Equestrian Network Magazine


	Modoc the Wonder Horse
	by Sue Martin

	It all started in 2005 on a "girlfriends" trip to Arkansas (I live in California). The trip was all about a diverse group of women coming together at a campground for camping and partying. One of the activities offered was trail riding. Now I have always considered myself to be a cowgirl though I have little experience riding and have never owned a horse (I am 54). I innocently asked the proprietors if they happened to have a Missouri Fox Trotter available to ride. I was told "yes, they just got one 2 weeks ago, but he needs an experienced rider" I lied through my teeth and scheduled the horse for the next day.

	The next morning I arrived at the stable to see 11 horses all saddled and ready to go, one in the middle caught my eye, he was sticking his nose sideways through the bars, lips all over the place, he was just begging me to come to him. As soon as I got to him something in my gut tightened and my heart started to race, I said to the Wrangler "this is the Fox Trotter isn't it" "Yes" he said "how did you know?" Well I knew immediately because I had just fallen in love, that quickly and that totally.



	Halfway through the ride I asked about buying the horse and by the end of the ride I had whipped out my MasterCard and he was mine. So here I am in Arkansas with my new horse that I had no intention of buying, I have to get him home to California, I have to tell my husband, fence a pasture, put up a shelter and purchase everything possibly related to horse keeping. This was totally out of character for this logical, practical girl but I did it all, and in 46 days my boy arrived in the "suite" of a transport truck.

	Though his barn name was Dusty, I re-named him Modoc and after I determined he was not broke, had no manners and all he wanted to do was be a clown he became "Modoc the Wonder Horse". When people asked me "why the Wonder Horse?" I replied "because he constantly does things that make you wonder".

	Well it's been a year and a half now, Modoc and I have a wonderful Trainer named Brandy Worley. My clown has become my best friend, he is reliable, and loving he is beautiful and absolutely hilarious. I adore him.

	Now when people ask me why "the Wonder Horse" I say "because I wonder how I ever got along without him in my life".


	Do you have a wonderful story about a horse that has impacted your life for the better? Send us your story, along with a picture, and we might publish it. Stories must not have been previously published or copyrighted. All photographs must be taken and owned by you and you must have full rights to them. Each month we will select and publish a story from those submitted by our readers. Please send your story to info@equestmagazine.com and write "horse story" in the subject line. All stories must be less than 800 words and have no typographical or grammatical errors. Who knows, your story may get published just like Modoc.


	Copyright © 2007 All rights reserved. The above article is the property of the Author and may not be duplicated or redistributed in any way without permission.