Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Welcome, Sima

I've been looking for a beginner horse for the boys since last summer.  Pierce really wants to learn to ride.  I got preapproved with a rescue for adoption, but they never got in the type of horse we needed.  Finally I placed an ad on an equestrian site for Virginia.  I got great response, but immediately fell for Sima, and formed a friendship with his owner.  We were chatting back and forth online for weeks.  I could tell how much she loved him.

He's been doing eventing (a combination of jumpers, cross country, and dressage) up in Northern Virginia, and became sour with all the jumping.  He is 18 and ready for a quieter lifestyle.  I reached out to my old riding friends from high school that are still in that area, and was able to make a connection through one that vouched for Sima, and reassured us that he would make a good horse for a beginner.  We were so happy the day he arrived.

He's affectionate.  He loves head rubs.  And he's so calm.  I gave him a couple of days to settle in and then took him for a test ride.  He was a perfect gentleman, with a big bouncy trot.  He's very responsive to the rider - the slightest shift in weight or turn of my head would change his direction.  He has one of the softest mouths of any horse I've ever ridden, and on a long rein at the walk was practically dragging his nose on the ground. 

The next day I looked at him and told him to take care of Pierce for me.  Then I stuck him up there.  He took a few turns on the lunge line, and then I let him loose.  Sima was happy to just walk calmly around the arena.  Pierce kept saying, "Mom, this is so fun!".  And the kid hasn't even trotted yet!

I'm enjoying riding Sima once in a while myself.  Although Francie gets jealous and throws temper tantrums in the pasture.  So I have to make sure I ride her too! 
He looks so much like my show horse in high school, Chico, in the above picture that I have to do a double take every time I see it.  It was so cold on this day that I had on three layers to stay warm.

We look forward to many more rides with Sima.  I'm excited for when Pierce learns to ride enough that maybe he can ride Sima and I can ride Francie and the two of us can head off on the trails around our place. 

24 comments:

M.E. Masterson said...

Awesome!!!
Congrats!!

Sunnybrook Farm said...

That is a nice looking horse, he is going to enjoy all the attention. I think I found someone who wants Dusty, he has 2 other draft horses and I want him to be around other ones. The guy isn't one of those wheeler dealer horse people that can't be trusted so I am happy about that but will miss having him around. It is good when horses can go to good owners with other horses!

Out on the prairie said...

Sharp looking horse, a good find for your family

Lin said...

WOW! That is exciting news! It's a win-win for all. Happy New Horse! Can't wait to hear updates.

Sally said...

How wonderful, Lisa! So happy for Pierce, and all of you. :)

xoxo

Ginny Hartzler said...

He is beautiful! He must be the perfect horse for the boys...I am sure that later, the others will want to ride like big brother. Wish I could feel his soft mouth. That is so funny about Francie's jealousy!!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

He looks like a sturdy, calm, quiet - been there done that - horse - perfect addition to your farm. May you and the boys enjoy many happy trails with your new horse. He certainly landed in a good home.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Congrats.... That horse will be awesome for your family --and he will also be happy to be there!!!!! SO --it's a win-win situation.....

I'm sure Pierce will enjoy Sima. Will the other two boys learn also???? Bet so--when the time comes.

Hugs,
Betsy

Tom said...

...handsome fellow.

Mary said...

Lovely story and i know Sima has found a wonderful new home with you and the boys! I went back to read how you acquired Francie - brought more than a few tears to my eyes!

Hugs to you sweet lady.
Mary x

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to your new addition. They make a great looking pair!

Linda said...

Congratulations! Pierce is a lucky kid!

Stephanie said...

Oh my gosh, what a wonderful gift for your little one. My Husband rode horses as a child, I'm only brave enough to pet them and take pictures!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

How exciting. I am so happy for all of you! He is beautiful.

Harry Flashman said...

That's a beautiful horse. Your son looks very happy (and proud) up there in the saddle. When they are grown up and gone, your boys will think back on living in the woods and be grateful for the experience.

Annette said...

What a beautiful horse! My aunt owned an older horse for a while, and I had the pleasure of riding him a few times as a kid. It's one of those memories you never forget. You and Pierce will have an AWESOME time out on the trails together.

DMS said...

How wonderful! I am a lover of horses and have worked on different horse farms. So glad you found the perfect horse for your son to start riding. Sima sounds delightful and what a thrill for Pierce to getting a taste of riding. So happy for all of you. :)
~Jess

tweedles said...

wonderfull

Aodhnait said...

Fantastic! Glad to hear one of your boys is starting to ride. Happy trails ahead!

Beatriz said...

Gorgeous!
By the way, he'll learn quickly!

Cheers

Bia
www.biaviagemambiental.blogspot.com

Jenn Jilks said...

This is so joyful!

Starry Dawn said...

Dear friend, Lisa,
OH!! WOW!! Your new horse, "Sima" is gorgeous and amazing. I love his white skin & precious mane. I LOVE HORSES & PONIES!! I'm sure Pierce is so happy riding his new horse, a beautiful gift from mom & dad. Francie might be looking a little bit jealous at your new acquisition, but you'll ride her too. Right? I read my older comment at the time you adopted Francie years ago. I'll include it here for you to read. Your Blog is one of the best ones in Blogland, since you always post about many different things in your life.
This is my older comment about Francie... You are an Angel of God!
I am reading your most touching story about the horses, and your new horse, Francie, which has moved my heart and brought me into tears...
Of course, I'll be back for more updates on this beautiful baby who deserves to live -just like the other horses. I think the world may need more people like you, with big hearts to help others in need.
You are a real blessing.
I am glad to have met you in Blogland, Lisa.
God bless your beautiful heart.
Big Hugs & All the Best,
Poet Starry.

Indah Nuria Savitri said...

Look at that! I have been wanting to ride a horse and up until now, I haven't been successful! So happy to see Pierce and you enjoying your rides..

An Apel a Day said...

That's great that you found the perfect horse. It's so pretty!