I “discovered” my passion for horses as a child collecting Breyer horses, even before having ever ridden. At 10 years old, I was finally signed up for horse camp by my parents and fell deeper in love with the animal. Riding was freedom, and as I grew older and gained more responsibility in life – as wel all do – riding was a way to let go. Being around horses was my therapy. I lost my Mom last year to cancer, and the only time I ever felt truly at piece in my grief was when I was at a barn, soaking in that horse smell.

My adoption story is unique in that it is not over. Since childhood, I’ve wanted to be a horse owner, but my parents always pushed the fact that I’d one day be going to college. They didn’t want to see me give a horse away or feel limited in my growth as an adult because of being tied down to the responsibilities attached to horse ownership. I pouted, but obeyed, and am thankful that I did. I’ve since married into the military and traveled the world, all the while continuing riding – on other people’s horses. It has been a blessing to bond with countless horses over the years, but a burden to have to say goodbye to each of them as we move from installation to installation. Through this life as a “traveling equestrian,” I have encountered quite a few rescue horses that have gone on to achieve amazing things, whether they become an award-winning dressage competitor or a companion who has learned to trust again. This is how I fell in love with the adoptable horse. When my time comes to finally turn from a horse borrower to a horse owner, when we finally get to stop packing our bags every few years on military orders, when we can finally settle in the perfect place, I will adopt the right horse – and that horse will be in my life forever.

This is what “right horse” means to me.
The right horse is your heart horse. The right horse is the horse that you blend with in a way that you hear their thoughts and they trust your judgement. Your right horse is the one that matches your goals and dreams as a rider or horse owner. You get each other and respect your boundaries and limitations.