Saturday, July 30, 2011

Introductions

This blog is going to be my musings on the art of model horses: customizing them, showing them and generally loving them.  I have been a horse lover since childhood, so it makes sense for me to begin this new leap forward by starting at the top. 

I grew up loving horses.  I cannot recall the first toy horse I was ever given, but I do remember one brand that I collected in my early years.  My cousins and I were crazy about the Grand Champion horses made by Empire Toys.  I acquired many over the years and still have most of them to this day.  It was so much fun to play with them: putting on tack and having shows, grooming them with the tiny supplies, pretending I had a stable of my own.  As I grew a bit older, I discovered Breyer model horses.  These were more expensive, but I appreciated the level of detail in each model.  It was such a treat to get a Breyer for Christmas or my birthday.  I never lost hope, however, that eventually I would have a real horse to call my own.

As the years went by, I came to understand that owning a real horse requires a great deal of time and money (and space) that I was likely never to have.  It broke my heart, but I had to let go of the dream.  My family would never be able to afford a horse.  With that knowledge, I delved even more deeply into my models - each one more precious than before, as they were likely the only horses I would ever receive.

I have grown up now, married, with a place of my own - but still not enough cash for a live equine.  However, I have discovered something amazing: I can still play with horses!  The world of model collecting, customizing and showing is just as robust as the real thing, and I intend to jump in with both feet.  I hope you will enjoy this glimpse into my life - still horse-crazy after all these years!