Hunter Pony Project

The big show is coming up quick but I think we're ready. Stall and camping ground is paid for, trailer rides are set up. Plus I have a pretty cool group of people that I'm going with. I think I'll keep them all. My goal is to show up Thursday night, camp out, and do a couple showmanship classes Friday. If all goes well and he's seems like he can handle himself (which I'm sure he can), we'll ride Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Plus I hear there's a karaoke contest EVERY night... Well except Monday, that's the blueberry pie eating contest.

In other news I finally found the balls to contact his breeder. For once in my life I was hoping that I could just leave a message with my information or the phone wouldn't be connected. She picked up. I told her who I was and that I thought I had one of her 2006 colts. She asked me his name and the reaction I got when I said "Tear Drop" was exactly what I was hoping for. She repeated his full name and just started to tell me what a wonderful start he had and that she had wished she kept him for herself, then asked where I got him. I told her his previous owner's name who was the only other person that had had him. She had brought him and his brother to a sales barn and that woman purchased him there. When I told her I found him in Exeter she thought I said Texas. Then I said Rhode Island and she was amazed he made it out all the way there. I told her that I had been waiting to call her for the last... Almost 3 years but was scared to. Then our journey story began when she asked why. I told her everything we had gone through over the last few years and she was really taken aback. I told her how amazing it has been having him in my life and we found each other right when we both needed it. She had a lesson but wanted me to send her my information as well as pictures so I did and I'm just waiting to hear back. It was exactly what I needed.

Tear Drop Winken - Sale Photo from huntseathorses.com

People had asked why I didn't want to call and I just said I was lazy and it wasn't important. The truth was that I was scared to death that she was going to tell me some tragic story that would back up every piece of advice I got to sell him or worse, put him down. To hear how amazing he had been... Now I'm even more determined. And also not taking any of his crap. No more nice "sorry you were beaten" excuses.

Amanda has been helping me start Brantley back over fences being the amazing Hunter Princess that she is. She's really built a good bond with him and I'm so impressed with them as a team. She had a good first ride after a while the other day and has come back since and more good rides to follow! She came and gave me a mini-lesson on counting strides the other day which is good because when it comes to jumping... I can get over the jump and that's about it. It's only occasionally pretty like this:

Credit to Kate Taylor from Polar Square Designs

Other times it's like:

Also by Kate Taylor

I didn't realize how hard it would be for me to find that spot again I had when I was doing the whole hunter/jumper thing... I'll get it. I'm sure. But I can always watch A enjoy B just as much as I do!

Profile Picture Worthy... Just sayin'