Becca by Carolyn Buckley

She came into my life a little over two years ago. I was struggling with my first and only horse having health problems, and I knew there was a good chance I would not have my Arabian mare, whom I loved for eleven years, much longer. With a huge ache in my heart, I knew if I wanted to ride, it was time to find another horse, but she/he would have to be “perfect” for me. On somewhat of a whim I decided to look for a gaited horse, intrigued by what I read about the gait and disposition of the mountain horses. After looking around the Philadelphia area and riding a few gaited horses, my husband and I decided a mountain pleasure horse would be the way to go; that unbelievable gait sold us! But how would we find one here in central New York?? The internet helped us and through connections with Julie Reed in Amsterdam, NY, we contacted Sue Coffin in Richland, NY who owned two mountain pleasure horses, Becca, registered as Deaton’s Princess, and Becca’s foal, Cassidy.
After one visit, I KNEW Becca was the horse to bring back home. Her gentleness, inquisitiveness, calmness, patience, and beauty were more than we could have imagined. Within two months she was at Hob Nob, a wonderful boarding facility in central New York with my Arabian mare and eighteen other horses. Few people in our area knew about these gaited horses; however, in no time Becca’s personality won over Elna, the owner of the facility, and everyone else who met her. Most importantly though, Becca became the friend who was with me through the horrendous grief of losing my Arabian mare within eight months of Becca’s arrival to the barn.
I have experienced and learned so much in the past two years while developing a friendship with Becca. Cinching her Tucker saddle, placing her bitless bridle over her head, and hoisting myself in the saddle is my favorite pastime. During the past summer we spent hours alone enjoying nature, soaking in the sun as we explored along creeks and hills. We spent hours with our friends, enjoying the world together as we encounter wild turkeys and deer in the woods and fields. I have learned that Becca’s spook is more like a startle and her easy going manner and “eager to please” attitude has opened up doors for our explorations and my newly developed bravery and independence as a rider.
Riding trails accompanied by the farm dogs during the summer mornings, gaiting through flowered fields, exercising in the arena on rainy days or dark nights, and wrapping my arms around her neck as she nuzzles against me has assuaged my grief. Her high pitched whinny greeting me or telling me, “More treats!’, and the way she raises her head and looks at me, ambling toward me as I call her name, bring a smile to my face. Becca, my mountain pleasure horse, fills me with appreciation, love, and joy.
When I think of our future, I have visions of camping and trail riding at Otter Creek, state land about 45 minutes from us, a weekend endurance ride, and endless hours of spending time together. Whether we are just hanging out, riding with our friends in the warm summer breeze, or riding in the deep New York snow, we are peaceful and happy.
I am grateful for the people in New York who connected me to her. I am grateful for the people in Kentucky and Pennsylvania who graciously and patiently responded to my e-mails filled with questions about this breed, and truly I am grateful for Becca, my friend, an amazing mountain pleasure horse!