There's something special about sharing your horse passion with T your family members-parents, grandparents, and children, sometimes even beyond. In today's trend toward multigenerational living (18% of all U.S. households include grandparents, parents, and children, according to Pew Research Center analysis of census data), equine partners help build bonds, provide family fun, and offer common ground for understanding each other.
The Swanson family, based in Sedalia, Colorado, exemplifies this in the family's horse life. Patriarch Dr. Terry Swanson, DVM; matriarch Elaine "Peachie" Swanson; their son, Roy, and his wife, Betsy; and their kids Quincy (12) and Waylon (10) come together to build their dream life with horses while supporting each other, encouraging their budding riders, and letting every family member strive to achieve goals of all kinds.
Here, you'll learn how the Swansons make it work, why it's worth the effort, and tips for navigating your own multigenerational horse life.
Meet the Swansons
Terry and Elaine both grew up horseback, Terry on a ranch in Chugwater, Wyoming, and Elaine around Colorado Springs, Colorado. They passed on their passion for horses and the Western way of life to their son, Roy, bringing him up in youth rodeo and advancing to college and amateur rodeos. Terry and Elaine moved to Littleton, Colorado, in 1968 where Terry became a partner at Littleton Large Animal Clinic (now Littleton Equine) and still practices today. Although Terry and Elaine lived in town, they built an arena and pens at the clinic in 1972 and kept and rode their horses there until their move to Sedalia in 2012.
This story is from the Fall 2022 edition of Horse and Rider.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Fall 2022 edition of Horse and Rider.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
JOIN THE CLUB!
Riding clubs of all forms can be found across the country. What should you look for when choosing—or starting—a club of your own? We asked three club leaders to share their insights
Help Is (Sometimes) Only a Phone Call Away!
Do you depend on over-the-phone advice from your veterinarian? Here's what you need to know about telehealth to help you understand what you can, and can't, expect
Strengthen Your Mental Game
Prepare your mind for peak performances with your horse by implementing these tips from reining trainer Shane Brown
Burning Off the Fresh
Whether your horse has gone unridden due to a health problem, the weather, or your schedule, a thoughtful process can keep everyone safe during his return to work
Ground Tying for Ranch Trail
There are many reasons to teach your horse how to safely ground tie
Pressure and Release
Listen to your young rider, and put your own feelings aside. Pushing too hard can drive them away from horses. Timing is everything, just like with your horse.
Nix Lazy Leading
Letting your horse slog along behind you can cause other problems. Fix it early to maintain your horse's responsiveness and respect.
Through the Eyes of Leroy
When their new horse started displaying strange behavior, owners Mike and Kris Stevens made it their mission to get to the bottom of the mystery. Now, the sorrel gelding rides in style with a pair of goggles that allow him to see the world without pain.
Things Take Time
Are you an overachiever with serious goals in mind? Learn why working harder and longer isn’t always better for your horse.
COOL OFF IN THE CASCADES
Head to a tidy horse camp in Oregon’s Cascade Mountain Range for cool summer rides among mysterious lava outcroppings and hidden springs.