Monday, January 7, 2008

One Year Blogging Anniversary for Grandma and her Arabian Horses




Today is my one year anniversary blogging on blogger. Although I didn't get a post of up every single day, I came close, with my total number of posts being 337.

From the start I've had some other horse bloggers who were there encouraging me. So I would like to thank those first visitors Learning Horses and Dressage Mom and ProPhoto By Lori who have been here from the beginning of this new career of mine. If you haven't already, stop by and pay their blogs a visit.

You can thank Lori for the pictures. From her very first comment she was asking me to post pictures of my Arabian horses. I think it was her push that finally got me adding images to my posts.

The very first post I started off in this blogging adventure was Trash Talking Arabian Horses I'm still pretty proud of this post. It speaks loudly to who I am and my mission here. Nothing makes me crazier than people putting down the breed of horses that I love. Particularly when they don't really know that much about them. Prejudice and ignorance don't really have an appropriate place in this world, if you ask me.

Learning Horses had a point in her comment on that post. Many horse folks are never exposed to the sensitivity of a hot blooded horse, so the alertness, the energy, the true spirit are seen as 'dangerous' and 'anti-horse', but the truth of the matter is, if they could learn to expand their horizons there would be so many horses open to them. And, they wouldn't have to wear spurs nearly as much! hehe. :)

I have always been loyal to the Arabian horse, ever since I can first remember. As some of you know, I was abused as a child and that abuse led to a dark depression that almost swallowed me whole. My first Arabian horse, Scandalous helped to free me from that depression. Granted I had to do some pretty intensive therapy but the way that Scandalous fed my soul no clinical therapy could ever have provided.The emotional connection between that mare and I literally gave me back my life.

I rely on that unique bond that Arabian horses have for humans to keep me centered. I have faced some of the biggest challenges in life with an Arabian horse at my side to guide me. I can't imagine a day in my life without an Arabian horse to share my dreams and sorrows with. I hope I never have to.

I feel so indebted to the Arabian horse that I put a lot of effort into educating people about this special breed. Not just here on the internet but in other activities as well. I am committed to the Arabian horse. There is nothing I would like more than to have that prejudice against Arabian horses shrivel up and die except to see the breed treated better by human beings.

I have taken a lot of flack for posting about training abuses. I will continue to do so in the future. I can defend myself, the Arabian horse cannot. So I will continue to be their champion. Hopefully, along the way, some closed minded people will finally see the light, open up their minds and find a better way to train these animals, and all horses for that matter.

I love sharing the stories of what these special horses mean to me knowing that by doing so I am breaking down the walls of ignorance that have been perpetuated against the Arabian horse. There is no horse as personable or endearing as the Arabian horse.

Bred by the Bedouins and even harbored in their tents, these horses have come over the centuries to be like no other with their unique ability to connect emotionally with man. Selected for their dispositions and their loyalty as well as their athletic ability, the Bedouins entrusted their very survival to the Arabian horse. These horses would give their lives for their masters and some did.

While Arabian horses are known and by some criticized for their incredible spirit, that is only one dynamic that makes them so different from other horses. Arabian horses are very sensitive and caring. They pick up on the feelings of those around them, humans and horses, almost like they have developed an extra sense.
Arabian horses are also very expressive. Looking at their faces you can read what goes on in their minds. They have the most expressive faces of any breed of horse. I swear you can see brows wrinkled up in a question or raised in disbelief. That and a whole other range of emotions can be read on the face of an Arabian horse.

I love the soft expressive eye as I train an Arabian horse. It tells me that horse is trying or it tells me the horse is confused. Whatever it tells me, it helps to guide me in finding a way to train this horse. I count on it. In the show ring, it tells the judge of the special bond between us and sets us apart from others who have not worked to establish this commitment.

To this day there is nothing more rewarding to me that to go the the barn after a hard day, only to have my Arabian horse hang his/her head over my shoulder and commiserate with me. Just knowing that my horse knows I had a bad day and cares, makes me feel better. What more can you ask for than that?

I've been told that I have an unusual amount of passion for the Arabian horse. Even knowing my story with Scandalous doesn't seem to answer why that is for some. So have you ever wondered where such passion comes from? What drives me to such extents in protection of this horse. Is there another story?


Visit Blog Village and vote daily for this blog Here They are now measuring the rankings by votes out, so if you find my blog on the site, please click that link too to improve my rankings. TY

18 comments:

  1. First off...happy first blogging year anniversary! Second...a big standing ovation on the writing of this entry! LOVED it! It was wonderful. I have to totally agree with every word you wrote! I can not tell you how often I hear the prejudice about the Arabian...in fact a friend of mine likes to give me a hard time about Diago and the breed in general. And honestly I'll most likely never ever have any other breed of horse. I couldn't have asked for a better friend than Diago.

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  2. Thanks so much MiKael, I am so proud to have been singled out as one of your special blogging buddies, you truly have a passion and drive that I hope I can achieve someday soon. I am so glad that you started posting the pictures, the pictures taken by you and your professional photographer are beautiful. I have always loved horses and never really focused on one breed, we didnt get a lot of spotted horses where I was born or Arabians, mainly Thoroughbreds, but my route took me in the direction of paint horses. I love the Arabian's spirit, animation and character and just wish I had more around here to photograph.

    Congrats on one year. Hope you are feeling better (((Huge Hugs))) I know it has been a hard year so here's hoping for a better 2008.

    Lori
    xx

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  3. Happy birthday, horse-lover. Here's to the next!

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  4. A beautiful horse. What a nice portrait.

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  5. Congratulations on your one year anniversary! I love reading your posts and my respect and love of the Arabian breed has grown through your shared knowledge.

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  6. You win for best comment of the day...

    The footy pajamas to flak jacket question has been answered!!

    And I love that it's all due to testicles (not tentacles!!)

    I LOVE your sense of humor!!

    Hallie

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  7. Happy blogiversary! Mine came and went and I didn't even notice...oops.

    I think my passion for Arabians comes from working with them as a kid when I didn't have any preconceived notions of what a horse should be. Then when I worked with other breeds it became clear that Arabians were the breed for me.

    My dressage trainer and I were talking the other day about how it would be difficult (impossible, really) to replace Kaswyn. I said that my next horse would certainly be an Arabian, and she said "Oh, I could definately see you on a part Arabian/part warmblood!" To which I replied "Yes, I know those partbreds are nice, but if I'm going to ride an Arabian, I'm going to ride a purebred!" You can call me an Arabian snob, I guess.

    And thanks for mentioning my blog. You're blog is so popular, and so well written. I'm honored!

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  8. My daughter showed on her white Arabian Cyrie (English of course)and when we had the ranch, most of our boarded horses were Arabians. There is nothing better than watching any Arabian running around an arena with the tail held high. They are the best and the pictured one on this blog is absolutely gorgeous.

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  9. Congrats on making it a year MiKael! I'm fast approaching my year mark as well.

    I think you do a wonderful job of promoting the good in Arabian horses. Keep up the wonderful work.

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  10. I, too, have encountered biases in the horse world. My gelding is a Standardbred and I have been asked/told everything from: Why in the world would you want one of those when you could get a REAL horse?? to What do you do with standardbreds....can you actually RIDE them?? (yes -- believe it or not, I have been asked this question which just goes to show how ignorant some people are about horses).

    I have also encountred bias's regarding different riding disciplines. My response to this is usually...Well if I wanted to jump, I certainly wouldn't do it in a western sadde and if I wanted to cut cattle, I'm not going to do it in an english saddle!! Riding is all about what suits you, your personality, and your horse. Frankly, I could care less if someone wants to do handstands on their bareback horse while eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. If they love their horse, take good care of them, and enjoy what they do -- THAT'S COOL!

    I have said before and will say again. Every breed has good and bad eggs. It's not the breed that makes them good or bad, but rather the people that work with them! Good people make good horses.

    The pictures of your horses are beautiful!! I can't wait to get some nice pictures of Grif on my blog.

    Carol
    (aka Campin Horseluvr)

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  11. Mikael---Happy Anniversary. I enjoy your comments and your blog tremendously. I have to admit, I grew up with a father who told "arabian" jokes---but I leased one in my 30's and fell in love with the breed. AJ--was an amazing guy with tons of heart, energy, and was a beautiful mover. I learned so much from him and he made me a better rider. So here's to Arabians--thanks for sharing your horses and the breed with us:-)

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  12. Happy 1 year of blogging! Gorgeous photo of Legs on this post. I too have always had a special attraction/connection with Arabian horses. Since a child I have collected model of them, drawn them, read about them, ridden many part breds, and gone to Arab shows to admire & photograph them. I always go through the barns and say "hello" to as many as I can. You are so right about their expressions! They seem to know I love them and give back in return. Other breeds don't usually care whether you talk to them in the stalls or not. Arabian horses RULE!!!

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  13. I can't get enough of your gorgeous pics!

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  14. Congratulations on the first anniversary of your terrific blog.
    I have loved every entry. It is so full of insight, wisdom and the wonder of the horses that we all love. After having spent over 30 years with horses, I still learn something new from each of your posts. You photos are wonderful. I do believe you have the most beautiful horses!

    Keep writing!

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  15. L, thank you. It's amazing how time flies.

    equinespirit,I'm with you. I can't imagine myself with any other breed of horse.

    lori, thank you for being here from the beginning.

    dickiebo, that makes me laugh. The thought of a whole year of posts seems like a daunting task.

    Thank you for visiting my blog and commenting here.

    abraham, thank you, I love looking at how happy this horse is in the snow.

    kathy c, thank you for visiting regularly here. I'm glad I could share my view of Arabian horses with you.

    hallie, thanks I couldn't resist. It just felt like a natural.

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  16. dressagemom, I'm sure that no other horse will ever replace Kaswyn in your heart but there will be others as special and talented as he, just with their own uniqueness.

    I afraid I'm a purebred snob as well. lol

    Thanks for being one of my first readers. Your comments have been appreciated. And congrats on your one year anniversary too!!

    the moose buyer, thank you for visiting my blog. I love the sight of an Arabian strutting their stuff as well, it's one of my favorite things in life.

    lady of chaos, be sure to post on your annivesary. It's actually be kind of fun to look back at this year.

    carol, I'm sure you have encountered bias with the standardbred. Seems like any of the smaller registries seem to be target as well. It is unfortunate that some people need to be so narrow minded.

    photogchic, it doesn't surprise me that your father told "Arabian" jokes. It fits the rest of the profile you have described. lol

    I'm glad that you've been able to experience life with an Arabian first hand. I hope you will again some time in the future as well. lol (sorry, I just can't help myself!)

    dj, thanks for commenting. You're right that is a picture of Legs. I usually forget to identify which horse.

    I'm sure that the horses appreciate your visits at the horse show. Even the over tired ones that don't come out of their corners to visit, I think still appreciated someone talking with them.

    jill s, thanks for visiting. I'm glad you like the pics of the horses.

    strawberry lane, thank you that means a lot.

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  17. Hello There,
    I'm thrilled that you posted on my blog! And, I'm so pleased that I found your's. I've always wanted a horse, and long ago I thought it was only a dream. But recently, my husband and I have explored buying a piece of land to harness this dream of mine. Arabians were the first horse that I took lessons on; "Oman" was the first horse I ever actually rode. It's amazing how beautiful and majestic they are. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to afford an Arabian, but it's a dream I'm still chasing. I can wait to hear more about how you're living your's.

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