Thursday, February 7, 2013

One Year and One Day

2/6/12 - Our first day together
Febuary 6, 2012 an old red horse waltzed into my life and stole my heart. He's kind and grumpy, forward and lazy, smart and goofy, handsome and adorable. He took me so far so fast that looking back doesn't even seem real any more. I'm not the rider I was, I'm not the person I was before I met him.














May 2012
For me, he is the right horse at the right time. Buying him was a risk--he was 17 and had been in inconsistent work the past couple of years. I couldn't seem to keep him sound the first few months as he decided he needed new boots, a more expensive farrier, and some solid ($$$) hock maintenance, but he made it worth every penny as he taught me cool new skills and made every day a fun learning experience.










July 2012
We conquered cross country together--he took me from my panic-stricken first ride back since the wreck to learning how to appreciate a horse who loves his job in one of the best sports in the world. He did in a couple of days what I thought would take years to change--he let me enjoy the ride.





August 2012
Once he brought me back to being a functioning member of the team, we were able to compete in a horse trials and show some of the potential that a been-there-done-that rocking event horse and his favorite person are capable of. We surprised even ourselves with an accurate test and he brought me through some show nerves to a clean stadium round and the best XC trip of my life to date.




Winter 2012
Through it all, he's been an absolute joy. I love his silly grumpy face, his "I'm a bastard" attitude, and his silly, kind personality. He's learned to pose for pictures and milk photo sessions for all the peppermints I own. I've learned that I can do absolutely anything with this horse, and there's no reason to be afraid.







Winter 2012
Together we've reached new heights of competence and confidence, and he's turned me into a "happy horse evangelist". There's no prize for sticking it out the longest, folks--if you're scared or not having a good time, just move on. Life is too short to be having anything other than the time of your life 9 rides out of 10.

366 days with Cuna are just the beginning of our journey together. I don't know what this year is going to bring, but I know that whatever Cuna and I tackle together will be more fun just because he's there with me. He's carried me through some serious character building and helped me be a stronger, better person. Because of him, I've overcome obstacles I would have given up on. Because of him, I get out there and push myself, every day.

He made 2012 amazing. I don't know what I'd be without him.

28 comments:

  1. I hope you guys continue to grow and thrive together in the coming years. You two make a wonderful team! It is amazing how much these animals can teach us.

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  2. It's amazing how That One changes you, isn't it? I never would have been able to welcome and enjoy the challenge of the Encore Project without the five years Solo spent training me. I'm so happy for you and I hope there are many great rides ahead!

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  3. Glad you took the risk! He'll make 2013 just as awesome!

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  4. Yah! I'm so glad that you bought him and I think it's great that you are now a "happy horse evangelist." It's totally true...there is no prize for sticking it out the longest with a horse that you don't really enjoy.

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  5. Happy Anniversary! Wishing you two many wonderful adventures to come.

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  6. Happy anniversary! You guys have been amazing for each other and I hope 2013 is even better than 2012!

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  7. Love a happy ending to a new beginning!

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  8. Happy Anniversary. No better feeling than finding the One.

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  9. Happy 1 year! Here's to a great 2013!!!

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  10. It has been such a joy to watch you and Cuna grow over the past year.

    And I give you mad props for buying an older horse. They have so much to teach us and have a special place in my heart. =-)

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  11. Happy Anniversary! Congratulations on finding a great horse, and here's to many more years of partnership for you and Cuna!

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  12. Happy Anniversary, time sure does seem to fly by!

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  13. So extremely happy for you and for Cuna to have found you. You guys will go far together and more than anything he has made you someone who can go farther for the rest of your life.

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  14. Absolutely everything... except for bareback ;)

    But seriously, <3

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  15. Here's to another year full of grand adventures!

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  16. 2013 brings...lots more pictures! And Cuna loves!

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  17. Well, I'm crying. That was a lovely read. Thank you. Gotta love those 17 yr olds! Wishing you and Cuna many more years of happiness and many more wonderful rides together. Thanks for sharing him with us.

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  18. Awww! Happy anniversary to a wonderful pair

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  19. Ive loved reading your blog. You have come so far since you got Cuna. It was truly the best.decision. You should be proud.

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  20. Absolutely beautiful tribute...to him, and unintentionally to you.
    *sniff sniff sniffle*
    Congratulations and so glad you found each other!

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  21. I love this post!!! Happy anniversary! I'm so glad you found each other. :D

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  22. Love. that august picture is so stoic.

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  23. It has been so awesome following the two of you! Watching you with Izzy was so heartbreaking, and I could just feel the stress leave your posts when you started talking about Cuna. Congratulations on a great year!!

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