A WONDERFUL GIFT!

I have had the pleasure of making an incredible horse friend at my barn named Diane.  She was in her 70's and had so much information to share about horses and riding.  My sister and I often spent hours listening to her horse stories and she taught us SO much about riding and life.  We formed a special bond and friendship over the years.  Very sadly, she has passed away but the memory of our friendship will always be with us.  Much to our complete surprise, Diane left us an amazing gift, one of her horses, a beautiful Arabian named Shaman (which means one who knows).  My sister and I are honored to be able to care for and love Diane's horse as we know they were like children to her.

Shaman is a show horse well trained in dressage who comes from a champion bloodline.  His show name is Silver Shaman.  We are so excited that he is a new member of our family.

We love you, Diane and we will always remember you!

Comments

[Claire]

Araya,
That is so cool! You get to spend all this time at the barn! Awesome! Any extra time with horses is the best. I love blogging with you too! My brother just came up to me and said, "Are all the posts just from you and Araya?" And I said "Well...MOSTLY all of them!" I love to talk to you, it's so cool to have a friend that really loves horses. Some girls pretend they like horses around me and then they act like they don't even know what a horse is when they're away from me. It drives me crazy! My book was about a lady who saved all the mustangs from extinction. It's really good. That is really cool that you call your Gramma Grammie, too! Well, everyone wants on the computer now so, I'de better go!
your horsepal,
Cl@ire

[Araya]

Hi Cl@ire ~
It really was a gift for me to know Diane because I learned so much from her. She saw Shaman as her baby ... she saw him being born into the world and loved to show us pictures of him when he was young.
Dandy and Shaman don't stall next to each other but today Avery had Shaman and I had Dandy on halters and they stopped next to each other and said hi.
Yea, I really do keep busy riding ... I actually ride Dandy for my lessons and then work Jimmy after and Avery rides either Shaman or OB for lessons and then we both ride Shaman for fun. Of course you're not stressing me out - I love blogging with you and of course, riding!!
I call one of my Grandmas Grammie, too! Your new backpack sounds really cute.
I've seen both Flicka and Dreamer and I love Dreamer the best! One Christmas I got the Dreamer horse and doll - I was so excited!
Your book recommendation sounds great! I'll have to read it.
Have a great weekend,
your horse pal,
@raya

[Claire]

Araya,
I think it is so cool that you got to know Diane, she sounds so sweet. Other than old age, what dis she die from? What kind of sickness? I'm really sorry. But, she's not really gone because you have Shaman who was definetly a huge chunk of her. Have tons of fun with Shaman! He'll be a great pal and a great stable mate for Dandy. Do they get along? You'll have a handful... let's see... you have to ride and exercise Dandy in your spare time and train Jimmy Mac at lessons. Not to mention all the extra TLC and exercising Shaman requires- wow! And you still have home school! WHOA, there Araya- easy! How do you do it! Oh, yeah. I forgot the whole reason you have this blog... you're T.V. show! O.K, I'll stop now. I'm probably stressing you out- I know I am! Well, I have to go, My Grandma is here and she's going to paint my nails. OH, I almost forgot! My Grammie got me a horse backpack! It has horses prancing all over it. It is SO cute! I LOVE IT! Have you seen the movie Flicka or Dreamer? I have. I love horse books and movies! I just read a book called 'Mustang- wild spirit of the west.' It was the best! Well, I really have to go!
Claire

[Cayce Frierson]

I'm sorry that Diane died. I know how ya'll feel. I felt the same way when Dad died. If it makes you and Avery feel any better Dad can keep an eye on Diane until ya'll are together again. Ya'll will see Diane again someday. She'll be in your hearts forever. Good luck with taking care of Shaman.

[Araya]

Hi Claire ~
It is definitely one of the best and most amazing gifts we have ever received! We were so surprised and happy. We may ride Shaman in shows ... we are going to ride him for the first time this week and we can't wait. We are beyond excited!! We have definitely been giving him extra tender loving care - we have been checking in on him and giving him treats for the past month when Diane was sick so he has started to get to know us. We plan to give him a lifetime of love!
Your horse pals,
@raya and @very

[Claire]

Araya and Avery,
WOW! What a neat person! I am so sorry you lost your friend- she sounds incredible. This horse she left you is probably one of the best gifts you've ever recieved, right? Are you going to ride her in shows? You'll have to be careful, if this horse was her heart and soul Shaman will probably be grieving too right now. I've heard of horses who die from the "sickness of the heart" People can die from it too. You might want to be with him almost 24/7 for the first few weeks to insure his grief is done with. Sorry I have;nt been on lately. I'm so busy!
Your horse pal,
Claire

[rebecca]

wow Araya and Avery, she was obviously a special person to you from what you say and she obviously thought the same about you. - Shaman looks beautiful and I know Shaman will enjoy life with you as you learned so much from Diane.