Sunday, September 28, 2014


At the end of the 1983 summer session, eight Tom Sawyer Day Camp horses had failed to find winter homes.  
This group included three,
 slow horses,
Cindy (with Jeff)
one large, sullen pony, 
two knot-headed medium ponies, 
CB and Snickers
one small, mostly blind pony (the original Poka Tia) and a half broke pinto named Chief.
Chief (many years later)
All eight plus Tiger, who had been leased by my friend Laura, were moved from Flintridge Riding Club to Siason Stables in Duarte, California.
Laura and Tiger
Laura and I were given permission to ride these horses as much and as often as we wanted. This was a fantastic opportunity for two horse crazy girls, and we were giddy with the possibilities. For a while, we really tried to ride them all, but eventually the novelty of having so many horses wore off. Laura started riding Tiger exclusively, and I split my time between Snickers...
and Chief. 
Chief was new to Tom Sawyer, and his debut summer had not been a roaring success.  Nicknamed "Sheri's Folly" after the counselor who approved his purchase, Chief was a perpetual motion machine. He jigged and pranced and cantered sideways. He was completely unsuitable for beginners, and most of the staff was afraid of him.
Not me. I thought he was fun.
Unlike Snickers, who was sneaky and frustrating, Chief was an uncomplicated and willing partner. He didn't stand still, but he also didn't buck, rear, bolt or shy. He was brave and honest and exciting. I loved him.
old man Chief
As time went by, I found myself riding Chief more and Snickers less. She was on her way to being phased out completely, but then, without warning, everything changed.
To be continued.


  1. I just love when you share these snippets of your horsey past. Can't wait to see the next installment, ��

  2. Arrrgh....cliffhanger. Can't wait for the next installment.

  3. My god! You're killing me! I have to know what happens next! *shakes computer monitor*

  4. Argggggg. You have to stop doing this. So suspenseful!!!!

  5. WHY!!!! I can't wait for the next post. Literally, I keep checking for a new post every 5 seconds, hoping desperately its there. :/

  6. Love the drawings! Looking forward to the next post :o

  7. Wow those are really good drawings. Can't wait till the next post !

  8. Argh, cliffhangers are the WORST! XD
    I can't wait to read more!

  9. I can't wait till I catch up to current posts and have to suffer a cliff hanger like everyone who posted above, lol!