If you’re a non-horse person reading this you are probably going to think I’m a little strange. I mean who writes a letter to their horse? But hey, you probably think most horse people are crazy anyways. To any equestrians reading this, I know what I’m about to write is something that you will understand without question.

My Dear Heart Horse,

I remember the day I rode you for the first time. You were my trainer’s personal horse that only a select few got to ride. Having the opportunity to ride your trainer’s prize possession and personal horse is like winning the lottery in the horse world. I was so excited the day I walked up to the barn and she gave me a list of the horses I could ride and you were on it. I jumped at the chance. Little did I know, that ride would change my life forever.

The minute we started into our lesson I knew you were my dream horse. I literally felt like I could take on the world. You could have put a 5ft jump in front of me and I would have trusted you to take me safely to the other side. That’s big coming from a rider who has struggled with her confidence. The months I spent leasing you are something I will remember for the rest of my life. I remember you teaching me the ropes of the show ring and carrying my butt around even when I was riding like a potato. The ribbons that hang in my room are a constant reminder of how bold and brave you are. The unlimited amount of forgiveness you offered me is something I’ll never be able to wrap my head around. I’ll also never forget the times you did let me hit the dirt when you knew I needed to be knocked down a few pegs. Thank you for keeping me humble but also teaching me to be brave at the same time.

I remember the day our lease came to an end. The farm was sold and so were you. I let you go, thinking that it was time for me to move on. Little did I know that letting you go was going to be one of the worst decisions I ever made. I thank God every day for bringing you back into my life a year later. Once again, you brought me out a bad place and reminded me why I fell in love with the sport of riding in the first place. I hope you know you have a home with me for life. That’s the least I can do after all you have done for me.

You are more than just a horse to me. You’re my best friend. You are the one thing in my life that I know won’t walk away. You have been my shoulder to cry on and the countless hours you’ve listened to me drone on about life will never be forgotten. You are my safe place and when we ride nothing else in the world can touch me. I can’t stress how much you have taught me. Not only about riding but about life. You have taught me the value of hard work and that patience is a virtue that is extremely important. The lessons you have taught me are invaluable and I will carry them with me for the rest of my life.

So, thank you. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life. Thank you for sticking by me even when our journey got tough. Thank you for the forgiveness you always offered me and the humbleness you still continue to teach me each and every day. Thank you for making me into that truly crazy horse girl. I’m confident about who she is now and you played such a vital role.

I'll love you forever and always.