The very first horse I remember claiming as "mine" was a beautiful red & white paint mare named Ribbon. She actually belonged to my grandfather, but when I was about 5 years old I decided she was "my" horse. This horse was so pretty and so gentle. My father would take me out to ride her every weekend. It was like she sensed I was young and small and she never seemed to mind a bit when he would put me on the saddle. She lived to be 18 years old and I still think of her from time to time. I can honestly say, she is the reason for my love of horses today.

Very nice story there and I'm sure I can say for most that many animals are in tune with little ones, even at that age being so young. My own girl is great around our pets (not nearly as big) but they still have more patience than most would imagine with her starting the terrible twos.

I got my love of horses from a grandparent as well - my gram. She always had horses at the farm along with a variety of other animals. I was afraid of the horses when I was little, though, and she couldn't convince me to go near them until I was ten or so. When she passed away, I inherited the farm and the beautiful mares I now have. I think they miss her as much as I do.