Searching for a Heart of Gold

I want to live.

I want to give. 

I've been a miner for a Heart of Gold. 

You keep me searching for a Heart of Gold. 

I'm starting to think about a horse to replace Champ, who I lost last June and Neil Young's song, "Heart of Gold" keeps popping into my head each time I kick the initial thoughts around.

What does a Heart of Gold mean to me?  It means a well behaved, well trained horse who gives me the same ride every time I climb on, no matter if it's been a day or a week since my last ride. 

A horse that has a dependable personality with a low spook level.  As a 50+ rider, I have no interest in not knowing what I'll get when I climb on.  These days I don't care for dealing with a spirited horse or getting dumped. 

Yet I seek a horse that will push my envelope a little bit.  A horse who will give me a sense of accomplishment.  I've missed that feeling since I lost Champ.  How I used to raise my right arm high in the air in a moment of pure joy when I'd accomplished a good sidepass, haunch turn or lope.  Or the feeling of being high in the clouds of happiness when I walked Champ back to his stall because "I'd done it" (whatever it was).

I miss the fun of showing a horse that knew his job in the show ring, with so much bling that no matter how awful you rode, your horse made you look/feel good.  The smiles and nods from those on the sidelines of the arena meant more to me then all the ribbons in the world.

I want a horse that is versatile.  Who can go from showing on Saturday to a trail ride on Sunday; who I can take sorting cows on Wednesday and ride in a Dressage lesson on Thursday.

While I ponder all of this, I ride Poco and love him to death.  He is exactly what I purchased him for - a horse for my novice friends to ride.  Even with his sight restrictions, I'm finding he is ok in the indoor or outdoor arena as long as we walk it first and he has a chance to check it out.  Our rides are pleasant and uneventful to the point where I've actually found myself getting bored. 

It's time to start thinking about replacing Champ, so I start my search for a Heart of Gold.