Reviving My “Rosie Project”

Friday, June 21, 2019

Several years ago, Rosie came to live with me. She was an experienced driving horse that hadn’t been driven in years. Between her early life of driving and her arrival at my place, she’d been ridden as a trail horse. Her little sister, Sunni, already lived with me. My friend Elaine had owned Rosie, and sent along Rosie’s old driving cart on long-term loan.

I wanted to learn to drive and had joined a local driving club. Participating in the group put me in touch with folks who could help when I began searching for a capable driving trainer. They pointed me to Megan (in Lebanon, Oregon) who became our trainer.

I left Rosie with Megan and returned weeks later, barely recognizing my horse. She had transitioned, from looking soft and slightly overweight, to looking lean, strong, and almost like a racehorse. Rosie loved her job, was high-stepping, pretty-moving, and lovely to watch. I learned the basics of driving her, but while holding the reins felt very green, for Rosie wasn’t reassuring. In harness she’s ready to go and a lot of horse.

Long story short, after bringing Rosie home and feeling inadequate to drive her, I put the effort on pause. I also got sidetracked by being diagnosed with breast cancer, and so, didn’t do much with horses for several years. As my medical issues became resolved, I thought again about playing with my horses.

Lacking enough experience to drive Rosie successfully, and luckily having another horse to work with, I sent Sunni to Megan. In several months, she had my kind and steady pony driving willingly and easily. I re-learned how to drive, and after coming home drove Sunni on neighborhood streets. She stayed in great physical condition and gave me driving experience.

Now, Rosie and I have begun teaming again. While threading through old pictures, I found today’s caption photo. It shows me first learning to drive Rosie and captures her beautiful movement. She’s still a very energetic horse, but thanks to Megan and Sunni, I’m prepared to drive Rosie and return her to the work she loves.

Dear Readers: It’s the first leg of a journey, and no telling where it’ll take us. Diana