08/11/2026
Buckle up, it is going to be a long post.....
Life has an interesting way to teach one lessons, and grow perspectives, especially when your life circles around a 1200lb animal that is the definition of unpredictable. As time goes by understanding that goals, ambitions and dreams with horses can be a constant pivot of what will come to fruition...
In two weeks time, Finn will have come into my life nine years ago. We have both grown, changed tremendously in that time. He has evolved from an overly reactive, erratic, claustrophobic, and extreme neurotic horse to be the kindest, sweetest, biggest trier, that I never imagined he would be! I have been taught to be more aware, empathic, patient, and creative in ways to make him and I partners like I have never had before. He has never been any kind of easy or straightforward, and makes every other horse I ride seem so much easier. Any given day he could be three to four different versions of himself, which keeps me on my toes and thinking. Putting together three great phases with him is always the goal and dream since he has never really excelled at one. We have persevered and improved in each phase while it never seems to be all three in one weekend.
At the end of the spring season I was beginning to believe that he just didn't want to event anymore. Little things started happening that I felt like should not have: run outs on xc, unusual tension in dressage, and random stops in stadium. Had the vet out, Finn was evaluated and I was given a pep talk that it would all be ok! For most of the summer I felt like we were rejuvenated and rising above the issues were going to be a no -brainer! So I signed us up for Windridge H.T. Progress is never linear though, and our last couple jump schools didn't leave me feeling excited, just more aware of how on point I needed to be for him. Then he came up off the day after our last xc school. Our lovely vet came back out and we learned he wasn't 100% in his fetlocks, so one day at a time after injections found me thinking I would just go do a CT Windridge. Leading up to the event he felt fantastic and then laid down one of his best dressage tests ever! Feeling good about my pony to warmup for show jumping until I started moving around. Warmup was chaos, but he did jump well even though he was dull. I went into the ring and felt his energy sink, and after the combo at 5 I put my hand up and called it day.
I feel like I didn't want to listen to Finn in April, but I am going to listen to him now. Moving forward we are going to focus on being the prettiest Dressage pair we can be and see what we can build together! I know he will still want to jump from time to time, but no more under pressure things. I love my pony and perspective is a wonderful thing, because I am at the age where I don't feel like I have to prove to myself who/what I am or can do.
There are never enough "thank yous" to the people in our world who have been apart of making us! Especially Kerry Torrey, The Kneaded Edge, and for keeping us whole and moving forward even if it felt sideways or backwards!
Onto our next chapter!!
🌟💞
