Three little golden horses

by Vicki Fourie

The first horse I ever met wasn't an Appaloosa, Arabian, or a Friesian. It wasn't even a real horse, for that matter. The first horse I ever touched was a golden one made out of hard copper. The statue was carefully arranged on my mother's shelf in the living room, and the heavy horse stood proud, standing on all four feet. The other two smaller horses – which I presumed to be the foals – stood next to their mother, following her lead …

Calling my name ...

I was only a child at the time, but by then I already knew the importance of those horses. When I look back now, I wish I had started with horse riding lessons earlier. But I was too immersed in my love for books, creating my own fantasy world as a pastor's kid.

I didn't grow up on a farm, nor had I seen a real horse before. When I turned nine, I visited my uncle during the December holiday, and he arranged horse riding lessons for me. "It will change your life," he said.

I had no idea what he meant by that statement. The only picture I had in my head of horses, was of those three golden horses, standing frozen and proud in our living room.

I decided to take a chance, and I embraced this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Every morning, between 9 and 11, my sister, brother and I took turns riding for half an hour each. Within those two weeks, I had learnt how to steer, walk, trot and canter with two different horses.

Back in town

When the holiday was over, I returned home. I asked around for places where I could continue with my riding lessons, but everywhere the door just closed. Because we lived in town, all the horse riding stables were just too far for my parents to drive me to. I realised that I wouldn't be able to carry on with horse riding lessons … but I could still have my own three horses, even if they were not real. I asked my mother if I could put them in my room, and she readily agreed.

My love for horses grew stronger and stronger, making that discouraging voice inside me grow softer and softer. Soon it was the only thing I could think about. I took out books about horse riding stories at the local library, and I put up posters of horses in my room. I slept, talked, watched, and breathed horses. I also started imagining what it would be like to own a real horse of my own someday …

Fast-forward twelve years

I'm 22 years old. My head is itching from the trapped heat in my helmet, and I can feel the warm sweat of my hands as I hold the reigns tightly. The sun is high and scorching against my brow. It is hot. But I am loving it. I know I must persevere, for it is my love of horses that makes me want to learn. I may not be a champion rider or a seasoned horseman, but I will keep on trying, trying and trying.

For me, it is an honour to be able to take horse riding lessons. Even though it is at a late age, it is never too late to embrace your passions. We have since then moved away to another town, and we live on a smallholding just outside the city.

I am still hoping for my own horse … a real one. Maybe one day. For now, I am content with my three golden statues that are still standing proudly – if not stubbornly – on my bookshelf. I am no longer the little girl with small dreams and fantasies. I am a grown woman, and I have the privilege of making my dreams come true which may eventually become my own reality …

My motto in life?

"Courage isn't a gift; it's a decision." It has helped me in my mindset in many areas of my life: learning to speak like a hearing person even with 97% hearing loss, mastering the art of lip-reading, doing ballet exams, competing in drama events at an international level, and now … embracing my love for horses.

Vicki Fourie was crowned Miss Deaf South Africa 2009/2010 & Miss Deaf International 2010 Second Princess.