There are many lessons that horses teach us, from hard work, to perseverance, dedication… the list goes on and on. But the last 2 years with this particular horse, my sweet Belle, has added many more lessons to my life. Some good, some bad, and some ugly. So, if you’re reading this now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey with us. It’s just the beginning, and we’re so glad you’re here.

Let’s back track for a minute- I have had a passion for horses since the age of 4 and eat, sleep, and breathe the equestrian lifestyle. About 7 years ago I started learning the discipline of dressage and was very fortunate to ride and compete locally on other people’s horses. The time came when I was able to support having a warmblood of my own, and I was so excited for this next step. I was getting ready to graduate college, I was ready to take on the horse industry as an aspiring dressage trainer, and this next horse of mine was going to open the door for me; a true dream of mine since I was little.

It was a cold day in Florida, well 50 degrees or so, and I was driving by my lonesome 4 hours away to go try a horse, by myself. I got to the property and saw this elegant, feminine, sweet mare, by the name of Belle. I rode her and thought “this one has an engine and she’s spicy…I’m sold!”. Long story short, I crossed my I’s and dotted my t’s, and Belle was mine. My first true warmblood. My first dressage horse. I got to make the decisions for her; this was such a new and liberating feeling for me.

Belle and I were having lots of fun taking lessons, figuring each other out, starting to build a partnership- I was having a blast. I always have put my horses and their wellness first. An amazing vet from out of the country was coming in town for adjustment and body work, and I wanted Belle to be feeling good in her body as we embarked on our journey together. 

I was not able to be there on the day of her appointment. The lady who was training Belle and I at the time, she’s amazing by the way, took great care of her though.

But, later that evening, I got a call that would shake my world. I don’t remember exactly how it went, but a little something like…”Well, this isn’t the best news…” My stomach dropped, the knot appeared, uh oh….”Belle has a head fracture…”