Eight Years Ago

Eight years ago, I was perched in the car with my stomach in knots. I'd never vetted a horse before.

Eight years ago, my mouth quietly struggled out the phrase "would you take this much for him?"

Eight years ago, my hands were clammy with excitement and nerves. I'd never arranged horse delivery before.

Eight years ago, this chestnut creature backed off a trailer and into my life. I'll never forget holding his lead for the first time.

I was so excited.

I thought today it would be fun to do a little comparison. A before and after of Guinness. Especially now that I'm starting over again with another horse, seeing how far we were able to come is really special. Thus I give you...

Our pre-purchase ride:

Full video

And our best schooling ride of 2017:

Full video

This horse is amazing. We have both changed so much, for the better. We both required so much improvement from each other, and held each other so accountable for our work. I had no idea when I bought him what we would become, and I'm not sure I could have believed we had it in us.

Eight years ago, I made the best decision to take a chance on his iffy ankles and intense attitude. It's a decision I would happily make 1000 times again.