The night athena arrived

The night she arrived

It was September 10, 2019. I was like a little kid on Christmas while I waited for the trailer bringing Athena to arrive. What I had hoped would happen in the daylight, ended up happening in the dark. My oldest daughter and I excitedly took pictures as we saw the lights of the truck coming our way. (I know, pictures of truck lights in the dark, really?) We got her unloaded, took pictures in the barn, then tucked her in safely for the night. 

I was a mixed bag of emotions. I was sad for her. Since the slant load trailer was too small for her long body, it had rubbed a 3" rectangular spot raw on her hind end. She was confused and frightened being at a new place. I knew this barn would have been at least her 6th place of residence. All she wanted was stability and routine (and an ear scratch or two), but here she was, being moved again.

I was also happy. I OWN A HORSE, how cool is that?! I knew that night changed her life forever, I knew the kind of life I was going to give her, I'm sure she didn't feel lucky at the time, but she was. And, yes, I knew she would change our lives forever, too, I just didn't know how big of a change it was actually going to be. 

I won't lie, my next emotion was fear. WHAT THE HECK HAVE I DONE? I just bought a horse. A horse! An animal that weights 1300lbs! I can't pick up 1300lbs! I can't even move 1300lbs if it doesn't want to be moved. I don't know how to ride a horse without just holding onto the horn for dear life. I don't know horse nutrition. I don't know how often she needs to see a farrier. I don't know, I don't know, I don't know...I didn't even know what I didn't know. Oh yeah, and she was BIG. Why hadn't I followed my husband's advice to start small with a miniature pony, then work my way up? That seemed reasonable now as I looked up at her 17hh withers. 

In the midst of all of that was the emotion that seems to drive all my risky decisions (you know, like starting a business)....EXCITEMENT. Even when all of those "I don't knows" are there, I jump in head first. I find a way. I always find a way. A little faith that God won't lead me too far astray from the path he has for me, is also helpful. 

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Yes, this picture of headlights in the dark is the one I was telling you about.

Athena...Welcome Home

Do you remember the day your first horse arrived? Please share your story in the comments.