Last week I tried the hunter horse, who turned out to be not-such a hunter horse. He was actually bred by the O’Connors (yes, those O’Connors) specifically for eventing. To make a long story short, he had spent the last couple years doing low-level hunters and being a lesson pony, but his calling is definitely the cross country field.
I fell in love with this horse the moment I met him and he met me at the front of his stall and basically put his head in my arms. He was fun on the flat, green to contact, but with a big engine and fairly responsive. His jump was phenomenal. Even though we only did baby stuff (because apparently I’m a weenie jumping new horses), he rocked back and just thrusted off the ground every time, without hesitation. Every. Time.
What sealed the deal for me emotionally was the trail ride. We all know by now how much I loathe trail riding, but when the owners suggested I try him in the woods I decided not to look like a p*ssy and just go for it. And you know what? It was amazing. More than amazing, in fact. We cantered through a creek, over ditches, took the lead and cantered down the trails and over logs, and happily hacked on the buckle.
But you’ve already seen the post’s title, so I’m guessing you know where this was going. Another PPE, another no, another evening at a local bar commiserating with a friend over a glass(es) of wine. I’m bummed, certainly, but I’m moving forward. In a moment of do-it-or-die, I purchased tickets to Kentucky (thanks priceline, for being all mysterious as to my leaving anywhere between 8am and 10pm). I get there Saturday evening and intend to cram as many horses into a 24 hour time frame as humanly possible. Onward and upward (er, westward) as they say.
Red on the Right 
Discouraging! I don’t know where you plan to look in KY, but just a suggestion – Team CEO normally has some lovely horses for sale. They are located just outside Georgetown, near Kentucky Horse Park. We lived in Georgetown for a year and my daughter was a working student for Reese Koffler-Stanfield.
I’m going to shoot you an email…
Replied!
Noooo! So disappointing! But hang in there. Your horse is out there.
Dammit. I got super attached to him in the first three paragraphs and now I’m a little too sad to talk to you.
SAME. I was all ‘ooh, a hunter.. but bred for eventing’ and then subsequently ‘OOH A CHESTNUT GELDING’
And now I’m sad.
Aw, damn. He was so cute too. At least Kentucky is full of lovely horses!
😦 Sorry to hear this
He’s so cute. Too bad it didn’t work out, but you’ll find the right one. Good luck in KY!
Aw boo 😦 I’ve got a good feeling about KY!
I’m so sorry. He looks great in the video. Also, I love their arena with the trees in it. So nice.
So much suckiness 😦
I sent you a FB message. I know a fair amount of people in the area 🙂
Gahhhhh I’m SO sorry the PPE didn’t pan out 😦 He looks like such a lovely guy and you look great on him! And what an added bonus with making you feel confident on the trails. Definitely bummed out for you, but keeping my fingers crossed for Kentucky!
Booo no 😦 do not like
Bummer! The right one is out there somewhere though!
Boo 😦
I am so sad!!!!!!! Nooooooooooo!!!!!! 😭
I’m sorry 😦 I reeeeeally liked this one, but there will be others!!