“Just horsin around”

When we first set foot on the sprawling land of the Williams Homestead, we quickly discovered we weren’t the only ones calling this place home. Among the most notable residents was Dolly, a spirited paint mare with quite a personality. From the very first moment I laid eyes on her, I felt an eagerness to befriend her—and eventually ride her.

Dolly’s backstory was somewhat of a mystery. Once a roping horse, she had found her way to our pasture through a barter and trade deal. Now, with her well-being resting in our hands, we quickly realized that caring for a horse was a whole new world of responsibility—one we were anxious to embrace. Despite our lack of experience with horses, I had always heard they could be quite costly, and my research soon confirmed it. A few quick Google searches led me to the conclusion that we needed to enlist the help of a professional.

If you’re in the Oklahoma City/Edmond area, I can’t recommend Dr. Whitfield at EMA enough. She made the trip to our homestead and assessed Dolly’s age to be 12 years old as of 2022—an invaluable piece of information for a novice horse owner like ourselves. Dr. Whitfield shared a treasure trove of knowledge, offering tips and insights that helped boost our confidence. We got Dolly vaccinated, dewormed, and even learned that her teeth needed to be floated –  the process of gently filing away sharp edges or hooks to present a firm, flat surface for more efficient chewing. Did you know a horses teeth constantly grow? Without regular care, they can develop painful sores that might affect their eating habits and overall health.

What Do Horses Really Need?

Caring for Dolly opened my eyes to the various needs of horses, which I hadn’t considered before:

1. Space: Horses require about 2 acres each for grazing and roaming. Thankfully, our homestead provides ample space for Dolly to thrive.
2. Veterinary Care: It’s essential to have a reliable equine vet nearby for farm calls. Otherwise, transporting a horse to the vet can be quite the ordeal for a first time horse owner!
3. Bedding: Initially, we didn’t prioritize this since half our land was wooded and offered natural shelter. However, after a year, we decided to invest in a loafing shed, complete with a tack room, which has been a lifesaver and well worth the money for all our animals during harsh weather.
4. Feed: The cost of livestock feed quickly became a major expense for us, and I think Troy would agree it’s a consistent expense. In summer, Dolly can graze, but we must supplement with pellet feed and hay during the winter months.
5. Companionship: Horses are social creatures and thrive in the company of others. While we haven’t added another horse yet, Dolly enjoys the company of our cattle, forming her own little herd.

Lessons Learned

Owning Dolly has been an incredible journey filled with learning experiences. In the weeks following our move, we dedicated countless hours to getting her used to being haltered and led. One particularly sweltering August afternoon, we spent hours bathing and grooming her, feeling a bond start to blossom between her and us. Each small victory—gaining her trust, hearing her respond to my voice—felt like a step toward the partnership we envisioned.

Eager to take our relationship to the next level, I decided I wanted to ride her. I stumbled upon a local horse trainer offering to “break” horses in 30 days. With Dolly’s previous training, I thought it would be a straightforward process. After some persuasion, Troy agreed to let me go ahead.

However, after 30 days, I received a message from the trainer saying he hadn’t been able to work with her enough and wanted to keep her another month—at no charge. That turned into a lengthy three-month saga, during which we anxiously awaited Dolly’s return. When she finally arrived back home in the dark, we were devastated to discover that she was in poor condition, and the trainer blamed it on worms.

A visit from the vet the very next day revealed the truth: it wasn’t worms or illness; it was a lack of proper care. I felt crushed. The weight of my perceived failure loomed heavily over me, and I couldn’t help but wonder, “What am I doing? I have failed her.”

Yet, as we navigated through this setback, we learned a valuable lesson about resilience. Life is all about trial and error; we cannot learn without making mistakes. With time and patience, we helped Dolly regain her health and vitality, and while I still haven’t ridden her solo, Troy has led us around together.

Dolly has become an integral part of our homestead. She adds her own unique flair to our lives, with her sassy demeanor and occasional sweet moments that never fail to bring us joy—and laughter, especially when she strikes a pose during her midnight stretches caught on the trail cam or sunbathing in the sunny weather!

Embrace the Journey

So, if you’re contemplating diving into something new—whether it’s horse ownership or another venture—don’t shy away from it. Understand that you may stumble along the way, but each misstep is a stepping stone toward growth. Embrace the journey, learn from your experiences, and enjoy the moments of joy and connection that come your way. After all, it’s the challenges that make the rewards so much sweeter!