We made it to New Hampshire! This has been one of the most fun road trips we've ever taken - I love the New England states. I'm not sure the car was in park before Zoe and I jumped out. When we pulled into Sue's LONG driveway, the first thing we saw was a beautiful barn. Behind the barn was a chicken coop with 18 chickens. Does it get any better than this? Oh, yes, it certainly does.. Our future horse was just around the corner in his stall. When Doc came around the corner and locked eyes with Zoe, it was love at first sight. Zoe reached over and gave him a big kiss on his nose. It was like looking at myself at her age. Surreal isn't the word, it was like having a flashback.
I was Zoe's age when my parents got me my 1st horse. She wasn't a 'dream horse' my any stretch of the means but she was mine, all mine. She challenged me in ways I never thought possible and to be completely honest, I probably spent more time getting thrown off of her than I did riding her. She was a strong willed girl but so was I! I tried not to give up on her until it got to the point where she just wasn't enjoyable to ride. My dad finally bought me my dream horse, Joey. I'm not sure they came more perfect than Joey. He was my best friend! I lived, breathed, and dreamed everything - horses! Needless to say, seeing Zoe with Doc brought back every single memory.
We were able to spend 2 days with Doc. Saturday, we woke up early and met the trainer for a couple hours of riding. I of course went first, not that I minded. Zoe went second, and Mimi pulled up the rear. Doc was a pure gentleman. I had hearts in my eyes before I was done riding. I couldn't stop kissing him, and oh, did he smell so good. I know this sounds crazy, but I swear he smelled like honey! I keep saying in my head, "Is this really happening?"
Here is how this all came to be.... Sue, Shelli's co-worker and friend, who lives in New Hampshire on 8 acres, with her husband, 18 chickens, 2 horses, and 6 cats is close to retiring. They want to move to Utah and down size. (Sue hurt her back and can no longer ride) As much as she loves the horses, it's just too much for her to keep up with - plus she cannot ride them. Sue knows what kind of animal people we are and in passing asked Shelli, half joking, if we would be interested in taking Doc, her Quarter horse. Sue had visions of me with Doc in horse diapers walking around in the basement. Of course, there was no question we were interested, but we had to find the perfect place. It took us a little while to do some research. We knew we didn't want a stable that was too busy, with lessons, kid birthday parties, horse shows, etc. After searching the local papers, internet, and talking to people, we found the perfect place. It's close to home and just what we were looking for. A quiet (PRIVATE) farm. We then knew we were ready to make Doc a part of the family.
After being with him for 2 full days, leaving him wasn't easy. We will be counting the days until he is here in June. Words cannot describe how excited we are. Zoe is even signed up for horse camp this summer! Thank you Sue and Ron for a great weekend. One will we never forget!
