It happened. One year down with being Abbey’s horse Mom! We have both survived the first year together. With the help of my barn family I’ve managed to keep Abbey alive for A WHOLE YEAR!

It’s been one year since Abbey has joined the Owls Ridge family. One year since I became a horse Mom. One year since the dream I’ve wanted became true.

When Abbey first walked off the trailer, it was like a star-struck moment. I felt like a little kid at Christmas time, but also wanted to throw up from being so overwhelmed (it was a LONG day of waiting for her to arrive). My coach and I were both like… “Okay, she is HUGE!” The sale pictures forgot to add the 1000 pounds for her, I swear. She was an absolute gem the moment she was off the trailer. For arriving at 11:00 at night, not knowing where she was, or who I was. She was better than I honestly expected. She didn’t spook, bolt or cry (just me, HAHA).

It’s been a year full of challenges, with lots of ups and downs. A lot of tears shed; if I made the right decision or not, if Abbey and I will actually bond, if Abbey is the right horse for me; or is she too much horse for me to handle.

One year later and I can happily say, we’ve bonded and I do think she is the right horse for me. I still question if she is too much horse for me to handle, but those thoughts are quickly short lived these days. She challenges me more than any lease/school horse has yet. She has and is teaching me constantly to become a better, stronger, more confident rider.

The last year has been endless amounts of learning. From the first couple of rides on Abbey to the first couple of days with her I didn’t think I would be at the point where we are today. I can just look at Abbey and tell what she is thinking. I find she wears her heart on her sleeve. I can look at her and see her mood; if she’s in pain or not, or just content.

The challenges Abbey and I have worked through were, without a doubt beyond frustrating but I think we are coming ahead of it all and are due for our breaking point soon, to just finding that balance and confidence in each other.

She is a big girl, with an even bigger personality. And she is mine.

❤ The Nervous Equestrian

This is the first photo I took of Abbey, couple of minutes after she was off the trailer. ❤️