Rider

So, who is it that writes and rides these horses?

Keri, that's me!

I began riding at a local riding school 10 years ago, where I learned all the basics about Dressage, jumping and basic horsemanship. When I was 14, I got my first horse. She is an Arabian mare named Errika. I still have my sweet girl, who now enjoys trail and recreational riding.

In 2006, when I was 17, I adopted Ink, my first OTTB. I set out researching and learning all I could about them, including reading other blogs and stories about people who had retrained them, for about a year before I decided to adopt my first.

Ink came into my life quickly. I saw his photo and in that moment was sure and determined to meet him and hopefully adopt him. When I met Ink, it was a moment straight from the movies. Ink was tough, independent, macho, statuesque and strong. You couldn't help but take notice. A week later, he was home.

Owning Ink was tough, but at the same time fun. He wasn't the type of horse that wanted to be loved. He hated being brushed, generally didn't like being touched. I had to give him space, but at the same time constantly let him know I was there and wasn't going to give up.  I put my all into him and slowly, but surely we developed a good relationship.  He went on trail rides, once to the beach (I wish we were able to have gone more), galloped in green hills where he was beside himself with excitement.  Ink was an explorer.  In the end, we could have done anything together.  I trusted him and he trusted me.  That is what mattered most.

In 2009, Ink and I were riding with Stephen Bradley at the 2009 Western States Horse Expo.  It was an amazing experience.


Ink passed away in April.  I miss him everyday and wish we had more time together.  He was truly special.  

In May of 2010, I found my second horse.  Unsure of if I wanted to get another OTTB.  But, I did.  In a series of quick and more than coincidental circumstances, I went to see a Dark Bay gelding, 4 years old, off the track with a bowed tendon.  Not something I thought I'd be getting, but it quickly became evident that this horse was the one.  Yet again, the stars seemed to align.  The next day, I had my next horse, my second OTTB, home.

I named my new horse "Reason" for Everything Happens for a Reason.

This blog now documents Reason's retraining.

I reside in California.  I do website design, photography (on an amateur level) and a couple other random ventures.  I have yet to decide what exactly I want to do with my life, but I'm having fun figuring it out.

For more information on Ink or Reason, please visit their pages.

I hope you enjoy the blog!