Legacy Stories: The Buzz About Mickie

Stung more than 20 times, Mickie still waited for me.

It started as an ordinary trail ride on my friend's 20-acre property. The day was beautiful, the woods were peaceful, and we were looking forward to a quiet walk with our horses and good conversation along the way.

About halfway through the woods, my friend's horse suddenly bolted. I held Mickie back, hoping that if we stayed calm, the other horse might slow down rather than race farther away. Mickie pranced in place, but he did not panic.

Then it hit me — right in the face. We were standing over a ground hornet's nest. My friend's horse had stepped into it and bolted, while Mickie and I were still right on top of it.

Once I realized what was happening, I moved Mickie forward, but the hornets were everywhere. I jumped off to lead him through the woods — and as soon as my feet touched the ground, one foot caught in a tangle of roots. Mickie ran to escape the hornets, but only after I was safely off his back.

That was Mickie. Even in a frightening moment, he waited. He ran down the trail, then stopped and turned back for me.

When I caught up with him, I counted the stings I could see: 22. He was having some trouble breathing, so I called the vet and asked him to meet us at home — just a 10-minute drive away. The vet gave Mickie the medication he needed, then asked me something I still think about: "Is Mickie always this calm, or do I need to be really worried?"

"Yes," I told him. "That's Mickie. He is always calm — and just about the best trail horse you could have."

I routinely rode Mickie outside without a bridle or saddle, in nearly any kind of weather. In the arena, he was completely unflappable. Once, a nesting starling dug under my arena door and flew straight up into Mickie's face — and he never missed a beat. He was steady, kind, and safe enough to be trusted with even the youngest riders.

Stories like Mickie's are the heart behind my horse-themed artwork. Each design is inspired by the horses who shaped me — the ones who taught courage, patience, trust, and joy. The kind of spirit worth wearing and sharing.

Mickie is part of the Legacy Collection. You can shop his shirts here:
Reliable Unisex T-Shirt — Mickie | Comfort Unisex T-Shirt — Mickie