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Well, kind of. Ace’s owner Cheryl and I worked out a deal, so I have started making payments towards his purchase and have taken over the cost of his care. She’s happy to have someone take him who is going to love him and give him lots of attention and the training and work that he needs. I’m thrilled that she’s giving me the opportunity to have my own horse on terms that I can afford.

He hasn’t had any riding in the last few years, and only some western before that. He is very good with handling, trailers well, and lets me hose him (didn’t like the sponge much when he got scrubbed though). He’s a bit underweight and needs to build up some muscle, but we’re already headed in the right direction there. He’s already pretty, but he’s going to be gorgeous once he fills out. Ace is also a great mover.

Ace will be staying at my friends’ Dave and Tracie’s with their horses whom I’ve been riding for the last few years. He’s got a roomy stall, plenty of hay, grain, and turnout, and we also have an indoor arena to work in. I couldn’t ask for a better situation, or better people to help take care of my horse.

We will spend the next few weeks doing groundwork and probably some surcingle and tacking. Once Ace starts to fill out, gain some muscle, and is doing well on the ground, we’ll go for our first ride together.

I’ve got so many emotions right now … excitement and nervousness primarily. I’ve been excited all week. Now that I’ve actually met with Cheryl and agreed to a deal, and have gone home for the day, I’m a little bit worried about what I’ve gotten myself into. I’m pretty sure that’s normal. And I’ve been around horses my whole life, and while the opportunity just came up and the decision was made this week, it’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time. So I really do know what I’ve gotten myself into. And I know it will all work out.

So, thank you Dave, Tracie, and Cheryl for making this possible! You are making one girl and one horse very very happy.

Oh, and a big thanks to you too, Mom. I couldn’t do this without you either.

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!