Dear four-hoofed friend,

Everyone has best friends, and most of them are people. You were one of my best friends, but instead of feet you had four hooves, and a long flowing mane and tail. You were pretty fantastic, and also pretty weird. That jump standard at the end of the arena terrified you, even though it never moved, and you were scared of the barn cats, but you also loved them at the same time. You really taught me a lot about myself, and you helped shape who I am today.

People think horse riding is easy, that you did all the work, but what really occurred was teamwork. You taught me how to be a member of a team, you taught me how to problem solve, and to compromise. I learned to be a working partner with a thousand pound teammate, and in my opinion, you were the best teammate I could have possible had. Sometimes, you'd have your bad days, and you'd freak out and try to runoff. But we had a trust between the two of us, and I could always figure out how to make you settle down.

You taught me about strength, and how to trust my capabilities. I mean, realistically, you have to be pretty stubborn and strong to work with a thousand pound best friend, and that is exactly what you taught me to be. We had a lot of fun times, you and I. Sharing peppermint candies, playing chase in the arena, sharing an oreo or two that one time (shh, don't tell), oh and that time you managed to send my mom a blank text using your muzzle. You were pretty weird, that's for sure, but always happy to see me. You would wrap your neck around me when I wanted pony-hugs, and you really liked messing with me whenever I tried to clean your hooves.

You were also an awesome listener, you probably know more about me than anyone on the planet, and even though you couldn't speak, I knew you understood me. Riding you was amazing. Horses are such powerful movers, and you were so free spirited. Riding you was like a VIP pass to instant freedom, just the two of us, enjoying the air and the warmth of the sun.

One of my favorite things to do was to braid your mane. I'm not so sure you liked it all that much, since you were full of energy and hated standing still, but you had the most gorgeous hair, longer than most of the other horses'. You looked so handsome when it was done. You were my favorite, because you were so full of energy and you trusted me so much. You were sassy, and bold, and crazy energetic. At the time that I had you, I wasn't so bold, and I wasn't as confident. But four-hoofed friends change you for the better, and you changed me for the best. So thanks, for being my favorite horse.