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Merit Badge Chit Chat:                  Horse Dreams   | 
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                 Ginger Dawn 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                    
                99 Posts
  
                Ginger 
                Inwood 
                WV 
                
                USA 
                99 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - May 26 2017 :  05:54:58 AM
                        
                      
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                      One of my favorite things about being a MaryJane Farmgirl Sisterhood member is the opportunity to learn. I know I have mentioned this many times during the past few years but the best way to expand one’s being is to try new things! My son loves animals and we often admire all the different horses that are in our local area. I decided to surprise him and I booked a four hour guided trail ride for us. 
 
  
  Ok.. I surprised me too since I have never been horseback riding! The breed of horse that we road was a Thoroughbred. My horse was named Slim and my son rode a horse named Bandit. Below is some basic information that I learned about this breed. I also learned that a horse can pick up if you are nervous which I was. However, I put my best mindful breathing into practice and managed to have a great time. My son did too. We rode along the ridge of the mountain and across the creek to a wildflower meadow. 
  I only made one mistake while riding. This is important girls… So read this next part. If the horse you are riding decides to tailgate another horse and that horse in front of you decides to use the bathroom..... Do not and I repeat do not try to move your foot back when the horse moves to the side making you a target of bodily horse functions. The horse did not recognize what I was doing and decided to jump. Nevertheless, I was able to calm Slim down and hey green shoes might become a new fashion…. So if you never have rode a horse, give it a try and expect to be a bit sore the next day. The best part is the memory created with my son and that was priceless.
  Oh and I highly recommend reading The Soul of a Horse by Joe Camp. This is not only well written but is heartwarming! As the author and his wife discover more about their horses, they learn about their self and the power of relationships. 
 
     Origin: England
  Distinguishing Traits: Refined head; Long neck; Sloping shoulders; Deep body; Muscular hindquarters; Fine long legs
  Description: One of the most popular and recognizable horse breeds in the world, the Thoroughbred is a hot-blooded horse best known for its ability to excel in horseracing. The word “thoroughbred” is often used to refer to any purebred horse, but the term actually refers to the English breed developed in the 18th and 19 centuries. In terms of appearance, the Thoroughbred resembles its Arabian ancestors. Although used primarily for racing, the breed is also used for other disciplines including jumping, fox hunting, and barrel racing
 
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                 MaryJanesNiece 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                7965 Posts
   
                Krista 
                  
                Utah 
                USA 
                7965 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - May 26 2017 :  09:13:23 AM
                        
                      
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                      What a wonderful adventure, Ginger! And a great way to make lasting memories with your son. Thanks for the tidbit of important information! I'll remember that. It's been about 7 years since I last went horseback riding and I think it's about time I go again. Now to get my husband to take me!
  Krista | 
                     
                    
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                 suny58 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                4521 Posts
   
                Dianna 
                Jack 
                Al. 
                USA 
                4521 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - May 26 2017 :  2:57:35 PM
                        
                      
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                      OH GINGER!!!  How awesome is that??? I'm with Krista..it's been a while but I think it would be a great thing to do with my grand daughter!  Thank you for passing on the info and things you learned.  i bet your son will never forget that!  :)  Have a blessed weekend!
  Farmgirl #7703 Dianna "Blessed are they that see beautiful things in humble places, where other people see nothing." Pissarro | 
                     
                    
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                 MailLady 
                Farmgirl in Training 
                   
                49 Posts
  
                  
                  
                  
                USA 
                49 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - May 26 2017 :  4:55:03 PM
                        
                      
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                      Good for you!  What fun.
  Christine #7397 | 
                     
                    
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                 Ginger Dawn 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                    
                99 Posts
  
                Ginger 
                Inwood 
                WV 
                USA 
                99 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jun 01 2017 :  1:20:41 PM
                        
                      
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                      Thank you for the kind comments. I wanted to add a bit more about the book The Soul of a Horse by Joe Camp. I give it my highest recomendations.
  I did enjoy reading this book by Joe Camp. His writing style reminds me of James Harriott. Moreover, I really enjoyed reading about the relationship and perspective of the wild horse herd. Many of the quotes could even reflect on the relationship of he and his wife. I really admire Kathleen and I don't know how I would have responded to a birthday gift of a horse. 
 
 
  My favorite quote was, "Just because something has always been done a certain way does not necessarily mean it's the best way, or the correct way or the healthiest way for your horse, or your relationship with your horse or your life." 
 
  I plan on reading more books by Joe Camp. I hope this added information will help y'all with your Horse Dreams badge. 
 
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                       Edited by - Ginger Dawn on Jun 01 2017  1:21:23 PM | 
                     
                    
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                 Red Tractor Girl 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                6838 Posts
   
                Winnie 
                Gainesville 
                Fl 
                USA 
                6838 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jun 02 2017 :  7:46:15 PM
                        
                      
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                      What a fun adventure you and your son enjoyed!! I am glad you had a wonderful time on your first horseback ride too! It is quite scary and thrilling to be on such a big animal !!
  Winnie #3109 Red Tractor Girl Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015 | 
                     
                    
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Merit Badge Chit Chat:                  Horse Dreams   | 
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