by Lindsay Humphrey
Many letters to Santa Claus have begged for a horse, but those requests often go unanswered. A ribbon-wrapped
horse standing in the pasture on Christmas morning is a dream for more than just small children, however. Even adults continue to long for the day they will receive horses of their very own.
For a few young Oklahomans, that wish was granted this past Christmas.
Georgia Rose Graham, nine years old
HORSE: Cash, eight years old, Pony of the Americas
How long have you been asking for a horse of your own? I did my first riding lesson when I was five, and after that, I knew I wanted my own horse. My mom and older sister have their own horses, and all the others have been family horses.
How was your horse given to you? My Aunt Terry retired her horse, Cash, and offered him to me as a Christmas gift. She really wanted me to think about it, and we had a lot of conversations to make sure we would be right for each other. My aunt had him delivered all the way from Arizona right before Christmas.
What was your reaction? I really had to think about if he would be a good fit at our farm, and so I had to ask a lot of questions. Once I decided he was a good fit, I couldn’t wait for Cash to arrive. I started a countdown to keep track of the days until he arrived. My aunt sent me lots of pictures and videos, which only made me more excited. He actually arrived a day late, and I was so excited that I thought my heart would explode when I finally saw him.
What did you first notice about your new horse? I was surprised by how tall he was because I thought he would be small. I knew he loved carrots, so I had them in my pocket ready for him as soon as he got here. He acted like a little kid when I showed him the snacks. He acts like a big kid compared to our older horses. He doesn’t like being penned up, so he’s a bit of an escape
artist. I have noticed that he’s turned a bit more red since he’s been in Oklahoma. I’m excited to see what color he’ll be once he sheds out in the spring.
What do you love about your new horse? I love that he lets me pick up all four of his feet and that he’s really gentle. I love that he’s more gentle with me knowing that I’m a kid. I also love his big personality. I both love and don’t love that he can escape from anywhere.
What do you plan to do with your new horse? He used to do western showmanship and trail rides. I want to use him in rodeo play days and possibly our hometown parade. I also think he could learn how to jump. He’s not a one-trick pony and is so smart that I think we can learn a lot together.
Harrison Hughes, seven years old
HORSE: Cocoa, 20-plus years old, American quarter horse
How long have you been asking for a horse of your own? My whole life. I’m only seven, but it feels like forever.
How was your horse given to you? My mom and I drove to a special place where horses need a home. The nice lady at the barn showed us three horses. Cocoa was the smallest and a little sad. She stood alone, very still and quiet, but she was different from the rest, with only one eye that’s blue. When she lowered her head and nuzzled my chest for me to hug, I knew she was my horse.
What was your reaction? She was so happy, and so was I. What did you first notice about your new horse? Her blue eye. We learned that she is blind, but it doesn’t stop her. And she smells like sunshine and grass.
What do you love about your new horse? When I come to visit, she puts her head on top of mine and stays completely still, like a secret handshake. It might be for the treat I bring her. She can smell those from a mile away.
What do you plan to do with your new horse? We are best friends who will be riding the trails together.
London Hughes, 12 years old
HORSE: Thunder, eight years old, draft cross
How long have you been asking for a horse of your own?
My mom had a horse when she was a child given to her by my papa. I want our family to be a horse family. It’s not just about having a horse — it’s about giving a family to a horse who doesn’t have a person.
How was your horse given to you: We drove 200 miles on a Saturday, and it felt like years in the car. My parents told me to look into the horses’ eyes, and I would get a feeling if they were for me or not. When I saw Thunder, he was so big, standing so strong. I couldn’t believe it when they told me he was sick with a bad cough and runny nose because he seemed so invincible.
What was your reaction: I just met my best friend. What did you first notice about your new horse? I was drawn to his great size — he’s tall, muscular, and powerful, but gentle and willing to love.
What do you love about your new horse? When Thunder sees me, he walks up to me and follows me around the pasture. Every time I see him, he rests his head on my shoulder. He’s so loving and gentle, it’s like he’s saying, “Thank you for giving me a home.”
What do you plan to do with your new horse: I’m learning how to ride, and he’s my trail buddy.
