September 19th 2009 marked my fifth anniversary. (“But Mandee, I didn’t know you were married!?!”) No, not that kind of anniversary. 5 years ago to date was the day I met my Lark. It was the day I came home to discover my family had smuggled this loud mouth little Paint mare to our home. I remember getting back to the house after a shopping trip to Tractor Supply.  I got out of the car and as I shut the car door, I thought I heard a whinny from the barn. As quickly as that thought entered my mind,  I was sure I imagined it. Turns out it was really the mare my parents had hid away in the barn, and apparently Lark hadn’t received the memo that she was a surprise.

If you haven’t met Lark, then you’re missing out. She is the sweetest, gentlest horse I’ve ever owned. (Yes, there were a few before Lark.) Kids love her. The kids’ parents love her. Strangers say they’ve never met a horse so cuddly, and my heart swells up whenever I talk about my beloved girl. She’s probably all the more spoiled considering that she is my only riding horse.

I took my best friend out for a bareback ride tonight and the two of us stood still for some time, amidst the serenity of the evening air, my arms wrapped around her neck. Lark has a forever home with me. It’s been five years baby, and that’s just one milestone in the many years to come.

Our 5th anniversary ride

Moments after discovering my birthday surprise

Dressed up for the filming of the Lion Vrie book trailer

Friends for life

One of the best rides of my life...running wild and free together

Many thanks to Danielle and Missy of Cowgirl Life Radio for having me on their show today! Click the image below to listen to the recording.

Listen to Cowgirl Life Radio on Blog Talk Radio

I got to give these twins their very first bareback rides on my horse over this past weekend. Look at their faces…they had so much fun.

It’s nothing special, nothing fancy, but it sure was fun to see the end result! Check it out and become a fan of Bit & Bridle on Facebook!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3EJi3dVQ2s]

The March/April issue of B&B should be shipping out within the next week or so.