The beginnings of our life in Ocala

When we first moved to the horse capitol of the world I had no idea what was in store. We had spent every last dime just to move here from Colorado. The first few months were rough. There were many meals that consisted of cereal, oatmeal, and tuna fish sandwiches. Thanks to the WIC program or we would have had to go to the food shelter for some food. But we survived and soon things ironed themselves out. My husband found a job managing a store in the mall and for awhile things seemed to be getting better. But just after 4 months in town I found myself sitting in the ER, and after waiting for 45 minutes was told that I had suffered a heart attack. I was 30 years old, had just had my 4th baby 5 months ago, was not overweight, and for the most part, otherwise healthy. A heart catheter surgery the next day discovered that my left artery had grown improperly and grew to narrow causing it to collapse completely. Luckily for me it wasn't an inch higher or I would not be here writing this blog! It was definitely a wake up call.
 For the next couple of years I struggled to balance my life, fighting depression and fatigue. Then, thanks to the recession, my husband lost his job. But truthfully that was the best thing that could have happened for us, because it opened the doors for him to go back to college and get his AS in computer IT work.  He became my inspiration to make a change and do something for myself. Not do it for my 4 kids, not do it for him, but to embark on an adventure that was solely for my happiness. And that happiness came from the heart of a horse. I have always had a passion for horses since I took my first trail ride as a girl. It was an experience that has stuck with me my entire life. So one could imagine how thrilled I was when I discovered there was an equine program at the college! I enrolled in August of 2010.
 Not growing up around horses I really didn't know anything about them and I knew I couldn't afford lessons, so I put an ad in the local ocala4sale.com offering to volunteer at a horse farm in return to learn everything I could.  And bingo! within a month I was volunteering at a horse farm in Williston. I was even allowed to start riding on one of the old guys named Bay.  It was so wonderful and I couldn't believe it was all happening!
 I have come a long way since the beginning of my life with horses. I have learned a great deal through education and hands on work. More than I ever dreamed I would know. It has been one of the best experiences of my life and this is why I wanted to start this blog. To share with others the joy and the occasional heartache that comes with the horse world. A few fun things to look forward to will be a column titled "Carrot tip of the week" where readers can enjoy tips on where to find the latest deals. In this economy we all could use a little extra cash! I don't want to give everything away, but look out for monthly drawings and articles on just about everything horse related. Thanks to all who will read my very first post and if you live in or around Marion county consider subscribing to my blog!