10/11/2026
I owe Leroy an apology, and I want to share what happened at the auction.
During the sort, there is no opportunity to warm up your horse or lunge before riding your pattern. Leroy had been his usual, sweet self until I saddled him and got on. At that point, he was clearly not acting like himself. Something was wrong.
Instead of slowing down, getting off, and taking the time to figure out what was going on, I felt the pressure of the presentation and asked him to lope. He bucked, and I came off.
After I got home and had some time to recover, I went over his tack and saddle pad. I found a loose screw that I suspect may have been digging into him. I can’t say for certain that this was the cause, but it would make sense given how completely out of character his behavior was. My plan is to investigate further, figure out what happened, and move forward with him.
I pulled Leroy from the auction because the horse I was presenting that day was not the horse I know and have spent so much time and effort developing. I am incredibly proud of this horse, the progress he has made, and the partner he has become. I was confident in the horse I was bringing to the sale, and I wasn’t willing to let one bad experience under circumstances that may have involved pain define him.
But I also need to own my part in what happened. Under normal circumstances, if Leroy felt off or started acting differently, I would have gotten off, done some groundwork, checked him over, and investigated my equipment before asking anything more of him. I know better. I let my pride, the pressure of the situation, and the desire to get through the presentation override my better judgment. Regardless of what caused his behavior, I should have listened when he told me something wasn’t right.
I’m still incredibly proud of Leroy. ❤️ One bad day doesn’t erase all the good days, all the miles, or all the work we’ve put in together. We have more to figure out, and we’ll take it from here.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to check on me. I’m doing well and recovering. The thing that’s most bruised is my pride, and perhaps that needed to happen, too. Sometimes the best lessons come when things don’t go according to plan.
Most importantly, this is a reminder to all of us: when our horses tell us something is wrong, we need to listen, even when the pressure is on. Our responsibility to them comes before any presentation, competition, or sale.
Leroy, I’m sorry I didn’t listen sooner. We’ll figure this out together. ❤️
