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Member Spotlight April 2009 Member Spotlight - Sabrina
Name: Sabrina
Location: Santa Rosa, California
What’s your typical day like? Well, Monday through Friday I work at my office job, managing the office for a pool service company. Then on Saturdays I work at California Horse Supply, an awesome tack/feed/cool stuff store! Every day I have to check in and feed my animals, and there sure are tons! I have four horses soon to be five (spread out in three different places), three dogs (a mini Aussie, a Bull Terrier, and a Pekingese). I also have six kitties, all rescues, and two bunnies! I pretty much have a petting zoo, but don't get any money for it!
How did you first find horses … or did they find you?
My mom used to show Western when she was a teenager, so I guess you can say it's in my blood! When I was younger she would take me riding at friends ranches... just throw me on a horse and smack it on the ass and we'd be gone! I never had any formal riding lessons. Although I did take a few English ad jumping lessons, it just wasn't for me. The people are too stuffy and snotty! And I just like to ride, with no worries or cares and not have to worry about the way I look or what judges think of me. I like to think that the horses we ride are our judges in a way.
Favorite horse story?
Not really a favorite but most memorable. I have had some bad luck with horses in the past; I always tend to get the lemons! I think it's because I feel bad for the unwanted horses, take them in and then figure out WHY they are unwanted! When I lived in Napa, I was looking at an Appy to buy. I have a weakness for Appys. He was gorgeous - a blanket roan. His name was Battle because one of his spots was the shape of an anchor. I should have known from the name he would be trouble. I would go see him and bring him carrots. When his owner would come out, she would literally have to corner him to get on him - no saddle because he had a fear of them... big warning sign. Right then I should have said NO. But she saw how much I loved him and sold him to me for $1.00. Now I know it wasn't about her being nice; it was that she needed to place him somewhere before she got hurt!
Anyway, I got him home and let him relax for a week or so. We took him out and had him tied to a tire on a tree since I didn't know how well he would tie and felt it was the safest approach. He absolutely had a MELT DOWN - freaked out, reared up and cut his neck on a nub on the tree. It was very scary and he was definitely bleeding. We were running around trying to calm and catch him, but all he cared about was getting back into his pasture. Needless to say we called the vet who had to use more sedative than he ever had to use before. This experience not only cost me a pretty penny, but completely freaked me out! I ended up sending him to a cowboy ranch where they could appropriately handle him.
If you could change one thing within the horse industry, what would that be? Something has to be done about all of the unwanted and abused horses. I wish I had the money and land to start a rescue for those horses, and funds to severely fine and jail people that abuse horses … and any other animals for that matter!
Other than horses, what else do you enjoy doing for fun? I love going dancing and to the movies. My friends race Sprint cars, so I enjoy going to the races and hanging out with them. I also have a ranch and pet sitting business, so I love doing that too!
Is there a special significance to your avatar?
It’s a pic of me and my prego mare, Wakka when I first got her. I wanted a pic with me next to her to show just how huge she is!
Anything else we should know about you?
Just that I love to meet new people from all walks of life, and living in all different places! I love horsey talk, and just hearing people’s stories. I love to learn new things, especially about horses. One can never know everything there is to know about them! Anything anyone wants to know about me JUST ASK!!!!
Comments
Enjoyed hearing/reading about you in the Spotlight.Sounds like you & I have a fair bit in common!Mainly our great love for animals.I train/ride horses for other people and am an animal rescuer8)Connie
It's been my life long dream to start a haven for old and unwanted horses but I have to agree, it's way out of my budget to take on something like that. I keep watching for an opportunity from out sourced funding. Maybe someday.
You're living the life that I regret not having pursued. Keep at what makes you happy, and lets you have fun at the same time, because anything else is work.
Bliss and blessings
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