Flower Children Forever

I am close to positive that one of the very first things that I said to Lee when I met her, was "wow he is so shiny!". And genuinely, B could easily blind you! His coat actually glistens, and even in the darkness of the barn aisle, I was blown away. He looks cut straight from ebony.

Lee is a self described crazy horse woman, and helicopter mom to two senior horses and a teenage ottb. She is such a blast to talk to about her horses. You can tell she really believes in all the potential each of her horse's have, regardless of age. She is consistently supplying them with the best possible, including a personal groom for B who makes him shimmer!

When I talked to Lee she mentioned how she is planning to give up the riding life any time soon: "As one who has aged out of the typical "crazy horse girl" stereotype, I feel that the stereotypical equestrian/horse girl sees me as not quite ready to put "out to pasture" or able to take on a "second career," but as a kind of "pasture ornament." I feel looks and sometimes the direct question, "You still ride?" asked by equestrians, interestingly, is seldom asked by non-horse people." She thinks its important for people of all walks of life to experience everything that comes from bonding with horses.

When I asked Lee how she helps encourage diversity and positivity in her personal community she responded with: "I have attempted to encourage older riders and owners to persevere and do their own thing despite whispers by petty young barn girls. As equestrians of age, we have shifted our focus of the barn as primarily a place to socialize and gossip or as a gathering place for a group of fiercely focused competitors to a place where we are free to do whatever and whenever we choose with our horses. The older "faint of heart" equestrian may shy away from "doing their thing" with their horses given the subtle sense of exclusion and sometimes rude behaviors directed at them. I have been there and had to make a conscious decision to persist because my horses are my priority and I refused to give this life up now when I actually have a bit more time to spend with my "kids." This is a decision I had to make that was not easy but necessary for both me and my horses. It is my hope that by sharing my experience this will encourage others to put their horse above what can be an uncomfortable situation as I had to do, and move on to a personal comfort zone/ "greener pasture.""

Working with Lee was so lovely. I felt like we really had a lot to connect on, and a lot to share when it came to horses and doing your thing despite what others might think. She is refreshing to speak to, and a genuine joy to be around, and I cannot express how much I loved getting to love on B. I am such a sucker for the older animals, and he is truly a kind wise soul.