Riding began for me around the age of 6 or 7, nothing fancy, my mother would take my sisters and I to Chats in Pennypack Park and rent a few ponies for an hour or so. No helmets, no guide, my mom knew nothing about horses, just out having fun with the ponies.  That is where the love began. In my twenties friends and I decided to take riding lessons at Ashford Farm in Miquon. That was a trip.  We did all  (english) disciplines and even participated in some local farm shows.  I rode a horse named Rabbi, he was the best school master ever. But I found out the hard way he loved cross country and there was no stopping him on the trails. 
     Fast forward, marriage, daughter, divorce, my (now ex) boyfriend introduces me to a girl with a QH stallion, Breeze, who is willing to give lessons in exchange for some help with her horse. Breeze comes into my life for the next 13 years.  Poor guy, we gelded him at age 7,  but he always had stallion attitude and challenged me, a novice, every step of the way, however he was a great horse and taught me a lot.  I bought him outright in June 2009 and had to put him down February 2010. One of the saddest days of my life as anyone who has had to say good-bye to a horse knows.
     Fast forward, I have ridden Icelandics on treks in Vermont and fell in love with the breed.  After Breeze, my aging father began to fail so there was no time for horses in my life, but I continued to ride friends horses when I could. My Dad passed in 2011 and a few weeks later friends from Carlisle PA tell me of a guy who is looking to sell an Icelandic who has become a lawn ornament. Enter Kopur, I really consider him a gift from my Dad. When I went to see Kopur and ride him in Carlisle, he was a skinny guy with a shrunken top line, I believe he had not been ridden for a few years, also he was 21 years old. I soon find out he is the energizer bunny. I bring him home, he becomes a hand full, but with the help of a trainer (Tara Jones) we are able to get him back into shape.  He is now an absolutely amazing horse and I am living the dream of my childhood...
     Closing I must say another gift is all the wonderful people I have meet through my connection with horses throughout the years, especially my Mingo family, they are the best!

"Kopur"

1990 Dun Icelandic gelding

Marianne Natali

Mingo Stables