Who knew?

(My 1st horse, Sir Ali Baba)



I found out that there is a Swiss Quarter Horse Association, in Switzerland, that is. Not that this may be an interesting fact for many of you out there, but it sure made me smile! (FYI - a Quarter Horse is a specific breed of horse that I am partial to, probably since I've owned 2 of them.) Personally, I think my love of horses is genetic since my Grandpa and Mom both had horses growing up. I have many fond memories of being thrown while riding with Gramp and Mom.......there's nothing like hitting the dirt unexpectedly when a horse spooks or decides he doesn't want you on his back anymore. However, they say you are not a true rider until you've fallen off at least 7 times. That means I must be an EXCELLENT rider from as many times as I've bit the dust! Well, maybe that theory isn't exactly accurate.....

I wonder if horses are different in Switzerland? I'll have to ask lots of questions when I'm there. Such as, are the horses fed chocolate covered grain since the Swiss produce chocolate in mass quantities? (Sort of like how the cows at the Herr's potato chip factory in Nottingham, PA get fed the reject and old potato chips.....talk about high cholesterol beef!) Or, do they have yodeling competitions on horseback and the horses join in? Or do they teach their horses to ski the Alps? Just wondering.

I'm hoping to find a horse barn relatively close to where I will be living in Switzerland so I can help out and maybe ride occasionally. Horses are my "stress release" and I have a feeling I will be on the upper end of my stress level while learning a foreign language. Even breathing in the smell of a horse barn helps......well, that and chocolate. Today I cleaned and packed up my tack to store until I get another horse someday. I finally got my saddle out of my room this weekend and actually have room to start packing my clothes. I have debated taking a saddle to Cameroon......I could get a wild hair and make my family ship it later, won't they love that! ha ha Then again, maybe not.

Well, happy riding!
(This is Alex and me)