Hmmm.... Where I grew up there was plenty room for a horse and they were cheep. So, by the time I was in 1st grade I had a horse and filly. In the winter I'd go feed the horse, which involved crossing 2 creeks and a nice walk. Sometimes my Dad would go with me when the creek was high. Those were the only 2 horses my Dad bought me, I bought the rest my self.

My parents were not "horse people" and I learned what I could from others and reading. Getting a saddle on a horse as a little kid was challenge. As I got a little older I gave up on the saddle and just started riding bareback, soon I was able stand up by the horses neck, grab a handful of mane and swing on Indian style. Winter time riding through the woods on the back of a warm horse was really nice. Summer time horse sweat and dirt on the jeans was nasty. So I started strapping on a blanket with a girth and a girth strap for those long summer time rides, mostly alone. Sometimes friends would come over and ride and I'd break out the saddle for them.

As I got older I asked for a horse trailer to take the horses different places to ride. I got one but always had to go unhook the truck from a gooseneck flatbed before I could hook up to the horse trailer. I did get one nice horse that I got into show jumping with. He hadn't been trained for it and we were both learning quickly. Guess too many people saw his potential and he disappeared from the pasture. Spent most of my time just riding the woods by my house and sometimes the little burger joint nearby to make the horse step on the little line in the road so the people inside would take my drink order and I'd head back to the house. I rode so much that I am kinda bow legged!

Now all I have is a BLM mustang (who I can't ride, but have high hopes to do so) and a BLM burro who is NOT wild at all. I'd love to just take off through the woods down an old logging road and go riding. Am I crazy?