I grew up as a horse crazy kid in Vermont who begged, borrowed and stole, the neighbor's ponies and horses through my elementary school years.  My parents arranged for me to get a pony, Suzie, who I built my own stall/shelter for when I was in 6th grade.  I tied her in the yard.  When we moved, we sold Suzie back to her original owners.  Each time we moved I asked if we would get another horse.  "Maybe" was always the answer. 

Well, "maybe" turned into fulfilling my own dream after my 2nd marriage.  I bought 8.5 acres as a single mom with two boys.  I hired a trailer to drive me to the Poconos to buy "David". I might add -- sight unseen!   As soon as my eyes fell upon this hot 2 year old stud I fell in love.  But, David's name (born on Easter in 1994) didn't work for him, or me.  And I instantaneously renamed him Dakota. 

That was 18 years ago.  He turned 20 this past April (2014),with Rhody ranches help to nurse him back to health after a mishap at another farm where I previously boarded him.  He stayed at my home on my makeshift gentleman's farm for 8 years until November 2013.  Thanks to Rhody Ranch, I know he has several guardian angels looking over him when I can't be there.