Picture Perfect: Training for the Circus?

This one is for my friend Laura from Simplifying in the South.  Not too long ago, she posted a picture as part of her "Random Thursday" collection.  I've been meaning to dig up this picture ever since.

One of these days. I will get my hands on a scanner, but in the meantime, it'll just be picture in picture.

I was probably 7 or 8 and, if I remember correctly, an aunt had taken me on an outing.  This may have been a zoo, but I don't know.

Like any self respecting little girl, I loved horses.  I had horse postcards plastered all over my room.  Not posters, mind you, postcards!  And apparently, as evidenced by the picture, I wanted to train for the circus. 

Also note the short hair. This was not standard issue for little girls back then - and I distinctly remember walking to the hairdresser in the little village (!) I grew up with and telling him that I wanted a "boy cut".

I much preferred hanging out with the boys - in the woods - no, not doing what you're thinking! - to climb trees, build forts and have adventures!

I never did get close to a real horse when I was little.  Wait, I take that back.  It must have been around this time that I saw my first horse up close and personal.  It was a jumper, a warmblood - and it was huge!  The size scared the tar out of me.  

Nowadays, living in the States, I live vicariously through my daughter, who actually owns a horse - a small Quarter horse/Arabian mix.  

That's my story behind this photo.  I have no doubt that there are more to come.  

How about you?  Do you have any embarrassing photos you'd like to share?