In many ways, searching for a new horse is very much unfamiliar territory for me. Horses have kind of just come to me through other people. As a kid I was handed a horse and I made do with him. We did a lot together, including my C-1 Eventing Pony Club rating.
When I met Cheri I rode again what was available with Stella and eventually got to learn what shaping a young horse was like as we worked on developing Gwyn and Nyx. When it came to it, Gwyn came to me and there was no unknown in her acquisition. I was already very familiar with her and we had an established relationship. It was just a matter of arranging transport.
I've since been browsing a lot of horse ads. By the time I had confirmed that a second horse was financially feasible with my spouse, I'd missed the window on local OTTBs since the track closes for the winter. I was content to keep looking, within budget just to get an idea of what would even be possible. I was not fully heartened by what I was finding. Everything felt too rushed and I really didn't have opportunities to drop work and go try horses, especially for those that were not local.
I reached out to a few sellers, a couple potential leases, and in the meantime, also chatted with the local therapeutic riding center about Gwyn. They came out to evaluate her and test ride. She passed with flying colors and a puzzle piece slotted into place. Gwyn needs to be trotting again for the facility to take her, but I feel good having the option available. Temperament wise, Gwyn is exactly what they're looking for. Reactive in the right ways, not shut down, and curious to investigate 'scary' things.
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| Willing to tote the wife around. |
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| And being apparently the bestest kids pony. |
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| Kaylee and Gwyn did so well together I'm really reconsidering Little Bit because now I could have a TRAIL buddy?! |
I did plan a trip to Canada two weeks ago to look at the adoptable Standardbreds. The price was reasonable and my application was well received by the organization. I went with a retired endurance friend who got her Standardbred from the same organization. It was a short 2.5 hour drive (including border crossing).
They were lovely mares. The first one I tried was described as sensitive who needs a steady person to work on her confidence. That was an understatement. I watched the trainer ride and then got on myself. She was very sensitive and very hot. I didn't get far before she reared and I came off. I tried a second, who was older and she was much better, but felt so stiff under me. I could see her being good for trail and endurance, but the lateral stiffness was very off putting to me. I'd prefer wiggly to stiff.
I've been working a lot on that lateral flexion with Gwyn and to feel such a stark contrast made it clear that that wasn't something I wanted in my next horse.
I left Canada feeling a little discouraged that it hadn't worked out, but also telling myself that this wasn't meant to be a quick process and that I had time. But also feeling like I had some clarity in knowing what I wanted to work with next. I wanted to be picky. I didn't want to settle.
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| A stop for tea before heading home |
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| And a much longer line to get back in the States than earlier |
I've been working a lot on that lateral flexion with Gwyn and to feel such a stark contrast made it clear that that wasn't something I wanted in my next horse. 
