𝟔 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐕𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐲

A little more that 6 months ago, my parents sat my down in our sitting area outside. They had their serious faces, so of course I thought “shoot, I’m in trouble.” Thankfully this was not the case. They started by telling my life was going to change for the better. By this point I was extremely confused. Then they both had these weird grins, and I was like, “did I miss something?” My parents shook their heads, and my father told me I was going to get a horse.

On Saturday, September I met my best friend. To be honest, I really didn’t want him. He scared the life out of me, and was so dramatic and fancy. After a nights rest, I finally agreed and we pursued a vet check. I got out of school that day, racing into the barn, not even bothering to change into my riding clothes. He stood hanging his head out, staring his stunning eyes right at me. We got there like an hour early, so I decided to walk him around, get to know him, all that good stuff. Unlike Ricky, the first horse I tried, he stayed calm. To be fair, Vinny had lived at my barn before, a couple years back. As expected he ed, and would be staying with me up until today and in the future.

The next day, we had our first ride at my barn. I put him in the cross ties, and groomed him. Tacking him up, I put on jump gear, with my hunter saddle pad that matched my shirt. We got to the arena, and warmed up, doing our walk, trot, canter and some small jumps. When we got to said small jumps, oh my goodness he was going prelim speed, when we where doing a 2’0ft vertical. By the end we got over it, and I was honestly in a daze, still not believing that I owned a horse.

Next, we had our first schooling show. Of course this was only my barns small show, but still! It was pretty soon, so I barely got to do 2’3ft classes, but we came back with two champion ribbons. I was so proud of him that day, and it sorta felt like he was proud of me, but who knows. Any way as said I did 18in, 2’0ft, and 2’3ft classes, and he sped around the ring, obviously knowing what he was doing. Who knows if I did :sweat_smile:

Next we have my first ed show. This show is known as The Texas Rose. I had a great dressage round, putting us second, then cross country I forgot where I was going and apparently got a run out. I didn’t getting on, so we went to ask the office about this, and thankfully I didn’t actually get one. That put me in second place! Finally show jumping was the final day, and I had a double clear round with no time faults or rails. The person in first place actually knocked a rail, and I got to come home with a champion ribbon. This was such an amazing experience, and Vinny really helped me get through it like a champ.

The next event was pretty rough for me. We had to move barns, due to my previous barn closing. Our new farm, isn’t as nice, but it still works. We have an indoor, an outdoor, a field, and a round pen, but we cannot jump in the indoor due to the other trainers and their riders. At the time I had been going through a stuck point in my riding, and it was challenging to handle both. After a month or so we settled in, and started to get through my rough patch.

To this point, I’ve hit a break through in my dressage. We are improving and can go around in a smooth gait with him on a clear and balanced connection. I’m able to ride with out struggling to keep him from curling or over bending. I feel like we have accomplished so much since I first got him, and am more than proud of the both of us.

I went to my first cross country schooling, and had an absolute blast. I did some beginner novice, and it was an amazing first time. I’d say it helped with my courage, and I had to swallow my fear and focus on what I’m doing. Vinny of course was brave and persistent as usual, and was having a grand time. I think me and Vinnys favorite part was definitely the water, for some reason he really jump loves it!

These are some of my favorite memories or events or accomplishments that have happened in the last sixth months. Thank you for reading! Love you dv fans!

#equinelove