from me. I've gotten used to his dreadfully bumpy trot and finally figured the proper length for my stirrups. The other day we even had an episode where, after I'd let him loose in the arena for a bit, he came to my side and mirrored my every move, trotting when I broke into a jog and stopping when I stopped. I look at that as his acceptance of me and the real beginning of a great relationship.

Here he is, my darling old man.



And, for your viewing pleasure, a little video of all my pictures and clips of him so far.

This is Blaze, a big old thoroughbred who has been at Sunset Hill since my first days there, in the seventh grade. He's the only one left since Georgette, the previous owner, was fired...but more on that another day.



This is Sonny, a little Paint boy who lives out in the back pasture with Legs. He is owned and ridden by Eliza, the most energetic and obnoxious fifteen year old girl I've ever met. Somehow, she still manages to be extremely charming :3 Sonny tolerates more than any other horse I've seen and is surprisingly mellow and kind. I believe he is six or seven years old and rides English.

Oh, and, last but not least, here is Bob the barncat, also known as BobCat. I was at Sunset Hill years ago, the day that he came in. He was skinny and his fur was matted and brown with dirt. He's still pretty matted, but he's much healthier now and is probably the most sociable barncat I've ever met.

♥♥♥♥♥

Bo, the Beast.

So, I've been eyeing dachshund puppies. But the problem with that is. I just got a puppy. But now she's about ten months old and she's the dumbest dog ever. I love her, man, but. What a retard. XD

It's just crazy, okay, hear this. Ten years ago we got a free puppy from some farm in South Dakota. Dakota. This dog has been a perfect angel her whole life, and is quite honestly comparable to Lassie in her dedication and intelligence. Now, this past march, my dad pays $700 for another labrador, purebred, from supposed "hunting lines", rather than taking the free one off the back of that pickup truck behind the old movie theatre. Well, that's Bo. The dumbest $700 puppy to ever walk the earth. Not only that! But she couldn't find her ass end in an empty room, much less find some birds when my dad takes her hunting. At least she tries... :3 Little shit.

I sure do love her, though.