Chocolate Boy and more dating in the 60s

Too old and too late, smart! I have referred to dating in the 80s in other blogs; I was already married and had 2 kids by then; the only dating I did was in the 60s or earlier.

I always wanted a horse when living on the farm, but that was an expensive animal, so it stayed a dream. But as a grown-up, I decided that I wanted to make it a reality. I saved money, and when I heard about a Children’s Summer Camp that was selling one of their horses, I jumped at the chance to lay a claim to my very own horse. 

I named him Chocolate Boy because he was Chocolate Brown all over except for a white star on his face. Since I had never owned a horse, there were some learning curves. The first thing I had to learn was that I was not the boss; he was! Coming from a summer camp taught him that he was supposed to stay in his camp. He acquainted our 15-acre farm as his new “Summer Camp” and would not leave it no matter how much you begged or whipped! I didn’t have the heart to whip him, so he stayed happily on the farm, and I stayed with him. I didn’t want to leave, anyway. 

Shirl, my Dad, and Joe volunteered to bring Chocolate Boy home. I wasn’t worried until he drove in the yard, with poor Chocolate Boy tied up on the back of a pulp truck with no sides! Joe and my Dad were standing on each side, trying to keep him calm. I suspect Shirl drove slow, and it must have been a show for everyone along the way.

I don’t remember how they got him down from the truck, but probably, since horses can jump and usually remain steady on their feet, he jumped down. Now that I think about it, I wonder how they got him up on the truck body.

I had not yet got a bridle, saddle, or boots, but the urge to ride my magnificent prize was too strong. So I hopped on Chocolate Boys back. Horses can be controlled with a bridle if they are gentle, and as I said, he was used to having children ride him.

Joe wanted to ride with me and, over my objections, jumped up on Chocolate Boys back from the rear end of the horse. He made it up on Chocolate Boys’ back and immediately was kicked off on his butt. Lloyd and Shirl doubled over with laughter seeing the horse’s feet straight out behind as he kicked and Joe flying in the air. Only Joe’s pride was hurt.

I stayed on his back, and Lloyd calmed him down; we got treats for Chocolate Boy and put him in his pen. Gave him a fork full of hay and some feed.

Chocolate Boy would allow a baby or small child to walk all around under his feet, tickle his belly and pretty much do anything to him, and would not flinch or move a muscle. You could let a small child get on his back, and he would only walk slowly around his enclosure. I watched the kids hitting him with the reins to trot, and he would not obey them.

However, if an adult climbed in the saddle, he would run like the wind. If you mistreated him as an adult, he might sideswipe his fence, and you’d better move your leg or pay the price.

I tried to ride him down the road to my old bus stop when I first got him. He refused to walk over the small bridge. I tried to ride towards town, and as soon as we got to our neighbor’s house, the huge trees with branches and leaves making noise in the wind scared the bejesus out of him. I brought him home and figured I would get him used to both of them later, a little at a time.

As time went on, I got used to riding him in the safety of our field, and he became a friend and confidant.

I will ride back and tell you more of my adventures; don’t go away!