The Zoe Dilemma

A strange phenomenon I've noticed since partnering with Zoebird is people telling me that they want one just like her, but nicer. 

mmm but she's so pretty

Like in those words. To my face.

It's actually a super rude thing to say no matter how you stack it up.

A different version of myself would be bugged about it. I'd think up some sassy answers that pointed out the obviously shitty nature of the comment without actually descending to their level and then I'd giggle about it while they figured out exactly what had just happened.

But see.

all smiles!

I just took my first lesson on my baby horse.

so curvy!

And if you're counting, that means aside from her initial training rides getting started, it's been all me for well over a month now.

all me looks like bareback and toodling

And not only has Zoe been a shining ray of positive energy in my life, but she's also such a game lady. Toodling bareback on a cold windy day? She's your gal. Taking a lesson and working harder than she's worked in her life? Sign her up!

lil workhorse!

Plus, I know the subtle implication of "like Zoe, but nicer" is that she just isn't fancy enough to pull down solid dressage scores.

But you know what I see?

mmhmm

I see a little mare with a walk that over-tracks several hoof prints without even trying, a jaw-dropping trot, a supple back, a developing canter, and a can-do attitude.

plus "cute as shit" should go on her CV

I mean. She's not a "10 mover" and we're not going to win for steering around a training level test, but she's going to be a force to be reckoned with in every arena we show in.

gotta try every option

And she's sharp as a tack, with a calm, willing mind. 

nose in, nose out

She never says no. She just keeps trying. She puts a smile on my face every single day.

And I guess I'm left with the question:

and sometimes she gets it right

How exactly would she be nicer?