My dad was a heavy equipment operator, working long hours in the summer. We lived in the suburbs and I'm sure dad never imagined that another horse was in his future. But I always knew how much he loved horses, he never did gave up his cowboy boots. I'd always dreamed of having a horse of my own and somehow knew it was a possibility. When I turned sixteen I got an old white 67' Chevy pick up that my friends nicknamed old rusty, when I was bored I'd drive south looking at horses that were for sale. I finally told my dad that I had been looking for a horse and that I could keep it at a friends place Cliff got a grin on his face and said "it seems you've got a plan". We found a beautiful mare that was part quarter-horse and part Arabian. Very spirited, but dad said he'd show me how to handle her. He also said he thought the owner had been abusing her because she was head shy. We went back the next weekend with my truck and a trailer and the owner said we'd never get her in a single stall horse trailer. The man went to say goodbye to his horse and she bent down and bite his beer belly, turned and proceeded to follow my dad into the trailer.

The first thing we did on the way home was to stop in a western store where dad bought me my first pair of woman's cowboy boots. I don't recall the brand or how much they cost. They were a dark mahogany color with wood soles. I wore them until my daughter Emily turned 5.That was the beginning of my love for cowboy boots. Not that cowboy boots and horses necessarily have to go together. But, I think it's nice when they do.

There are not many people that can sit on a horse and look as majestic as my dad. People noticed him whether he was on a horse or not, but when he was on a horse you knew he had a special connection to that animal. Dad gave me many lessons from how to drive a horse from behind, to making sure I knew how to get on and off a moving horse, which actually saved my life one time when the cinch strap broke in front of a watch for children sign. We later moved to a small hobby farm and bought another horse - we had great times riding, installing fence and working in the barn.

I helped my dad die two years ago, he was 85 years old. He still looked like he did when he was 60. Black hair, a little grey around the edges. Still so dignified and full of life, I was not ready to lose him even at 85. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer three months after dad died. I helped her with her treatments and then we prepared for death a year later.

Then there is Ann, my friend of 27 years, we've raised our deaf children together. Her mom died unexpectedly just two weeks before mine. She grew up with a father she adored, a horse she loved and a pair of boots that gave her an appreciation for all things western. Together we've grown into women who understand that it is the seeker that finds, that through it all we are stronger, smarter and more compassionate. That it is not really the love of cowboy boots and horses that brought us here but the people who taught us how to love. That positive thinking and the pursuit of happiness are the things that are truly important.

My Husband John supports me in all that I do, That is all I need...well that, a few good friends and a good dog. Ann's children support her and together we will sell fabulous custom cowboy boots and extraordinary extras. When we say if you can afford it - we mean it in the nicest way, because we want you to have it.

It gives us great pride in being able to share some of our profits with Habitat for Horses. We will be adding more charities and a larger part of our profits as our business grows.

Kindest Regards,
Karen Smith

www.ifyoucanaffordit.com
www.intuitivepear.com