Mary and horses

[BettyO]

No problem, Bill! I'm an old equestrienne from waaayyy back! My dad first put me on a horse when I was two years old and yes, I strongly remember that occasion because I grew up being as a lot of young girls, "horse crazy!" I got my first horse when I was 8 years old and have ridden most of my life. I used to jump alot and always wanted to fox hunt. I attend hunt meets as a spectator each Fall season, but have never ridden in one. Looks like a LOT of fun! I have a friend who is 72 years old and hunts daily during the season. "Angie" is a seasoned equestrienne and has taken many more spills than I have! Haven't ridden now for at least several years but would love to ride again! My sister still had horses (mine are all dead) but even she doesn't ride as much as she did....we're getting older and when you take a fall at our age - well, it's kinda hard to get up again! HA!

And yes, I used to do Civil War reenacting when I was young and yes, I've ridden sidesaddle. I don't like it at all and prefer to ride, like Dr. Mary Walker, "cross saddle like a man!"