Resources were never on my side, but I managed to stick my foot in the door of the equestrian world. My mom went out on trail rides with some friends of hers who owned a small herd of Arabians.They also owned a small pony, who became my obsession. When I was nine I took a few free lessons (walk/trot) at Promised Land Ranch. When I was . . . twelve(?) I started taking real lessons and joined the United States Pony Club soon afterwards. I also rode with a close friend who introduced me to Parelli Natural Horse-Man-Ship.
The summer after my freshman year was when everything really started to come together. I was offered the job of every horse-crazy girl's dreams: a farm hand at Galloping Hills Equestrian Center. That summer I learned so much; it truly defined me as a person. While I mucked stalls, exercised an overweight gelding, helped treat a wounded foal, and helped the trainer with a few of the green horses, I realized that this is what I am meant to do. Nothing makes me more happy or self-confident, which is something we all need after our freshy year!
That summer was even more important than I thought. I was working in exchange for lessons, but early this spring, my boss made a different offer. It had been my dream for so long to work in exchange for my own horse, but I never thought that dream would come true. In fact, I've had more than a few conversations with myself that went something like this:
Me: Look at So and So with her horse. That must be really nice; having a horse.
Myself: Hey, pull it together. You can't afford a horse, whining about it will not help.
Me: I know but I want that. I want it so much. I wonder if she even knows how lucky she is.
Myself: What kind of attitude is that? Straighten up Jenna. You are lucky you get to ride at all! You will not have a horse any time soon. Grow up!
Little did I know.
In March of this year, just before Easter, I bought Gambler: a four-year-old gelding. He is a dapple grey half-Arabian and he is my dream come true. He cost me $800 dollars, the money I earned that wonderful summer after my freshman year.
It has been about four months since we brought Gambler home to his current barn and it has been a long journey. May and June were spent honing his ground skills. It took the longest time to teach him to longe, especially to the right. Gamby is very one-sided.
In the two weeks since I brought my friend out to see him, Gambler has improved by leaps and bounds. He now longes walk/trot and he takes the canter (sustaining it is another matter).
Yesterday I put a western saddle on him the first time since I've had him and he performed beautifully.
Today, just for fun, I took him off of the longe line to see if he would circle at liberty. He did! It was only at a walk, because I didn't want to push it too far, but it is a tremendous improvement, and shows just how far we have come together.
So exciting! I loved reading this :) Looking forward to following your blog!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am looking forward to writing it. :)
DeleteWow!!! This is deep and beautiful start to an amazing partnership.
ReplyDeleteHe really is adorable.
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