Thursday, July 14, 2011

The Inspiration - A Riding Habit

The Inspiration in which I became interested in horses was all due to the commission of a riding habit with Wendy Strawn of Historically Sew and eventually my hat by George F. Franks, III of Cocked Hats to go with the ensemble.  My thought was, if I were to wear a riding habit at living history events, I must know how to ride a horse as well - otherwise how can I understand the reason for wearing the habit if I haven't experienced riding?  Reenacting and living history led me to my gorgeous gray horse, a Tennessee Walker, named Southern Belle.  Now, what does that have to do with making and selling 17th, 18th & 19th Century inspired earrings, hatpins, hair accessories, etc.?  Simple, my Southern Belle was a lady of refined taste and had a certain lifestyle of which she was accustomed.  She required supplements and shots for her severe osteoarthritis which came as a result of her being a reenactment horse for 8 years.  She was retired and in my care for 4-1/2 years and had to leave me when she was 25 years of age on 25 August 2014.  You may have seen her at reenactments - as she loved the adoration and attended to honor the horses who gave their lives during the Revolutionary War.  This venture was started entirely for her out of respect, love, compassion, dignity, and to keep her out of any pain.  She was the love of my life and her memory lives on in my caring for her other friends who I also rescued or adopted - Mindy, Haddy, Mallory, Little Man and now Nelson.

Lady Worsley, 1776

January 2011