It was a cold sunny February morning in the base of the Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque, New Mexico, when I received a call from my dear friend Lisa, inviting me to a trail ride. The only thing she told me was “we have the perfect horse for you, just come!” When I arrived, there waiting for me was a big Lipizzaner cross gelding whose name is Klondike.
When I got on his back and started my warm-up, Klondike attempted to get me out of the saddle to get out of working. When I joined the group I was riding with, who were still saddling their horses, no one said anything. Theresa, Klondike’s owner at that time, started to cry and said “you two belong together. You need to buy this horse!” I told her “No, I don’t need a horse right now.” She then offered that I could ride and visit him at anytime I wanted.
I continued to ride Klondike on a regular basis for several months. Then there were a few months when we just couldn’t get together to ride. Finally when we found time again, Klondike got loose and came trotting and whinnying to greet me. At that moment, I knew we were meant to be together. I had to buy him!
Klondike was a difficult horse to ride because of his past experiences. I later learned that he was an expert bucking horse and that he was going to be sold to a rodeo. Lucky for him, the breeder gave him another chance and Klondike then went to a breeder’s farm. A few years later he was on the “for sale” list. My wonderful friend Theresa, who owns Klondike’s brother, found him on the list and bought him.
We have come very far with this very special horse and are very grateful to have him! When I decided to come to Panama, I worked and planned around Klondike’s needs. We drove from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Miami, Florida in four days time, crossed five states and drove over 6,000 miles. My official “team” was my daughter (as copilot), two dogs (a Rottweiler and a Yorky mix), Klondike and myself. From there, we flew to Panama, where we live on a beautiful farm in Chame. Klondike is now ridden often by my daughter, Kathrina, for her dressage lessons with the well known instructor Ruth Kosh. This is one experience none of us will ever forget… and Klondike is an very important part of our family!
Klondike will show off his magnificent beauty and training at Finca La Maya’s “fun-raiser” this Saturday at 3:30 pm, with Kathrina riding. Other horses (Peruvian Pasos) will also exhibit their unique styles. With parents’ permission, children will be able to sit and go for short rides on highly trained and friendly horses.
Children from the community of Las Uvas will also perform Panama’s folkloric dance the “Pollera” at Finca La Maya on Saturday. If you’ve never seen this, don’t miss out!
