Unexpected Changes

 Sometimes Life throws you a curveball and sometimes it comes courtesy of your coaches!

On November 14, 2024 we arrived at the barn and Mandy and Katie met us outside with mischievous grins on their faces. They asked Maddy if she was willing to play a game with them that day. It was on that day that we walked into the barn to be shocked by Quigley. That day of fun led to a year of memories, laughter and smiles. But if I'm being honest also a bit of frustration at times. While Quigley was amazing to ride with a smooth comfortable canter and the most gorgeous floaty trot, he had ground manners that were challenging. None of us are able to "force" a horse to do anything,, but especially when you are 74 pounds soaking wet and are trying to make a huge, young dinosaur respect you and cooperate. By June Maddy was honest with me and shared that she wanted to consider ending her lease on Quigley after NSBAs because of how frustrating it was at times. But he was so amazing at Palomino Worlds that Maddy decided to keep pushing through the hard days. But for the past year her number one goal has been to go to some small, local hunter jumper shows. Week after week, Mandy and Keeya worked with them, but Quigley is extremely lazy and is not super consistent at jumping. He much prefers to just step over the poles and Maddy doesn't have the physical strength to coerce him into it.

And so last Monday (November 10), Maddy and I arrived at the barn for her lesson and Mandy approached Maddy asking is she liked and trusted her and Keeya. When she said yes, they let her know they wanted her to try another horse...someone who is very well rounded has done extremely well in World shows in multiple disciples AND loves to jump. Maddy said yes and....

Meet Newman (EZ Hunting)....

Newman has been at Stable Strides since we first got here, but we had never really paid much attention. Monday Maddy jumped him over some small cross rails. Tuesday she rode him both English and Western and did both trail and Showmanship. But she still wasn't 100%. Friday she rode and jumped again and as soon as her lesson was over she decided she wanted to switch her lease from Quigley to Newman. Maddy has had a fun week and I have heard comments like "this is the most fun I've had in a while" and "he is so sweet" and perhaps the highest form of praise "he reminds me of Lila Bean".  And so we begin a new adventure with a new partner. 

I am SO proud of Maddy as I watch her approach these hard choices and decisions with so much maturity and an open mind. And I am so grateful for coaches that always have Maddy's best interest at heart and know her and her goals and want to set her up to achieve her dreams even when that means making hard choices.  And what a blessing to be part of a program that has built a foundation of trust and empowered Maddy to make those choices knowing she will be loved no matter what she decides. The growth I have seen and the joy she expresses help us know that we are exactly where we are meant to be. I am so excited to watch this new partnership grow!

And maybe will watch out next November as Maddy has now decided this month is "New Horse November"!!!!

Ali