When I was 13 I began to live my dream of being around horses. I acquired a job cleaning stalls in exchange for riding privileges, and it was there that I met Star, the most inspirational individual in my life. Not even halter broke at 10 months old, Star was a dark, dark brown, Appaloosa-Standardbred filly, bred to do nothing in particular, but the door of dreams swung open when we connected. Nothing was impossible for us, and through 23 years of love and friendship we competed successfully in Dressage, English and Western events, jumping, trail trials and much more. Star taught me the meaning of love, trust and responsibility; she inspired me with her heart. Her strong back carried me through life's hardships, and also on countless great, grand adventures. My anchor and my rock, at the end of her life, Star taught me about dignity and courage. After Star passed on, although I knew she was with me in spirit, my heart was broken.

At this time, I had a mustang mare named Holly. We had adopted her from the BLM the year before. We had no idea she was pregnant by a wild stallion at the time. Then, 3 weeks after Star passed, I received what I believe is a Star-sent gift. Scarlett Moon, a pure blooded Nevada mustang filly, made her entrance into this world and my life on a cold March night. I found Scarlett shortly after her birth, a sticky, muddy shivering waif. We carried her to a straw-bedded stall with a heat lamp, and bundled her in my husbands flannel shirts, which were dubbed "filly jombos". For two nights I slept in the barn in sub-20 degree temperatures so I could keep her covered with a blanket when she would lie down after nursing from Holly. Our bond was forged during those frigid nights and has only gotten stronger with time. A big chestnut filly, with a flowing flaxen mane and tail, Scarlett has a heart as big as the Nevada desert and is my heaven-sent angel. While recovering from a compound fracture of my femur, the prognosis for riding anytime soon was remote. Three months after the injury, I slid onto 2-year-old Scarlett bareback and knew everything would be O.K. Scarlett is 4 now and is more wonderful with each passing day! We are eventually going to be doing bridleless/saddless exhibitions. She learns things so fast that it's almost magical. She is smart and beautiful and very loyal; she is my best friend.

Scarlett came into this world and comforted me when I needed it the most, with an intelligence and maturity beyond her years. People thought I was crazy riding a two-year-old filly, let alone a Mustang, after such a serious injury, but as with my beloved Star, Scarlett and I love and trust each other, we just follow our hearts.

Scarlett as a foal, with Laura Bell, who wrote this story about her two equine heroes.