08/05/2026
From where it all started…
I guess I’ve always had a thing for black horses! Three different mounts that have taught me many lessons and three different versions of me that were pushed by them.
The little girl was so tickled to just have a pony in her yard and toodle around on. She didn’t need fancy sparkly things (or even the necessities like a saddle pad apparently 😂) the presence of her pony was good enough. Jack was the best birthday present I could have asked for.
The teenager/20 year old needed some lessons on accountability and patience. Tia always had a way of reminding me when things were my fault (they usually were) and not to let the pressure of goals and success take away the fun of the sport. She gave me a taste of the biggest stage and highest pressure competition yet also teaching me it isn’t about the money, it’s about the talent and work ethic you put in- turning a $300 horse into a World Champion Top 10 wasn’t merely an accomplishment but a lesson and perspective on life.
The current version is a work in progress I guess. But over the last 5 years of our partnership, Mojo has been a constant reminder that control is just an illusion, trust doesn’t have to be scary and your partnership always comes first. Stallions have a special way to them. But considering the horse he was when I picked him up years ago I’d like to think maybe I was able to show him the same lessons. As personal life changes a lot this year, I know the bond we have will remain and even just pampering his spoiled butt brings me joy (thank god little me in the first picture learned the simple joys of horse ownership early in life). We’ll get back to the big ring soon, until then we we will enjoy a quieter version of our relationship and that’s ok!
Just a reminder that horses have a way of bringing out what lies beneath the surface, if you allow them.
