Darlene Kemper - My Heart, My Horse

Copyright 2015 Darlene Kemper

All rights reserved.

This book is protected by the copyright laws of the United States of
America. This book may not be copied or reprinted for commercial gain or
profit. The use of short quotations or occasional page copying for personal
use is permitted and encouraged. Permission will be granted upon request.

Drawbaugh Publishing Group

444 Allen Drive

Chambersburg, PA 17202

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-941746-15-8

eBook ISBN: 978-1-941746-16-5

For worldwide Distribution, Printed in the United States.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 / 18 17 16 15

W hat follows is a collection of short stories about incidents in the life of Darlene Kemper. There are a few things about the writer that, while not apparent from the beginning, have much to do with these happenings. In some cases, the traits of this writer may have influenced some of these events, not only in the telling of the story, but also its outcome.

Darlene Kemper seemed, from the day I first met her as a college student, to face every aspect of her life with an unusual amount of zeal and fortitude. She came to me wanting to learn to ride, and she wanted to do it well. No detail of anything would be left unattended and nothing would be left to chance if there was some way that she could positively affect the outcome. In other words, Darlene has lived her life with as much passion as anyone I have ever known.

That is not to say that everything she did had to set a record of some kind. These stories are often written about the small incidents that make up everyday life. Her eye for detail and her storytelling capture the beauty in these small but important moments. These events, and the outcomes, were very important to her and thus to the people around her. She recognizes the contributions of the school horses as well as the show horses. She sees the value in working with those who have talent, and those whose work ethic exceeds their native abilities.

As I read this book, I learned many things about her life that I had never known. And at the same time, I could have added some stories of my own that involved her in my own life, things that were certainly memorable to me. Reading her book, I became keenly aware that we share some common threads in our philosophy of life. And, there are also things that she seemed to always know, and have, for some reason, taken me a lifetime to learn.

Horse people dedicate their lives to working around horses. It is very easy to become totally consumed in every horse, every horse show, and all of the details involved in the daily routine of breeding, teaching, and training. Quickly it can become a life where nothing else in the world seems as important as your work. I have spent a lot of years caught up in trying to do and be the best I could be at my job. But Darlene has always known better than to be caught up in that syndrome. Yes, she is a very hard worker and the results show the success of that hard work. But she and I both know that our children and any positive influence we can have on the lives of others is all that really matters in the end. She, with her passion for life, has done a beautiful job at both of these things.

As you read these stories, I hope you will keep this thought in the back of your mind. One of her contributions is that she has raised two children that are now touching and improving the lives of many others.

The oldest daughter, Diana, has adopted Darlenes world view of equality and loving, regardless of skin color, wealth or status. This daughter has adopted two children, one in the U. S., and another from Ethiopia, giving these children safety, love and, of course, the opportunity to ride and enjoy horses. Diana, a history teacher in the Rockingham County school system, and her husband, have added two homegrown children to her family. All of these children prowl around the farm and barn with Darlenes whole-hearted blessings.

The second daughter, Brooke, has become a horse professional, training and competing on the Grand Prix level and continuing in the horse life introduced to her by her mother. It is obvious that this daughter carries the family gene for equine appreciation and attention to detail, and she has become an excellent rider and horsewoman.

Sarah Coaching a Student

Darlene has made a marked difference in the lives she has touched, including mine.

Once I started reading this book, I could hardly put it down until I had read it all. Heres hoping you will feel the same way!

Sarah Irvine

M y most humble and sincere thanks to:

All those who have contributed material for this book, both equine and human. It has been a pleasure and I could not have done this without you.

Joan Goode, my Mom, for your support and encouragement.

My children, Diana and Brooke, whose love and involvement with horses continues to give me great pleasure.

Whit, my husband, who tolerated crazy schedules and endless conversations.

John Sze, friend, confidant and creative genius behind Sze Designs and Graceful Manor Publications. Thanks for your advice, direction and support.

Sue, for believing in me and for being ever-ready for adventure.

Angela and Becka, who let me practice teaching and mothering, and survived.

Sarah, for putting my foot on the path.

God, who gave me the gifts which I gratefully acknowledge. I am ever-striving to use them well.

The horses I have known and loved. Show horse or school horse, you have all been Champions. You have been the motivation for the writing of this book. May you live on through these stories. I will never forget you.

Those who pick up this book, purchase it and read it. You are holding a piece of my heart.

Mark and Darlene 1958

The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horses ears.

Arabian Proverb

T he old brown pickup truck came rumbling down the road, bouncing and chattering, announcing its arrival. Behind it was a rattletrap horse trailer, looking like a tin can on wheels. Inside, however, was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen! The small black Shetland pony inside was certainly not of noble origin, so shaggy that I couldnt tell if it was male or female. Young or old, that did not matter to me, nor did I have any knowledge of its life history or circumstances. All I remember is that when the old man unloaded this little creature, I was in love.

Being 5 years old, my youthful eyes saw the pony with all the wonder and fantasy such a moment could conjure. I didnt see her common head, or her rough, shaggy coat. I didnt notice her cheap tack or the manure on her feet. Such things are easily noticed now when I look at the picture commemorating the event. For one dollar, children could ride upon her little back in a tiny western saddle. For an extra dollar you could get a Polaroid picture of the event, which seemed to make the parents happy. The neighborhood kids would congregate on the edge of the road, waiting their turns. The ride probably lasted two minutes or less but it was enough, enough to set in motion a love that would last me a lifetime. The die was cast, the deed was done and an unending love for horses was launched.