Yesterday I rode on a hunter pace with Joey. The first time in the two years I have owned him that we were able to do this. He was without a doubt the best horse I've ever ridden at an event like this. He was my Good Horse and so much more. In a simple snaffle bit I rode him over the 12 mile course and he was flawless. He's a great team horse. He will lead, but prefers to follow. He canters across open fields on a loose rein and will slow and stop with a soft touch and a gentle "whoa". We didn't jump the big jumps, but that will come and if it doesn't, I am still happy.
I owe so many good people my gratitude. I have been blessed with many folks who have helped me return to what I love doing.
Whoever let this horse get away from them was a fool. But I'm glad they didn't see the kind, sweet and loyal horse inside him or I never would have had the chance to have him as a partner.
He saved me. I saved him.
Never give up on your journey. Learn from every experience - even the bad ones and don't let it dim your passion. The payoff is there, but sometimes you have to wait for the clarity to realize when it's right in front of you.
I love you, Joey.
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| The team of the painted ponies, lucky team #7! |
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| Ready for the start! |
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| Last jump! |
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| Cantering away! |
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| To the finish line! |
4 comments:
Tears in my eyes as I read this. Yay for you and your Journey.
So great to have found such a good guy. Don't you wish you could video him and send it to his old owner? He's beautiful.
A wonderful, wonderful upbeat and heartwarming post - so happy for you! That looks like a blast. Something I really, want to try sometime...
I am so happy for you. I read through so much of your pain on this journey, it's a delight to read of your sheer joy.
I have to admire you both on that hunter pace. It takes a really solid horse to go out for the first time with his new "mom" and behave so impeccably on a pace. Gotta love a horse like that.
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