Thanks to Short Horses…
- October 11, 2015
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- Richelle Barrett
Posted in: Featured, Uncategorized
Being vertically challenged has caused me to appreciate short horses. While I do enjoy getting on a tall, leggy steed every now and then, I tend to veer towards my short, stocky Quarter Horse most days; especially when I am going to be spending the better part of my time horseback, and know I will have to be getting off and on more frequently than normal. It could be because I am lazy, or my status as a full-time office chair rider and part-time cowgirl has caused me to lose the flexibility needed to perform the aerobic feats needed to get on an extremely tall horse. Either way, trying to lift my foot up above my ear just to get on my horse tends to get old in a real hurry. Not to mention:
- It gets a little embarrassing having to have to find a mole hill or ditch to park my hoss next to or in just to get some leverage;
- I haven’t figured out how to make a collapsible bucket that I can fold into my pocket;
- The horn and his mane is a heck of a long ways away when I am the one standing in a hole.
Sometimes this is how the view feels when getting on a tall horse… luckily for me I was sitting on the ground when taking this pic, Bart is short enough to see over his withers when standing.
Although I have let go of my pride, and can accept the fact that I don’t need to ride a Clydesdale just to look good, other people I know still like to have a tall, long- legged horse under their saddle. Which is fine, when you are six feet tall and 20 years old. But for others, {like my dad, who is not the spring chicken he once was} why they don’t trade in their jacked-up ride for something that is a little closer to the ground is beyond me. Even though I get a good chuckle every time my dad tries to mount his Goliath of a horse, the grunts and groans exuded from him are enough to put a drama queen to shame. Being the sweet, loving daughter I am, I never miss a chance to tease him about buying himself a Shetland; his feet might drag a little, but at least a pony could just walk right under him and off he could go. No whining, whimpering, or carrying on… or at least a little less of it.
My dad’s horses… they apparently have a good sense of humor to deal with him.
I am thankful that my horse gives his vertically challenged rider a break from constant gymnastics practice. I am grateful that he makes me look good when I decide to take him for a ride, rather than making me look like a city-slicker that can’t mount-up. I hope he appreciates me not ripping out his mane hairs the next time I try to crawl up on him bareback. I sure do love my short and round little cow pony. As for the rest of you, may your horses be easy to mount and easy on your eyes!
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About Richelle Barrett
Richelle is a part time rancher, home office manager, full time wife, mother, and Customer Service Rep at the local telephone cooperative. She was born, raised, and lives on her parent's ranch in the North- Central part of Montana; and spends most days...