Every equestrian has that one special horse—the first to steal their heart and run away with it. Here at horseOlogy, our team is no different. Raised with the reins in hand and hay in our hair, we’ve each been shaped by incredible horses. Join us as we share the tales of our childhood companions, the horses who taught us how to ride and live passionately. These are more than just stories; they’re the chapters of our lives that made us who we are today. Enjoy the equestrian journeys that began in paddocks and pastures and continue in the spirit of horseOlogy.
Wishing on a Star
Jena’s horse history started very early, but one special mare impacted her the most. Hidden Star, an appendix quarter horse, was the first horse that was just hers and didn’t belong to anyone else. Other horses taught her the foundations, but Star taught her about riding, listening, and horsemanship. She taught Jena how to be tough when she hit the dirt and rewarded her with success in the show ring.
“She taught me that often you have to go left and right to move forward and that learning is not a straight line forward. So many life skills applied as adults were learned through that relationship with the almost completely black horse with her little star on her forehead!”
Star was very green and minimally trained when Jena started with her, so they learned together. Teaching a young rider and horse the ropes must have been challenging for her trainer.
As life evolved, Star taught many other kids the ropes! Jena received many pictures and notes from other young girls and women who had beautiful memories of Star through their show horse journey and learning how to ride.
“I’ll always be grateful for my time with Star and how much she taught me.”
The Duke of Hazard
Katie spent many years riding ponies, “I could still fit on one now.” Being raised on a Thoroughbred farm, she had very early exposure to off-track thoroughbreds. Her first foray away from ponies was a horse named Duke of Sewickley. He was a four-year-old thoroughbred, ready for a new job and a little girl to love him.
“It seemed a bit adventurous, being only six years old myself!”
They called him Hazard, a barn name taken from his racing name and the popular TV show of the 1980s.
“You couldn’t ask for a more gentle, kind horse. You’ve got to think the horses just know, right?”
Hazard plopped Katie around the tiniest cross rails, giving her the confidence to ride anything in the future, with a soft spot for the Thoroughbreds, of course.
A Little Bit Rock and Roll
Betsy was also raised around horses, but it was Rocky, also known as Roo. He was a Tennessee Walker, a gaited horse known for a four-beat walking pattern that can’t be taught to horses who don’t naturally possess the ability.
“His owner was moving and couldn’t bring him with her, so my mom bought him for my tenth birthday and surprised me with him.”
It’s every young girl’s fantasy to have their own horse, so Betsy was living the dream. And so was Roo. She was the only person who could ride him, and they would nap in the paddock together. She spent all her time in the barn once they brought him home. Betsy had been riding horses for a few years, but having Roo brought a whole new responsibility into her life.
“From the second I got home from school until it was dark out, I spent my time with Roo. It really puts into perspective how taking good care of a horse can change them and you for the better.”
We’d love to hear from you. What made you fall in love with horses?
Meet the Ologists
Follow horseOlogy online and on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to learn more about our team, thoroughbreds, and services. Call us at 855-HORSIES (855-467-7437) to set up your visit to our facility.
