Shopping for that special relationship

On Sunday, Shirley, Lynn, and I went horse shopping. We had so much fun! Although we only got to see Romeo, a beautiful bay, it was not wasted time. Romeo is half Arab/ half Quarter horse. He is tall and long-legged, traits that instantly attracted Lynn. He crossed his front legs like a runway model when he walked and that concerned Shirley. I wasn't too sure I really wanted to get on and ride him until Lynn had as he seemed a little high strung. Anyway, long story short, Romeo's guy rode him around and we decided that he was probably too much horse for me--too much work and not enough fun. I told Lynn if she really liked him, she could ride him and I could always ride Ziggy--Mr. Easy-going.

We searched everywhere we could think of for ads selling horses, but we could not find any! The ones we had searched for on Craigslist and Dreamhorse.com did not leave phone numbers so we couldn't reach them either; however we had left our cell phone #s on their email and Lynn did speak with one who had already sold his gelding, but he was a nice guy and gave us some leads on others.

So after a lot of driving around, watching a slow gymkana, reading every free newspaper and horse magazine ad section, and talking to cashiers and feed store workers, we decided we would try again another day. We already had one possibility, Otter, in Oroville sort of set up, so we would just line up some more and come back.

It was a gorgeous day and we laughed until I thought I might have an accident--in more than one way. We also found another great place to ride! We met Romeo's seller at the Swasey Trailhead. He rides there all the time and gave us tips about the trails.

In a moment of serious, contemplative quiet, Shirley told me not to worry and not to fall in love with and buy the first horse I saw. She said no one could/should buy a horse for someone else. She likened it choosing someone's husband for them. Having a horse is a special relationship and that I would know it when I found it.

Although the advice is good and I appreciate the feeling behind it, I do wonder if she remembers that I am single and must have missed one part of the lesson along the way. So here's hoping I will recognize the special one for me when I meet him.