Our Horses: Pepper
Acorn, Aspen, Athena, Beryl, Blackhawk, Cedar, Chaparral, Daisy, Everest, First Star, Hickory, Honey Girl, Jade, Jasper, Joyee, Juniper, Navajo, Onyx, Pearl, Pepper, Pinon, Raven, Sapphire, Sequoia, Springtime, Starbright, Teak, Teton, Tiger Eye, Topaz, Vaquero, Wild Sweet William, and Zoey
Pepper was Mary Lee's first mustang. That realization, however, took fifteen years to discover.
Pepper was purchased on an impulse from a rental stable in Snow Canyon Park in Utah. Mary Lee was attracted by her Grulla coloring and size. Brighton Meadows needed another beginner's schooling horse and a summer of hauling riders around the park had made Pepper very quiet and reliable.
Pepper exemplifies Mary Lee's saying that Mustangs are the Volkswagens of the equine world. They are cost efficient, hardy, low maintenance, capable and cute. Now Pepper is almost twenty years old and is cherished for her kindness and good service. Last summer she expanded her duties to therapeutic riding, especially for BreeAnn. BreeAnn was a show team member when a 4-wheeler accident paralyzed her from the waist down. Pepper, Mary Lee, and BreeAnn worked to develop a system so that BreeAnn could ride independently. BreeAnn moved us all when she said that riding Pepper alone was the first time since her accident 7 years earlier, that she has been able to go where she wants without asking someone to push her. By August, BreeAnn was cantering in the round pen with the wind blowing her hair back. It was one of Mary Lee's greatest joys and has continued to motivate the training of Mustangs that will allow paralyzed people the freedom of legs again. Mary Lee believes that the size, temperament, and smooth gait of many wild horses make them ideal for physically-challenged riders.
Additionally, Pepper is an incredible listener and many times when you walk by her stall you will hear one of her students telling her their problems and their joys. Through the years Pepper has taught countless students to ride. They drop by just to see Pepper and bring her treats to express their gratitude for their life enriching relationship with her.
2009 Update:
Pepper seems to get younger every year even though, chronologically, she is in her mid twenties. She still canters and bucks with the other horses during turnout. Her fan club continues to grow and she continues to teach little ones how to ride. Her good will toward those she teaches all of these years has earned her special privileges. In the morning, after she has finished her breakfast, Mary Lee opens her stall and lets her go wherever she wants. Typically, that means she runs to open, grassy areas where she can eat Russian Olives, or whatever else she finds interesting. She knows not to mess up the hay stack or make herself a nuisance. When she is thirsty, or it is time for lessons, she trots back into her stall. She has developed her own training program and woe be it to the one who forgets to let her out at the appropriate time!
