Let me start off by saying that I’ve never met anyone who took as much of an interest in my horse, Elly, as I do. You changed that (sometimes I think you love her more than you love me).
It starts with the countless days of training and teaching. Then there are the show days, the illness and injuries, the days where we just visit the horses, and the days when we go for trail rides. From my weekly lessons with students, to hauling out to another barn to ride with a new trainer, you’re always there. If I’m out at the barn before you get off work, you’re there the instant you clock out. I don’t think you’ll ever know how much your love and support means to me.
When I get frustrated on show morning because sometimes the trailer pin won’t go in correctly, you send me off to gather the horses and you handle the trailer on your own. Thank you.
When I am loading Elly on the trailer and realize I forgot a hay bag, you run and grab it. Thank you.
When I have five minutes to move all the jumps form the indoor to the outdoor arena before a lesson, you carry two standards at a time. Thank you.
When my night is crazy and I don’t have time to run to Tractor Supply to get something to treat rain rot with, you go get it. Thank you.
When my lessons are running over and the next girl needs help tacking up, you help her. Thank you.
When I spontaneously buy a new saddle and don’t have any room in my locker for it, you build me a new saddle rack. Thank you.
When I decide at 11 p.m. that I want to drive 5 hours one way to go to Rolex Kentucky the next weekend, you agree- with genuine excitement. Thank you.
When I forget my crop in the trailer and my class is next, you always run down and grab it. Thank you.
When no one knows how to operate the camera during my round, you do. Thank you.
When I fall during my course, you're always the first to make sure I'm okay. Thank you.
The list of things that you do around the barn is endless; stall cleaning, brushing horses, carrying tack, the list goes on and on.
Remember that one time I had a rough day at school, so you took me for a drive, bought me coffee, and took me to see Elly at 10:30 at night? Yeah, thanks for that too.
Oh, and I can't forget walking around all morning at tack swaps. Thanks, again.
I think one of the most heartwarming parts of your involvement at the barn is how much my students love you. I took the girls to a schooling show and they asked me “So, what colors are our bridesmaid dresses going to be when you and JP get married?” Then the other chimes in, “Can’t you just get engaged now and plan the wedding three years from now?” And the most recent moment was when you were napping under the tree while I was teaching a lesson. It was a good lesson and Sami was doing amazing. We were getting ready to finish up, but she said, “Wait, can you wake JP up? I want him to see me do this course!”
The barn is so much more than just "the barn." It's where I've learned about life, love, and happiness. Ti's where I've learned responsibility, failure, and what it takes to get back up when life knocks you down. I've never had anyone that understands that in the way you do. Your ability to understand and absorb everything I do at the barn is beyond me. I honestly don't know how I got lucky enough to have someone like you in my life. Thank you for everything you do. I love you.
