Everyone has that one horse in their life that stands out among the rest. This is the horse that had taught us lessons that have changed our lives. They were there for us in both the scary, uncertain times, and in the times of success. This may be our first horse. The horse whose patience was unmatched. The horse that put up with our show ring nerves for our first ever horse show.
It may be the horse that we had during a particularly hard time in our life, that offered us a shoulder to cry on when we needed it most. Or, it may be the horse that challenged us, making us a better rider than we ever could have imagined. For many of us, our once-in-a-lifetime horse held all of these jobs, and more.
If I were to tell my Once-In-A-Lifetime horse just how I feel, it would go something like this…
To My Once In A Lifetime Horse
I cannot thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me over our time together. It hasn’t always been easy, but I wouldn’t trade my years with you for anything.
My first ride on you was incredible. Even over a decade later, I still remember the instant comfort I felt when I climbed into the saddle. You surpassed any and every expectation I could have had. Since that day, you continue to surprise me. Just when I think you have reached your limit, you take it one step further and surprise me again.
That’s not to say that every day has been perfect…far from it, actually. More than once I’ve ended up in the dirt or left the barn in tears because of you. So many times I wanted to give up on my goals because I thought it was too hard and we would never make it. Had I given up, I don’t think I would be where I am as a person today, and that is completely thanks to you.
So many people told me that you would never make it. Trainers said that you didn’t have the movement to make it in our desired discipline, or that I wasn’t a good enough rider. That didn’t stop us. I was told more than once to just give up on you and sell you as quick as possible. You were labeled as a waste of time and money. I’m glad I didn’t listen, because you are the greatest investment I’ve ever made.
You’ve challenged me and pushed me to my limit. Because of that, though, I’ve learned to never give up, even when things get tough. I learned to slow down, listen, and learn, and have been able to find much success in that. You gave me confidence in myself and my riding abilities, which carried over to so many other areas of my life.
You taught me that patience is key. When you came into my life, we both had a long way to go to get where we wanted to be. Looking back, the improvement is incredible. Sometimes I get down on myself, thinking that I may be less of a rider than I want to be. However, the things we’ve accomplished are far more than were ever expected from us.
During the hardest times in my life, when I didn’t really have anyone to lean on, I could always count on you for a bareback ride. My biggest life decisions have been made sitting in the corner of your stall while you ate. Something about you puts me completely at peace.
Some people may not understand when I say that a horse changed my life, but you honestly did. I cannot thank you enough.
