Pony Express Blog Hop: Christmas List

I thought a good way to pick back up on blogging would be joining in on this Blog Hop posted by our friend Alanna at Pony Express. 

She wants to know, "What's on your Christmas List?"

Yeah sure... There's some stuff I'd love for B, but if I really needed it, I'd buy it already. Holidays are hard for me because in my family, it doesn't mean what it should. It's not about the iPhone or iPad or gaming console you didn't get or that grandma only gave you $20 when usually she gives you $50. 

It's about getting together with family and friends, people that mean the most to you, and celebrating the past year and the things you DO have in your life. Gift giving is a gift in and of itself. It's being able to give someone something that touches them and shows them how you feel about having them in your life, even if it's a gift card to Starbucks (Kate <3). I love Yankee Swaps and Secret Santas because yes, everyone gets something, but there shouldn't be that pressure of "the list". Well should I buy this person something? What if they don't get anything for me? What if they get something for me and I don't get something for them?! AAAHHH!

I'll admit, getting gifts are great. But they shouldn't be expected.

With that said... This is what I would want for Christmas.

It's something that I can't really ask for. 

I can't really give myself (as of now).

But it's something that I think would be a life changing opportunity.

Chris Cox holds 6-day Horsemanship Clinics at his ranch in Texas. There's one in May 2015.

It is an everything included opportunity. Food, boarding (you and the horse), and training.

Since I could remember all I've ever wanted to do was build a better relationship with my horse. Lucky and I had a relationship that we could've touched the stars and jumped the moon if I had given us the opportunity to. But I didn't think I could do it and I was too stubborn to ask for help. There was so much I had yet to try and experience and then I lost him. 

I never thought I'd ever build that again...

Until now.

Brantley is my second chance. And I'm his. Whatever either of us did or did not do in the past doesn't matter anymore. It's what we are GOING to do. I don't care if I ever show at top level or even come home with a blue ribbon. I want to give him as much of a chance to be the best horse and partner he can be. If I had the chance to spend a whole week, away from everything, to build on what we already have, I would do just about anything. I'll show up and muck stalls, groom horses, feed horses, make food for the other clinic attendees and auditors (no promises not to kill anyone with food poisoning)... I'll clean tack, I'll stack hay... I just want to learn to be a better horseman

Cost... $2200...

Not bad right?

All inclusive package...

Minus trailering my horse.

So if anyone knows anyone being really giving this year... 

(Before I write an embarrassing (tear stained) letter to the Chris Cox Ranch about how much being able to attend this clinic would mean to a girl and a horse who are on a journey to heal their broken spirits...) 

Let them know that Brantley and I would love them forever.

Anyone think it'd be wrong to throw a fundraiser for myself? :)