Anyone involved with horses knows that it takes a village to have any kind of success. That village includes all kinds of people including vets, farriers, trainers, saddle fitters, family and friends, and even your other horses. Some in your village may help you with your horse directly while others may help you make time/space in other aspects of your life (i.e. parenthood, work, etc. ) so that you can ride your horse. I am grateful to all of the people (and horses) in my village that allow me to be involved with these magnificent creatures. THANK YOU!
It never ceases to amaze me how the universe also sends us the challenge that we need to face at just the right time that we need to face it. This applies to all areas of life, but somehow especially to horses. And, it frequently requires your village of people to come together to tackle those challenges, whatever they may be.
In Napa’s case, it has truly taken a village to get her to where we are today — almost 11 months since her last race and subsequent move to my quiet farm. She is sound, seems to be happy (opinionated but happy), has learned about the joys of turnout (thanks Jewel & Raimie) and has graduated from lunging to work under saddle. Those all seem like normal, linear progressions, but reality has been anything but.
We got on Napa for the first time on April 10, 2019 — nearly 9 months after her last race.
Let me clarify that “We” is Stephanie Freeland and myself. Stephanie is a very talented young rider (dressage) who is home for the summer after time spent improving her craft in both Europe and Florida. As a 40-something with a farm, a spouse, two kids and a company to run, I decided I could afford to pay someone else to get on first. In true OTTB form, the first post-race ride was not nearly as big a deal for Napa as it was for me.
Confessions of a Horse Addict 