For Kim Thaler, horses have never simply been pets — they have been lifelong companions, teachers, and a connection shared across generations.

Kim and her family have lived in Savannah Quarters for the past four years, and while they love the friendships and amenities the neighborhood offers, one of the biggest draws is its convenient location close to both downtown Savannah and the barn where their horses are boarded.

Kim currently owns two thoroughbreds: Nova, a stunning four-year-old chestnut mare, and Hendrix, her daughter Brit’s six-year-old bay gelding.

“I have been very fortunate in my life to be exposed to lots of breeds of horses,” Kim says, “but the thoroughbred just holds a special place for me. I love their stamina, speed, strength, endurance, and sensitivity.”

Their horses’ names reflect the family’s deep appreciation for music and art. Hendrix was named after legendary musician Jimi Hendrix, with the horse’s show name, Message to Love, inspired by one of Hendrix’s songs. Nova’s show name is Art Nouveau, a nod to both artistic influence and her mother, Noudha, whose name they wanted to honor by keeping the “N” connection.

Though both horses are beloved, their personalities could not be more different.

“Nova is a very large horse and very young, but she’s incredibly sweet and loving — an old soul,” Kim explains. “Hendrix is the total opposite: curious, dramatic, and definitely the class clown.”

Both horses happily accept treats of almost any kind, from carrots and peppermints to their favorite German Horse Muffins.

For Kim, however, the true joy of horse ownership comes from the quiet moments of connection.

“My favorite memory with Nova is nothing exciting,” she says. “I was sitting outside her stall while other horses were running around nearby. I looked over at her, and she was just staring at me. She exhaled, lowered her head, and looked completely at ease and content. It melted my heart.”

That bond has been built over decades. Kim’s daughter Brit began riding at just six years old and will turn 40 this year. Kim herself started riding as an adult in her thirties and says horses quickly became a lifelong passion for them both.

Over the years, the pair has traveled all over the world riding together, including adventures in Ireland, Belize, Portugal, and Iceland. Their connection to Savannah actually began years before their move, when Brit attended SCAD and rode on the university’s equestrian team.

“I knew then that someday I would move from Maryland to Savannah,” Kim says.

After losing two beloved thoroughbreds at the remarkable ages of 32 and 36, Kim took a break from horse ownership while life became busy with work and grandchildren. But after moving to Savannah, a neighbor invited her on a trail ride, reigniting a passion she realized she deeply missed.

Not long after returning to riding, Kim suffered a devastating accident during a trail ride when the horse she was riding fell, breaking her neck in three places.

“At the time, my first thought was, ‘When can I start riding again?’” she recalls with a laugh.

After months of recovery, Kim slowly returned to the saddle. Her daughter Brit eventually moved from Texas to Savannah so they could once again share the experience together. They found support and encouragement through Avanti Sporthorses, where they train alongside a close-knit barn family that helped restore Kim’s confidence after her accident.

Though doctors advised her to stop jumping — and even suggested she stop riding altogether — Kim simply adjusted her path, shifting her focus to dressage.

"You are never too old to chase your dreams and aspirations," she says.  "They just may have to change a little."

One of Kim’s proudest moments came while watching Hendrix compete in his very first horse show at age five with Brit, who herself was returning to the show ring after more than a decade away.

“Our crazy boy handled it like a little pro,” Kim says. “Watching the two of them together was such a proud moment.”

For Kim, horses represent far more than competition or sport. They are about trust, partnership, resilience, and connection.

“I love horses — not just riding, but building the bond between you and this beautiful 1,200-pound animal,” she says. “That soft nuzzle, the exhale of breath… there truly is no other feeling for me.”

And while Kim is thoroughly enjoying this current chapter with Nova and Hendrix, she still carries one more dream close to her heart: someday seeing Nova become a mother herself.

"It may not happen in my lifetime," she says, "but, life has a way of coming full circle."