So I did a thing.

After 22 years of dreaming of having a horse of my own, I can officially say I did it. I bought a horse.

Before I get into that, let me explain how we ended up here. Initially while I was still working for Chaparral Ranch I really tried hard to get to a financial spot to afford to put an offer in on Billie. Billie was a preteen gelding who competed heavily in cutting and other cow horse competitions. Unfortunately, it lead to significant foot damage and he was servicably sound, truly one of the last maintainable ones at least. Sadly, we all know I didn’t end up buying a horse then and I gave him a huge goodbye when I left my instructor position to relocate to Arizona. During that time, I had worked out all my numbers, purchase price offer, maintenance and more, and I saved it for later.

January of 2023, I really tried to get a payment plan situation figured out on a horse a friend was selling. I even went out and tried her, I felt so confident on that mare and I was stoked at the prospect of making horse ownership work. Like Billie, I had to let the idea of owning Echo go just because we had large recurring bills for B’s flight school that would unexpectly come up as I went to find a boarding barn for her. I was so sad to have to table that sale. As much as I wanted the mare, I also wanted to give my friend the option to keep a loved horse close while she went through a transitional time financially with her family. That one sucked, I made a stall sign and everything for her. To this day I know she ended up in a good home, I was just sad at the time it couldn’t be me.

Flash forward a few weeks, my Aunt conntacted me from my post looking for boarding and graciously offered me her mothers horse Cayenne. Over the last 800+ days, I have spent the last year and some change genuinely dedicated to being his person. From riding him & fun adventures, to Instagram modeling turned small brand deal on the blog, to our daily stall cleanings & feedings, late night cuddle sessions and spa days. I have loved that horse as if he was my own, and I honestly hoped that would be the case. I did voice this to my Aunt on occasion, especially when it seemed like the likely outcome was rehoming him. I wanted it to be very known that I would be home he needed if they wanted. As our move got closer, I was starting my own checklist of things that were pros and cons of taking on Cayenne at 17 years old. Ultimately, Cayenne was meant to remain at Red Rock Ranch where he was bred, born and raised. Leaving him behind is no easy task, but I know he’ll live out his days happy.

September 2024 I made a deal with a friend and at the time coworker, whoever could reach their financial goal wins. She wanted to save up to buy a motorcycle and I wanted to save for a horse. Fortunately for me, I won!!

I went through many horse ads, contacted so many off the track rehoming sites, and got too attached to horses unavailable, too far, or just not exactly what I was looking for. I will be doing posts on all the horses I almost chose, but didn’t. I was starting to lose steam honestly, and I was looking at saving my horse money for another time.

Feburary 2025 I found this gelding listed on ” Stoney Hollow Stables” page all the way in Ohio. They took some decent photos of him, posted abbreviated information on his race history and included a bit about his personality. I took one look at his photo, and fell in love with his face. He has a gentle eye, refined head and lots of expression. I found out his last race was 1/28/25, sadly he didn’t run it very well and his team figured it was time at 11 years old to retire him from racing. For that I am grateful so he could come home to me. Feburary 14, 2025, yesterday, I signed the final bill of sale for my new horse partner “Follow the Signs”.

Welcome to the family bubba.