While the kids have been on break from school, it hasn’t been a vacation for everyone. Right as the kids finished their classes and before we left for our Summer of Neverending Travel 2025, I signed Dancer up for some summer school.
Ever since we had to say “adieu” to Stoney (and honestly, long before that when he had to be retired), Dancer has been our primary horse. I’ve not been able to do much more than some tinkering–a lunging session here, some grooming there–but it was enough to tide me over for the time. But now that I’m gearing up to find another horse to fill Stoney’s big shoes, I want Dancer to be able to go on adventures along with whoever else joins our farm. She might not be the next Grand Prix show queen. That doesn’t mean she can’t wander the forest on trail rides or take a couple kids to the local shows.
While I’m fairly confident with my equestrian foundation, summer seemed like the perfect time to send Dancer off to someone who could devote an intensive amount of time to her. I found a self-made young woman who has the guts and knowledge to bring along mustangs and other green horses, which Dancer very much is. While I’ve been gallivanting across the globe, Dancer’s been studiously learning how to open gates, walk under trees, respond to leg aids, pop over small jumps, and traverse fields. I’ve loved watching her training, and talking about her progress.
Perhaps my favorite part of the entire experience has been watching Dancer’s reaction to having horses around her again. At home, ever since Stoney passed away, she’s not quite been herself. She’s still sweet and calls to me every time I go out to the barn, but she’s also been tense and edgy… not surprising for an animal that should be surrounded by members of a herd (no, cows don’t cut it for her). Loading her onto the trailer, I could tell she was stressed, though she obeyed. Once we arrived at the trainer’s, she got off, pricked her ears at the other horses, said hello, and visibly relaxed. Just the act of being around other horses was worth the trip.
I am so happy to see her progress and learn more about what’s going on in that head of hers. She’ll be coming home soon, and I am excited to continue exploring her potential. Mostly, I’m extremely grateful to be getting my foot back into the equestrian world, and making connections with people (and horses!). The giddy little horse-loving girl within me is living the dream in more ways than I ever imagined.
