4 Long Years

A little over four years ago, I sat on a very special little mare for the first time! She was green, hot, so uneven and crooked it felt like she stopped trotting and started pacing every time you'd go to the right, and she whipped her head up in the air every few strides when she cantered. She walked in circles around you when you attempted to bridle her, pawed incessantly, never stood still, and was the narrowest thing you ever did see. But to me, she was perfect.

 Meeting Cadence, & first ride

She was light, sensitive, and athletic. Every movement was graceful, every jump was powerful. We've had our fair share of ups & downs. In December of 2011, Cadence had a 3inch piece of hoof wall removed from her leg. She was out of work from December till February, and it wasn't until about July that we were back to where we were before the accident. And this past summer, I fall off the Mare more than I stayed on- a dangerous habit when you've got Mono.

 Yummy...

If you'd asked me four years ago where I thought I'd be today, I'm sure I would have said that we'd be popping around CCIs and that by 2020 we'd be rocking around Rolex.

Totally Cadence & I. Or maybe William Fox-Pitt.... hard to tell.

While we may not have made it to Rolex yet, we've had some ups as well. Cadence and I won the first event we ever completed, and have continued our track record by placing in all but two of the events we've completed. We placed at champs both years we attended, and have racked up numerous ribbons in the dressage world as well,

Completing her first xc course! She went on to win her next show too.

But more important than any of that are the accomplishments you see on a day to day basis. I have a mare that will follow me around the ring. She schools second level dressage like a rockstar, & jumps 1.30m like its no big deal. I trusted her enough to put my precious niece on her as a 2y/o, and Cadence gives her pony rides just about every time they visit.

We've had the opportunity to ride with some amazing people too. When we went to North Carolina in 2013 we rode with Denny Emmerson at his farm in Southern Pines, I've also had the privilege of riding with Canadian team riders Hyde Moffatt, Belinda Trussell, and Jessica Phoenix (one from every discipline!) along with countless other talented and inspiring professionals, including my own coach.

Lesson with Ian Roberts

Lesson with Hyde Moffatt

I'm so thankful for all that this wonderful mare has given me, and if in four years time I can look back on our journey with the same joy I feel today, I'll be a very lucky person. Thanks for a brilliant 4 years Psycho Mare, and here's to many more to come.

Have a great 2015!