18 / Sport and Trail Magazine
Do you remember your first love? How your life changed? Everything was brighter, even on rainy days. You would jump out of bed in the morning, because you couldn't wait to be together. That love changed my life because in an instant it was gone. To understand how Cranberry Sunset Farm came to be I must start at the beginning.
To this day, I still wonder what Quantana might be doing. How many foals she might have had, what kind of life she is living. Is she happy, free to graze, does she still smell like the fresh outdoors? I can still hear her baritone sounding nicker, filled with love and compassion, telling me she was happy I was there. We had a very special bond, did everything together and everything for the first time. Quantana was 2 years old when I started riding her. At the time, we were living in Belgium and we spent most of our time exploring the countryside. She took wonderful care of me, as I was 7 months pregnant at the time. It was as if she knew she was caring special cargo. Not long after, we were transferred to Italy. Quantana loaded onto the trailer, like she had done it a hundred times before, even though she hadn’t. There was nothing she wouldn't do for me.
It was a different lifestyle in Italy. Quantana was stalled more, so when she was turned out, she was quite lively. Knowing she preferred to be out with her friend Country, I inquired if they could be turned out together, they replied, “we don't do that”. Every day Quantana would jump out of her corral and into Country’s, sending a clear message. She wanted to be with her friend. After all, horses are herd animals. When I arrived at the barn the following day Quantana was in a heightened state of agitation. To keep her from jumping into her neighbor’s paddock she was in a corral with a significantly higher fence. As I stood there complaining to the staff Quantana simply took two step and launched herself gracefully into Country’s paddock! She was brilliant! Jumping almost 6’ at a walk! I considered myself the luckiest person to have two of the most caring and compassionate mares and decided it was time for me to find another home for them.
I chose a place further out in the country with more turnout. Everyone seemed friendly and helpful. The owner offered to ride Quantana until I could get back in the saddle after my 4th child was born. After a couple of years riding at this barn they suggested I try another horse to ride and that I should breed Quantana. Not really understanding the “horse world” I assumed that's what you did with young horses. I was then told to re-register her because she was in Italy now. Then came more offers to show her. Everyone loved her, but was it real?
Rein Photography