D~is for Dakota's Baby Doll

Dakota's Baby Doll is my first horse. I didn't grow up with horses and only rode a few times over the years at rental barns. I had always wanted a horse as a child, but had to wait to fulfill my dream until I was in my 40's. I wasn't really looking for a particular type or color of horse. Any well-broke, calm, sound beginner horse was fine for me, but my daughter had told me a few years earlier of her wish to have an "Orca Horse", which to her meant a paint horse that looks like an Orca.

So, when I was contacted by my lesson barn that a beautiful 15 year old Tovero Paint Mare was for sale, I was skeptical, but thought it an odd kind of irony. I first met Dakota's Baby Doll in February 2008, after which I took lessons on her for several weeks. Finally, in March, ironically on my daughter's 5th birthday, my first horse became Laughing Orca Ranch's namesake.
My first lessons on her were spent learning how develop my seat and proper balance. So I rode bareback.It was very liberating riding without a saddle and truly cued me on how to compensate and move along with a horse's stride and steps.
I started off just riding in the round pen or arena while taking lessons.
A few months later, the round pen and arena seemed too confining, so my horse and I hit the trails.
I was excited, and a little nervous making first major purchases for my horse, like her new Amish-Made Eli Miller Saddle with the comfy gel pad suspended seat. And the built-up, cut-out Western Saddle pad. There are so many choices in color and style. It can be overwhelming.(Baby Doll's a little high in the rump and withers)
After doing a lot of research and knowing that my mare rode well in a Hackamore and was sensitive to leg pressure, I decided to purchase the Dr Cook's Bitless Bridle, instead of a snaffle bridle. It works really well for us, except sometimes she needs a few reminders of how to be softer with her head and neck. So, I have no problems with using a snaffle for some remedial training. She looks pretty good in her Bitless Bridle, though, don't you think?
Over the past year, I learned a lot about horse ownership. I picked hooves, trimmed bridle paths, removed chestnuts, wormed, set up vet appts for teeth floating, assisted farrier visits, mucked manure, fed hay, minerals, grain and vitamins, and bathed my pretty pony, too.
And I spent hours just hanging out with my sweet mare in the pasture or paddock reading a book, brushing or braiding her hair, scratching, hugging and bonding.
I learned how to do groundwork with Dakota's Baby Doll in the round pen.
I found this time spent with my horse a great confidance builder for myself and for my horse to trust and build respect for me, too.
Join-up is always such a positive experience and is just another way we bond and learn to trust and respect one another.
And some of the best parts of owning my first horse are the small things. Like when Baby Doll is ready to greet me at the gate when she sees me.
Even when she's a little impatient for breakfast or a snack, she's such a joy and makes me smile.
I love how soft, calm and gentle she is, too.
And her one half-moon blue eye.
And the way her neck always relaxes and drops when we head out on the trails.
And I love the little blaze of white under her jaw.
And I love her silly sense of humor and willingness to have a little bit of fun.
Today, on Thanksgiving Day, I'm thankful for my family and friends, of course. And I'm also thankful for dreams come true and my beautiful Paint Mare, Dakota's Baby Doll.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!