I fell in love with horses early, wholly and completely. I grew up on the back of a shiny copper Arabian x Quarter Horse named Magnum. I explored every inch of the countryside and often only returned home at dusk. I joined Pony Club, 4-H, tried my hand at Prince Phillip Games, gymkhana, worked cattle, went on pack trips in the mountains and dabbled in 3-day eventing. I was fiercely competitive at National Quiz and diligently worked my way up the Pony Club levels. When other kids eventually outgrew the pony phase, I threw my horse in the trailer and took him with me to University. I would study my biology textbook while he ate his supper in the barn. Horses have always been “home”.
Magnum weathered many seasons of life with me. I finished university, got married, had 4 beautiful baby boys. We started an award winning pasture-plate butcher shop and cafe. Our farm, Ravenwood Ranch, was busy and our lives were so full. I began raising amateur friendly warmbloods and sport ponies under the name Ravenwood Sport Horses. In 2008 I was diagnosed with a debilitating chronic illness, Rheumatoid Arthritis. Magnum was my constant. Magnum was a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear and a steady companion. He had seen me through the stages of lanky kid, angsty teen, young adult, wife and mother. He helped me cope with many medical procedures and surgeries. He taught my babies how to ride. In 2016 at the age of 26 we lost him to a violent colic. I held his head in my lap as he took his last breath. So much of who I am as a person is as a result of the experiences I shared with that special horse.
You could say that horses are in my blood. They are an essential part of my core identity, my ultimate coping mechanism, my emotional support companions, my friends and enablers. When I ride, I feel complete, I feel empowered, I feel capable. On a horse, I have wings to fly. I am so grateful for Magnum and for each and every horse that has come into my life since. I understand how fleeting life is, how quickly one’s circumstances and health can change. For this reason I savor and value every single ride. Every day at the barn is a gift and I don’t intend to take that for granted.
I aspire to one day represent Canada in international competition. That goal is secondary to spending every single day learning to communicate and dance in harmony with these incredibly accomodating, generous creatures. I am constantly humbled and in awe of the strength, beauty and brilliance of horses. You could say I am that little Pony Club kid that never grew up.
Tamara Taylor Paradressage 