Equestrian Singles is one of the very 1st places I started chatting and meeting and making online friends. It reconnected me to the outside world when I felt that I definately needed some adult social interaction other than with my kids 24/7. Cant believe it has been that long already, I started chatting here in 2004/2005. It amazes me everytime i stop in How strong we all are for all the battles we have all endured. I love you all Always will, I wish I could meet everyone I have befriended in here in person. Ill be searching Google play for the phone app i sure hope you have one. Thank you for being here for me. :)

The Good - Ive amassed enough frequent flyer miles for a free trip to the moon - A lifetime discount at Uhaul - I'm in Travelocity's corporate will - Diners Club has a picture of me on their credit card - When I call AAA emergency road service, they answer: "Where ya headed to this time Monte...?" and last but not least, I have a reserved room at the Betty Ford Cyber-Center, anytime I want... The Bad - I'm writing this from my room at the Betty Ford Cyber-Center...yea buddy, happy 13th...>m<

ES has given me some life experiences that I will always cherish. If not for this site I never would have met Tim962, Texasbay, Montewalsh, cowboyjerrylee, George and Evelyn and so many others that will always have a place in my heart. I loved the first ES parties at the NFR where we all got to meet the person behind the screen name. And for those that attended those early gatherings, there is a shared life experience that will forever bond us. Lastly, there are no words to describe meeting and/or becoming friends with some very happy couples that fell in love and were married. Some were together until one of the spouses passed away. When I get sad I think about how they were so lucky to find one another, be truly happy, and share some wonderful times together. Such is life...

It was 13 years ago today that I bought the domain name EquestrianSingles.com and came up with the idea for the site. Though it has changed since the start of Facebook, we still have many happy success stories and receive emails about happy couples having another child, or getting engaged and married, or simply supporting another member through difficult times. The community aspect of the site changed with the passing of Tim and Rancher2 who so graciously hosted parties at their homes. Also, the economy has changed. It was easier for members to travel from around the country for a gathering. But Horses are expensive. At the last official party in Vegas we found that many of the regulars that came every year just couldn't make it. Also, it was very difficult to find a venue that would set aside space for us. Mostly they only reserved for Sponsors of the NFR. Thanks to Barry and Glen for hosting happy hours at their suite each year and then heading to the dance floor at the Gold Coast. Vegas is great, and it's a wonderful way to meet other members.

I had to think a while about how to answer that question - so many things flew through my head. I signed up the fall of 2002 - don't even remember how I found out about the site - think it was an ad in Western Horseman? But what a blast - testimony that the elements of the heart and mind are what bring people together, no matter what the distance. And what a cross section of humanity!!!! Though I never went to the official outings, I have met some wonderful, never to be forgotten people. Sad, good, funny, tragic, heroic, intelligent, brave, generous, devious and angelic. Game players and the true of heart. Zane Grey people - like a book you never want to put down and never want to end. In September of 2003 I met Mustang0069, aka Stang - an Ohio redneck. Never thought a long distance relationship would have a chance but where there's a heart - there's a way. Lots of ES time, lots of phone time, lots of flight time - and in March of 2005 - he moved to Nevada. Actualy, he moved his horses here in Aug of 2004 (ask MJK ;) ) so I knew I was "stuck" with him. lol Without ES, life as I now know it would not exist - we've experienced all the ups and downs one can imagine, our relationship has surely been tested - but we have shared everything together and have the memories and lessons of the past and the hope and plans for the future together. Anyone reading this: the people here are no different than the people "out there." Behind every chat "handle", behind every word typed on the screen - there is a mind and a heart - treat it with respect, compassion, understanding, dignity, and humor. Life IS like a box of chocolates - full of pleasant and lasting surprises. :)

I signed up back in 2002 after the end of a 22 yr marriage, it started out to be a place I could come to just to get back into a social community, I was kind of quiet at first but got to know a lot of the other people who were involved with the equestrian community in many different aspects. It became a place to make new friends, learn new things and eventually I was able to meet a lot of the ES people at many different functions (Las Vegas NFR)for one. I am so glad I got to meet all these wonderful people in person and I hope to meet many more in the future. I hope ES lives on forever and we can celebrate many more anniversaries. Thank You Admin ;) for all you have done for us members.

Thanks for all your stories... Please keep them coming... We love to hear your success stories whether it is finding the love of your life, being supported by friends during a difficult time, or what the site has given you in the way of long lasting friendships.

The ES site has meant countless hours of fun in the chat room, several great trips all over the U.S. and Canada to parties/get-togethers and many fabulous friendships! Here's to another great 12 years! Are there plans for an ES Senior site? ...I'm just sayin....lol Dreamscometrue Kathy

ES , hmmmmmmm..... i got to chuckle here.... it has had its good points and its other points.....lol Often times , it has been a wild ride , sometimes yah hafta pull yer hat down tight and get a deep seat ....lol But over all it has been an experience i will NEVER EVER forget . I gotta say ....its been WORTH the experience. I have met some great guys and i have made a LOT of friends on here.

Every year I am reminded about the long time members we lost who were my friends. And I know I am not alone with these feelings. I will never forget Tim's smile and happiness each time there was another gathering at his house that members arranged for him. Though the doctors gave Tim 6 months to live it was the commraderie and friendships of this community that I believe contributed to him living for several years longer.This was our dear friend Tim O'keefe - Tim962 http://www.equestriansingles.com/profiles/viewprofile.asp?memberid=11632 A chat room was named after Dakota, who was mostly housebound. The chat rooms gave her the ability to leave her room and chat with others every night, where she made so many friends. When she passed away from complications from heart surgery there were pages and pages of posts from her friends who mourned her passing. Those posts still remain on the message board. This post from her Aunt says it best: "Dakota 123 (Theresa) was my niece.... I am having a hard time finding these words,but will try..... I do not believe that many people could understand just how much this site meant to her. As Im sure you must know, she lost her mother (Linda) last year and had no siblings. She rarely left her home (lived with her dad)and you people were truly her whole world. When she was born, she was born with only 1/2 heart...only 2 chambers, and was not expected to live long. This operation was a long shot, but her only chance as the one seperating valve had split and the main artery was splitting also. Her last words were.."I hope I make it, but if I don't, it's ok, I'm ready".... She had no hatred in her for anyone, only love. To the man from the PBR that visited her just before her operation....you have touched many lives and will not be forgotten. The beautiful T-shirt you gave her is draped on her coffin. Thank you Equestrian Singles, for being, in essence, a person's whole world. Dakota was a good person that will be sorely missed. love to you all, and may God-Bless. Pam " Teresa Lonadier -Dakota123 http://www.equestriansingles.com/profiles/viewprofile.asp?memberid=23635 And for the countless love stories whose marriages we celebrated, and for the members we loved, lost,and mourned, each year I remember how these friendships born solely out of our community Equestrian Singles.com, will live on forever in our memories. Here's to another 12 years!