I have no idea and sadly, many things from childhood regarding my paternal parent fall into that category.

It was a treasured part of my childhood, though I always feel a little weird bringing it up because people tend to envision I had these grand formal riding lessons, when it was time spent on my grandparents small farm, set back in the middle of the woods. Magical to me, but it's lead to some misunderstandings.

You poor thing! Were the allergies to the horse or the outdoors? I wish that everyone who loved riding could have access. I think it's really important for people, especially children, to spend time with animals and it's a wonderful way to do so.