I will sneak out in the middle of a mid summer's night and ride the fleabitten mare across the moonstruck meadow, if my old bones will allow.

When people come to call, I will smile and nod, as I walk them past the gardens to the barn and show, instead of flowers growing, stalls fresh-lined with straw.

I will shovel and sweat and wear hay in my hair as if it were a jewel and I will be an embarrassment of all who look down on me who have not yet found the peace in being free to love a horse as a friend, a friend who waits at midnight hour with muzzle and nicker and patient eyes for the Woman I will be when I am old.

I have seen this in a few different ways, but it is still my mantra....for when I am old (or at least older than 56 LOL!!!)

Jayne-Admin:

When I can't ride any more, I shall still keep horses as long as I can hobble about with a bucket and wheelbarrow. When I can't hobble, I shall roll my wheelchair out to the fence of the field where my horse's graze, and watch them. 

HA!  LOVE IT!  That will be me.  "To the pasture, James, and be quick about it!"

I love these Pearls of Wisdom-------------

My baby brother is 19 years younger than me.  The last time he came down from OH to visit, he said:

 "Even though horses are not my thing, I am finally old enough to understand what they mean to you, and that they are your reasons for getting up every day and fighting the aches and pains I know you have.  Without them you probably wouldn't be walking"

-------- and I just love that "kid" 

Heck, when I get that old I plan to have won the lottery and PAY someone to push me aroud, and watch THEM push the wheel barrel

 My sister gave me a t-shirt with a version of that on it. So, even though she's not horsey, she understands. I'm hoping that by 110 someone else will push the wheel barrow and I can point out anything they miss!

I don't want to be a sweet old lady but a feisty old witch.