I wasn’t horse shopping. I didn’t even really know that I was in the market for one if the right one came along. And then he moved into the small barn where I ride.

I’ve ridden my whole life, and I’ve had plenty of horses who were my project horses. My mom had a horse who was sort of mine too when I lived at home. I’ve had horses at my disposal any time I wanted for the last few years. But I’ve never had one of my very own.

Enter Ace: an 8-year-old thoroughbred gelding who was never raced, registered as Ace Brown. A dressage trainer friend of a friend bought him two years ago to use in her business, which she hasn’t been able to get going just yet. He’s stood in a pasture doing absolutely nothing for the past two years. He is about 16.1 hands, and is a nice bay color with short socks that just cover his pasterns on diagonal legs (front left and back right). He has a pretty face and a sweet eye. And he has the best personality in the whole world. He’s very sociable, but not pushy about it. And very sweet.

The first day I really played with him, he was in a small turnout with a pile of hay. He hadn’t had a good brushing in ages. And he was filthy. So I took out my brushes to see how he’d handle it. And he just stood there and leaned into it. Barely blinked. Did I mentioned he was turned out with hay and grass and water and I didn’t tie him up? He’d follow me when I went to get a different brush, and then turn there and stand stock still while I used it. I decided to see if he’d let me shorten his unruly mane. Again, he barely blinked as I shortened it — and it took a long time because he’s got a long neck and the thickest mane I’ve ever seen on a thoroughbred. Did I mention he was in a turn out and I didn’t tie him or have somebody hold him?

He also chases the barn cats. It’s hilarious.

He’s a little flighty about movement around his head, but will let you touch him any where. We’ve just started doing some groundwork with him. In just a few sessions he’s already getting desensitized to movement. He’s smart, willing to try, and learns fast. As you can see, he’s a little underweight and has no muscle, but we’re already fixing that.

I’m in love.

And Ace just might be mine very soon.

I’m working on starting a second section of this blog to chronicle our journey. I will keep the focus of this main section on horse events, news, and issues, and have a second section devoted to my personal journey. I’ll probably have it up and running tonight or tomorrow. So check back and I’ll let you know!