BryonySeries Throwback Thursday (on Wednesday): 'Lil Desert'

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

'Lil Desert

Although it’s never once mentioned between the pages of Bryony why nineteenth century pianist and composer John Simons owns Arabian horses, Diane Roberds of Indiana offers some insight, based on her experiences with the breed. 

For years, Roberds fancied quarter horses until she purchased an Arabian horse from the annual horse auction of the 115 year old Salem Ranch in Flannagan, Illinois (http://www.salemranch.com/). The ranch is residential counseling center that offers a structured Christian program in a farm setting for at-risk boys. In the past, the ranch specialized in Arabian horses, but now accepts donations of other breeds. 

“I had been going through the list of horses that were going to the auction and I jokingly said I might be interested if the prices were reasonable,” Roberds said. 

So in March 2009, Roberds purchased a 17 yr. old Egyptian Arabian mare named Desert Shalome. According to her registration papers she was foaled in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, and had changed hands several times before winding up at Salem Ranch. 

Roberds fondly calls her ‎'lil Desert. Arabians, Roberds said, are known for their beauty (“They have finely chiseled heads, tipped out ears, a dished-out faces,” Roberds said), temperament, elegance and stamina. They trot gracefully and proudly as they carry their tails high. 

“I can see why a musician would like Arabian horses, “Roberds said. “They are classy and elegant, like classical music. My Arabian is small; she looks like a small horse or large pony. She's independent and a little stand-offish but a very nice, quiet and dependable mare. We--my husband and I--like her enough to say she has a forever home." 

Arabian horses have one less vertebra than most horses, so the coupling on their back is shorter, necessitating a special saddle for optimal fit. At seventy, Roberds enjoys riding ‎'lil Desert, but she feeding and grooming her is fun, too. 

“She really is a sweet little horse,” Roberds said. “I’ve been horse-crazy from the time I was three years old,” Roberds said. “My kids grew up with horses. If I was younger I might want to show them—I’ve done a few fun shows, but I’m not really a competitor.”

The Arabian Horse*Tribute*

'Lil Desert

Although it’s never once mentioned between the pages of Bryony why nineteenth century pianist and composer John Simons owns Arabian horses, Diane Roberds of Indiana offers some insight, based on her experiences with the breed. For years, Roberds fancied quarter horses until she purchased an Arabian horse from the annual horse auction of the 115 year old Salem Ranch in Flannagan, Illinois (http://www.salemranch.com/). The ranch is residential counseling center that offers a structured Christian program in a farm setting for at-risk boys. In the past, the ranch specialized in Arabian horses, but now accepts donations of other breeds. “I had been going through the list of horses that were going to the auction and I jokingly said I might be interested if the prices were reasonable,” Roberds said. So in March 2009, Roberds purchased a 17 yr. old Egyptian Arabian mare named Desert Shalome. According to her registration papers she was foaled in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, and had changed hands several times before winding up at Salem Ranch. Roberds fondly calls her ‎'lil Desert. Arabians, Roberds said, are known for their beauty (“They have finely chiseled heads, tipped out ears, a dished-out faces,” Roberds said), temperament, elegance and stamina. They trot gracefully and proudly as they carry their tails high. “I can see why a musician would like Arabian horses, “Roberds said. “They are classy and elegant, like classical music. My Arabian is small; she looks like a small horse or large pony. She's independent and a little stand-offish but a very nice, quiet and dependable mare. We--my husband and I--like her enough to say she has aforever home." Arabian horses have one less vertebra than most horses, so the coupling on their back is shorter, necessitating a special saddle for optimal fit. At seventy, Roberds enjoys riding ‎'lil Desert, but she feeding and grooming her is fun, too. “She really is a sweet little horse,” Roberds said. “I’ve been horse-crazy from the time I was three years old,” Roberds said. “My kids grew up with horses. If I was younger I might want to show them—I’ve done a few fun shows, but I’m not really a competitor.”

Jule Drake vs. Julie Drake, Part 2

8) When you were growing up, did you have long or short hair? How did you wear it? “Real” Julie Drake: “Long, pony tail or braids.” Bryony’s Julie Drake: “Medium-long, braids.” 9) Do you hold grudges? “Real” Julie Drake: “Well I would say yes, if it is someone that has hurt my family or someone I love very much. If they hurt me I tend to be more forgiving.” Bryony’s Julie Drake: “Generally, no, but it really depends what the offense is.” 10) What did you family do for fun? “Real” Julie Drake: “We really just played in the back yard alot. We didn't have alot of money after my father died. When my mom remarried then we would travel. We would go stay at my Aunt Julie's in California. We had gone to Florida a few times. My mother loved scrabble, and we would play that.” Bryony’s Julie Drake: “Played board games and watch TV, when you could get reception.” 11) What was your first job? “Real” Julie Drake: “I cleaned stalls and fed and groomed horses for a local guy who had Arabians. He had a lot of money and paid me to take care of them.” Bryony’s Julie Drake: “Waitressing at Sue’s Diner. It’s interesting that the “real” Julie Drake cared for horses. Back in the nineteenth century, a famous composer and musician, John Simons, once lived here and he kept Arabian horses.” 12) What were your career goals? “Real” Julie Drake: “I really wanted to work with racehorses. I did until I was 19.” Bryony’s Julie Drake: “I loved analyzing people, especially when it came to figuring out why anyone would want to stay in Munsonville. I always wanted to be a psychologist in private practice, so that’s what I did.” 13) How did you meet David? “Real” Julie Drake: “First time I met Dave was at the Indy time trials.” Bryony’s Julie Drake: At Jenson College of Liberal Arts. We were both psychology majors. His last name wasn’t important, because David took my last name once we were married.” 14) What did you like about him? “Real” Julie Drake: “He just seemed very genuine to me, and I love blue eyes.” Bryony’s Julie Drake: “The fact that he was ambitious and yet easy-going. He was a little shy, too, but I knew he had a crush on me, so I didn’t mind asking him out. Besides, I loved his blue eyes, even behind the gold wire rims.”