Better late than never

The first article I turned to when I received my latest EQUUS was “Never Too Late” (Back Page, EQUUS 450). I, too, had wanted a horse my whole life. I never had riding lessons, and I rode only a dozen times in trail-horses-for-rent situations. But five years ago, at the age of 55, I rescued an 18-month-old Percheron filly and started the most incredible journey of my life.

She is now 2,200 pounds of opinionated, dominant mare (see photo above). She has taught me to be the compassionate but undeniable leader. I have had to learn to keep my emotions out of it and to figure out what is in it for her and what motivates her. She is, as one trainer put it, a “one-person horse,” and fortunately, that person is me. We play at liberty, and I ride her, but mostly we just hang out and enjoy each other’s company. Though many think I rescued her, I know it’s the other way around. Beth Covert Toledo, Ohio