To The Horse That Isn't Actually Mine,

Thank you for everything you have done for me. From our very first ride, I knew you would have the biggest impact on my riding career out of the dozens of other horses I have had the privilege of sitting on. While at first you were the most challenging, you took care of me while in the saddle, and gave me the confidence to grow. Thank you for being so well behaved, even when you're having a bad day, for saving my ass when I don't pay enough attention, and just for simply being there.

Thank you for lending an ear when I needed someone to listen, for being my shoulder to cry on when having a rough day, and for giving me consistently perfect rides when I needed them most. You are the greatest listener, in your stall and in the ring, and I could not be more grateful for that. Even on the days when your attention span isn't as great as usual, you help me get the job done and teach me how to stay on track. Your patience and big heart give me the motivation to never give up on what I love.

Thank you for being the most amazing teacher I could ever ask for. As a rider, no matter how experienced, we are always learning; I know that every moment spent with you is a moment well spent, learning and growing - not just as a rider, but as a person too. You have taught me how to adjust and prepare, how to be patient, and how not to get caught up with answering the same questions you ask over and over. You taught me how to micromanage the right way, and how to be most effective with me hand and leg. You taught me the best way to ask you to do what I need you to do, and in return, you performed perfectly.

Good ride or bad, every moment spent on your back and in your presence is time that is never wasted. As Winston Churchill said, "No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle," and you prove that quote to be true. You are my once in a lifetime horse, even though you aren't actually mine. You are the horse that makes riding more worth while, and for that, I could never thank you enough.

Love always,

The Rider that Loves You like Their Own