by Allyson Coluccio

An expert in importing, Allyson Coluccio provides her take on what to look out for before buying a horse from across the pond

I have been importing horses since the early 90’s. Well, I suppose it actually started with the ponies! I started with importing British Riding Ponies from England. At the time, Warmbloods were just becoming more popular, so in 1995, I began importing horses as well. 

To date, I’ve imported hundreds of horses from Europe to the United States, primarily focusing on horses from Holland, Belgium, and Germany. While at this point I’m a seasoned professional in the importing business, I still manage to learn new things everyday—and I hope to share that sentiment with others that are interested in importing. 

While finding the horse that fits your needs for the ring you wish to compete in is important, I encourage buyers to seek out the most amateur-friendly horse you can find. While these do exist in America, I find that the horses in Europe with the best brains are actually less expensive than here. 

In Europe, they value a little more blood than the average person in America. While they have caught on to the idea of “hunter-izing,” you may be able to get the slow and steady horse for a purchase price of $40,000 that would otherwise cost six figures in the United States.

Outside of the potential savings you could get from this type, the obvious reason to buy the best-brained horse is for safety and assurance in the ring and on the ground; that quieter horse means less prep, which means less wear and tear on the horse. 

I currently have a horse that I think is the best horse we have ever had. It doesn’t matter if he hasn’t been turned out or ridden consistently. Every day that he comes out, I am just as likely to put an eight-year-old on him as I am an eighty-five-year old. That’s what makes him great!

A Common Trap

As an expert, even I have been fooled by the rumored “X-ray swap.” I recently purchased a horse from someone that I have bought from before, and sure enough, the X-rays I was given were not the ones that belonged to the horse. Luckily, they were mediocre X-rays exchanged for other mediocre X-rays, but it’s important to make sure you do everything possible to ensure this doesn’t happen to you! 

Even if a seller has X-rays for a horse, be sure to pull your own and confirm that the name, microchip number, or other identifying qualities match with the horse that you are purchasing. 

On the subject of X-rays, I’d like to stress the importance of sometimes looking beyond the X-rays. As a whole, what comes up in films is very rarely what becomes an injury to a horse. More horses get soft tissue injuries due to the excessive work we do in America. That’s not something that has anything to do with an X-ray; that’s a people problem!

If you’re on a budget, I highly recommend you consider the horse with a blemish. Consult your vet to see how it may impact them long term. Who knows, you may end up with the WEF hack winner at a fraction of the price as it would be in America.

Importing can be a super fun way to find your next partner. Just make sure you’re smart about the buying process and find the one that is the best fit for you.

This article originally appeared on The Plaid Horse and is published here with permission. All photos courtesy of The Plaid Horse.

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A Colorado Town Rises Up To Make Streets Safer For Equestrians

by Lee Foster

On December 2nd, careless driving turned deadly in a quiet Colorado equestrian neighborhood. A local schoolteacher and her horse were on their way to ride the trails at a park near their barn when they stopped at a stop sign, looked both ways, and proceeded to cross an intersection they had ridden through hundreds of times over their years of riding the neighborhood together.

Halfway through the intersection, the rider saw a car approaching the four-way stop much too fast. She screamed for the driver to stop as she urged her horse out of the car’s path. The driver, she would explain to the local news later, did not even look up from his lap.

He smashed into her horse, shattering his front legs on impact and sending her flying onto the hood and windshield of the car. When law enforcement arrived on scene, the shaken rider said she was unhurt and stayed with her companion until he was euthanized in the street fifteen minutes after the crash.

The driver was sent home with a ticket for running a stop sign.

A Tight-Knit Community

Nestled between the foothills and the plains, the laid-back town of Arvada, Colorado might not seem like a hotbed of equestrian activity – blocks of condominiums and strip malls have largely replaced the historic barns and pastures that once defined its landscape. But the equestrian community hasn’t gone anywhere.

Instead, it’s adapted to the shut-down boarding barns and increased housing development. Town-broke pleasure horses can be found in drive-thrus and at tavern hitching racks, while A Circuit champions go about their workouts alongside youth drill team and gymkhana horses, tucked behind privacy fences and long driveways. Keep your eyes peeled and you might even spy a field hunter conditioning in the grass strips along the parkway.

As the traditional infrastructure for horsekeeping disappears from the area, horse folk of all backgrounds have become increasingly resourceful and reliant on community resources. People board in friends’ pastures and ride in dilapidated public arenas where the footing quality depends on neighborhood organizers.

Unofficial routes through neighborhoods are established and negotiated with neighbors in order to access riding areas. Sometimes, conditioning is just done by walking around the block. As jokes about invading local golf courses become less tongue-in-cheek, horse owners have come to realize that self-reliance in the local horse industry is becoming a thing of the past.

Tragedy Strikes Too Close to Home

When Griffin the off-track Thoroughbred was struck by a car, the outcry was immediate and vast. The collision occurred on a busy residential street near the school where the rider teaches, and dozens bore witness to the tragedy as the rider’s worst nightmare played out before her eyes. Within hours, news of the crash had spread from the northern reaches of Colorado to the remote communities in the Rocky Mountains.

The local equestrians’ anger and grief were palpable, and cries for law enforcement to do more to punish the driver rose up all over social media. Soon, a post was circulating on Facebook with instructions for how to write to Colorado State Patrol as well as the state congresswomen representing the district where Griffin died.

Dozens of people raised their voices and spoke up on behalf of the crash victim and her horse, demanding a safer city and a safer county for equestrians as the area becomes more urbanized. People contacted the media, and the outrage grew as two TV stations aired stories about the devastating wreck.

From Social Media Rage Comes Real Life Hope for Change

Within days of the launch of the email campaign to the state congresswomen, the district’s state representative reached out by phone to one of the organizers, expressing her heartbreak at the senseless loss and her firm resolve to help bring change. At the same time, the scheduled monthly meeting of the Arvada Area Horsemen’s Association was opened to the aggrieved equestrian public.

The meeting’s organizers scrapped the original agenda and put together a PowerPoint presentation on how the local horsemen’s associations and horse councils are already working toward a horse-friendly development plan for the county.

Thanks to a grassroots Facebook campaign that reached thousands without boosting a single post, the December 11th meeting’s attendance was standing room only with overflow tuning in via Zoom.

Over two hundred equestrians, representing every corner of the state, turned out to discuss positive changes that need to be made in the community. The state congressional representative was there with her six month old baby. Accompanying her was a county commissioner as well as a representative from the county planning and zoning commission.

Over the course of two hours, the gathered crowd discussed an equestrian-friendly master plan for the county’s infrastructure; statewide legislation to protect equestrians on public roadways; and steps individual equestrians can take to protect themselves when hacking out on the street. The overall takeaway from the meeting was that equestrians, when organized, are a powerful force for community change.

The main obstacle between equestrians and a safe community is the difficulty of organization and community participation in local government. Fortunately for the Arvada community, the outcry surrounding Griffin’s death has united equestrians around a common goal of safer infrastructure and enhanced legal protections for horses on the road.

A Fight for Change is Just Beginning

Many equestrians are aware of local horsemen’s associations and horse councils, which are typically nonprofit organizations geared toward providing group riding opportunities as well as giving the equestrian community a voice at the political table. The Arvada meeting boasted representatives from the Colorado Horse Council, Community Equestrian Arvada, the Arvada Area Horsemen’s Association, and the Jefferson County Horse Council.

Attendees were urged to join at least one of these organizations and keep the organizational momentum going. Changing laws and infrastructure policies is a noble goal that requires a lot of dedicated and at times tedious work on behalf of the citizens who want that change.

The need for substantial fundraising was also brought up, since infrastructural changes to make the community safer for horses require a significant amount of professional services just to research as well as permits, materials, and labor in order to implement them.

The prospect of raising enough money to buy a going grand prix horse may be daunting to some in the local community, but the reality is that the horse community is well-connected and generally affluent compared to other communities who have successfully enacted change in their towns and counties.

As the Arvada community processes its shock and grief over the unconscionable loss of our friend’s equine partner, community members are taking comfort and inspiration from the messages relayed at the December 11th town hall meeting. Even better, they are mobilizing under the banners of their local horsemen’s associations to bring about crucial protections for equestrians in a rapidly urbanizing neighborhood.

Although the #JusticeForGriffin outcry is centered in Colorado, riders within the state have expressed hope that their efforts will be seen and mirrored throughout the nation as equestrians strive to preserve their way of life in the modern world.

Lee Foster is a lifelong equestrian hailing from rural Colorado. Raised by a rodeo cowboy in a Pony Club family, he has a soft spot for quirky grade horses and off-track Thoroughbreds with a certain gleam in their eye. When he is not cleaning his tack for the hunt or malingering in the local consignment shop, Lee can generally be found hacking around town or teaching lower-level dressage to local eager youths.

This article originally appeared on The Plaid Horse and is published here with permission.

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By the EIE Editorial Staff

There has been recent news about Graceland possibly changing hands. The latest news is that auction plans have been abandoned. But let's look back on happier times and remember when The King shared his home with family, friends and his beloved horses.

A deeper dive into his love of horses in All The King’s Horses: An Equestrian Life of Elvis Presley by Victoria Racimo and Kimberly Gatto perfectly captured the importance horses had in Elvis’s life and he felt a great connection to them. Like many horse lovers, we would find them as a source of calmness and enjoyment – and a way to escape the chaos and pressures of fame.

His love also extended to his family and friends. One of Elvis’ favorites was a Tennessee Walking Horse named Bear. The image of Elvis riding on Bear is a candid photograph taken on January 1, 1968.

He bought horses as gifts so he could share experiences with them! He was also a cowboy at heart and greeted guests at Graceland on horseback.

Elvis's passion for horses wasn't just passing fancy. At one point, he had so many horses that he needed a separate ranch, the Circle G Ranch, to house them all!

The image of Elvis riding on Bear is a candid photograph taken on January 1, 1968. © Magma Agency / WireImage / Getty Images.

Read more about Elvis in this book:
All The King’s Horses: An Equestrian Life of Elvis Presley
by Victoria Racimo and Kimberly Gatto

Buy Now on Amazon
Hardcover | Kindle | Audiobook.

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My Mustang Horse goes to feral behavior again - after a snowstorm and taking a break from sessions. My mustang had a friend that kept interrupting sessions and then we had horrible weather leading to a snowstorm so mustang had a few days break from interacting with me and then because feral again not wanting me to be close again. Oh no, back to the basics.

Read more: My Mustang Horse goes to Feral (6:41)

By the EIE Editorial Staff

We love horses and owning a horse can be a very rewarding experience, but it's important to be aware of the challenges involved before you take the plunge. Here are 10 of the biggest challenges you're likely to face.

1. Financial Commitment

Horses are expensive animals to keep. You'll need to factor in the cost of bedding and feed, farrier services, veterinary care, stabling or boarding fees, deworming, vaccinations, and other miscellaneous expenses. You may also choose to insure your horse which is an additional cost.

2.Time Commitment

Horses are social animals that require regular handling and attention. You'll need to spend time each day feeding, watering, cleaning their stall, grooming, and exercising them. Even if you board your horse at a stable, you'll still need to factor in travel time to and from the barn.

3. Finding Suitable Housing

Horses need a safe and secure place to live. You'll either need to have enough property to provide them with pasture and shelter, or you'll need to board them at a stable. Boarding fees can vary depending on the location and amenities offered. Here's a Boarding Checklist to help you in your search.

4. Training

Even if you're buying a well-trained horse, you'll still need to take some time to get to know each other and build a bond. Horses are intelligent creatures that can learn a lot, but they also have their own minds and can be stubborn at times. You may also want to hire a trainer or participate in a clinic.

5. Health Care

Horses are susceptible to a variety of health problems, some of which can be very expensive to treat. It's important to have a good relationship with a veterinarian who specializes in equine care. Equine dentists and therapy also help with maintaining good health for your horse.

6. Commitment for the Long Haul

Horses can live for 20 to 30 years or even longer. When you buy a horse, you're making a long-term commitment to their care. Be sure you're prepared to provide them with a loving home for their entire lifetime. At some point, you may choose a retirement home for them so they will have a peaceful life in their final years if their current living situation is not suitable for their advancing age. And finally, there are difficult decisions to make when your beloved horse crosses the rainbow bridge.

7. Unexpected Costs

Even if you budget carefully, there will always be unexpected costs that come up, such as a sudden illness or injury. It's important to have a financial cushion to cover these costs.

8. Finding a Horse that's Right for You

With so many different breeds and types of horses available for so many riding disciplines, it's important to find one that's a good match for your experience level, riding style, and budget. Do your research and try out a few different horses before you make a decision.

9. Safety

Horses are large, powerful animals, and they can be dangerous if not handled properly. It's important to learn how to handle horses safely on the ground and in the saddle. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear when riding.

10. Finding Support

Owning a horse can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It's important to have a support system in place, such as a trainer, a farrier, a veterinarian, and other horse owners. These people can provide you with guidance, support, and friendship.

Keeping all of these in mind, owning a horse can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding relationship for many years, so treasure every moment!

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Managing riding lessons, whether you're a novice rider or an experienced equestrian, requires a keen eye for detail and a knack for organization. Gone are the days of juggling paper diaries and scattered emails. The digital era offers tools to streamline this process, transforming how we plan, execute, and reflect on our riding experiences. Keep reading as we delve into the digital revolution, offering insights and tips on harnessing these technologies to keep your riding lessons organized and at your fingertips.

Understanding Your Digital Options

Embarking on the journey to organize riding lessons digitally unveils a panorama of tools ranging from simple mobile applications to comprehensive management software. Each tool is designed to cater to different aspects of equestrian training management, including but not limited to scheduling, progress tracking, and communication between riders and instructors. It is advisable to conduct thorough research into the various options available, focusing on features, user reviews, and compatibility with your devices.

Prioritizing tools that offer synchronization across multiple devices ensures that you can access your schedules and records, whether at home, in the office, or on the move. Starting with a clear understanding of what each tool offers enables you to make informed decisions that align with your organizational needs and riding goals.

The Basics Of Digital Lesson Organization For Novice Riders

Navigating the initial steps of digital organization can be made less daunting by focusing on platforms and apps that prioritize ease of use and essential functionalities. Novice riders will benefit significantly from starting with applications that offer straightforward scheduling and reminder systems. This foundational approach helps track lesson timings, horse assignments, and upcoming equestrian events, ensuring that both rider and horse are well-prepared for their sessions.

To further enrich the learning experience, novices should consider utilizing digital tools for journaling. Recording observations, challenges faced during lessons, and areas for improvement not only aids in tracking progress but also facilitates constructive feedback sessions with instructors. Choosing beginner-friendly platforms that offer step-by-step guidance can transform the daunting task of lesson organization into a manageable and rewarding part of the equestrian journey.

Advanced Digital Strategies For Experienced Equestrians

For the equestrian who has surmounted the basics and is looking to refine their craft, selecting digital tools that provide an array of advanced features is key. This entails embracing software beyond simple scheduling, incorporating detailed analytics on performance, comprehensive health and wellness records for the horse, and strategic planning features for competitions. Such platforms are invaluable in identifying training patterns, pinpointing improvement areas, and setting precise, achievable goals.

Experienced riders should seek digital solutions that allow for customization, enabling them to tailor the software to their specific training regimens and objectives. Engaging with tools that offer in-depth analytics can also facilitate a deeper understanding of the horse's performance and health trends, which is critical for making informed decisions regarding training intensity and focus. Integrating these advanced digital strategies into daily training routines can significantly enhance the rider's and the horse's readiness for competitive events, fostering an informed and strategic competitive edge.

Keeping Your Documents In Check: The Role Of PDFs

A crucial aspect of organizing your riding lessons digitally revolves around managing important documents such as registration forms, lesson plans, and feedback sheets. PDFs emerge as the go-to format for these documents, thanks to their wide accessibility across various devices and ability to maintain formatting integrity. To streamline document management, employing cloud storage solutions allows for efficient categorization of PDF files, facilitating easy retrieval by date or document type.

Moreover, PDF compression tools have become indispensable when dealing with large documents. Compressing PDFs ensures that large files are reduced to more manageable sizes without compromising quality, making them quicker to upload, download, and share. Tools like PDF compressors are essential for equestrians who need to swiftly share detailed lesson plans or feedback sheets with instructors or fellow riders. This approach ensures that all parties have timely access to important information and significantly reduces the time spent managing paperwork.

Engaging With Your Equestrian Community Online

The digital realm offers more than just organizational tools; it also connects you with a global community of equestrian enthusiasts. Engaging with this community through forums, social media groups, or online events can significantly enhance your riding experience.

Sharing your progress, challenges, and tips contributes to your growth and supports others on their equestrian journey. This digital camaraderie can be especially motivating, offering new perspectives and encouragement when you face obstacles in your riding.

Tips For Choosing The Right Digital Tools

Selecting the right digital tools for organizing your riding lessons is about balancing functionality and usability. Consider what aspects of your equestrian life you need help organizing—scheduling, document management, community engagement, or performance tracking. Tools that offer a clean, intuitive interface are often the best place to start, as they require less time to learn and integrate into your routine.

Moreover, many apps and platforms offer free trials, allowing you to explore their features before committing. Finding tools that align with your needs will pay dividends in the long run, making your riding lesson organization seamless and effective.

Implementing Digital Organization In Your Riding Routine

The leap from understanding the benefits of digital tools to integrating them into your daily riding routine can seem daunting. Yet, with a systematic approach, it becomes manageable and even enjoyable. Begin by selecting one aspect of your riding life you wish to digitize first, such as scheduling your lessons. Once comfortable with this, gradually introduce additional tools for other aspects, like performance tracking or document management.

Customizing your digital toolkit to suit your unique needs ensures it remains relevant and valuable. Remember, the goal is to enhance your riding experience, not to overwhelm yourself with technology. Regularly reassessing the tools you use and how they fit into your routine is essential for staying on track and maximizing the digital advantages.

The journey to digitally organize your riding lessons offers a blend of challenges and rewards. By carefully selecting and implementing the right digital tools, riders at all levels can achieve a new level of efficiency and effectiveness in their equestrian pursuits. Whether you're a novice rider just starting or an experienced equestrian looking for advanced strategies, the digital world has something to offer. Embrace the change, and you'll find that staying organized enhances your riding and enriches your overall equestrian experience.

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Back Door Horse (Excerpt) from Book One of the Green Mountain Romance Series By Heather Wallace

Imogen was having a wonderful but strange dream. She’d always had vivid images that she remembered snippets of the next morning upon waking, then faded slowly. This time her imagination created a big, lumberjack of a man barreling into her home. She didn’t know why he was there, but he was ruggedly handsome with dark hair pulled underneath a trucker cap, piercing blue eyes filled with concern, and wow, quite a muscular chest heaving with exertion. She felt like the heroine of a romance novel.

“Ow,” Imogen moaned and clutched her head. It felt like a bomb exploded behind her right eye as her gaze focused, immediately regretting the light streaming in from the door. While it was weak, it was still enough to make her eyes water so she closed them again. Wait a minute, she didn’t think dreams usually involved discomfort.

A discreet cough made her whip her head to the doorway. A sharp, stabbing pain traveled up her neck, and she cried out at the surprise of it.

Where the hell was she?

She struggled to open her eyes again and when the room swam, she leaned over to vomit, narrowly missing a pair of scuffed boots. Oh god, she felt terrible.

Now she knew she couldn’t be dreaming. This was a nightmare.

A cold nose rubbed against her hand, and she focused on her pup, refusing to be embarrassed that she had just vomited all over her aunt’s rug and a strange man. Serves him right for coming in, uninvited. Who the heck was he anyway?

A glass of water underneath her nose had her looking up into bright, blue eyes. She should have been scared – she was alone and obviously indisposed with a stranger – but the concern in his face was obvious.

With a sigh, she straightened up off the couch. “Not a dream then,” she muttered under her breath. Then she addressed her companion. “Great guard dog you are, you traitor.” Cookie wagged her tail on the ground and opened her square jaw in a Staffy smile.

Imogen refused to be charmed. She turned her attention to the stranger in the room.

“I really hope you aren’t a pervert because I am definitely not in the mood.”

Gabriel burst out laughing, shocked. He took the situation in and decided to be blunt with the sassy woman. “You’ve been in an accident. You found your way to your aunt’s house, but I’m pretty sure you have a concussion.”

“That makes sense, I guess. Now, who the hell are you?”

“Not a pervert, although under better circumstances I could be convinced.”

She blinked at the sudden wattage of his smile. Whoa, he was handsome. No, Imogen, she thought to herself, you will not be charmed by a stranger in a remote mountain cabin. Life is more Dateline than Hallmark movie.

“I’m Gabe, the neighbor. Your aunt told me to keep an eye out for your arrival. I didn’t expect it to be with such drama though. Did you know your car is in a ditch about a mile down the road?”

“Anything worth doing is worth doing big.” Imogen muttered under her breath.

He seemed to have bat ears because he laughed again and responded, “You certainly did at that. You must be her niece.” Closing her eyes again, she leaned back. Any friend of Aunt Josephine’s certainly couldn’t be that dangerous. Cookie loved everyone so she wasn’t a good judge. “Yeah, I’m Imogen.” She pointed blindly at the dog, whose tail she could hear whipping the floor in excitement. “That’s Cookie Monster. But apparently you are friends already.”

Ignoring the sarcasm, Gabe knelt and gave Cookie a head rub and scratched under her big, block head. Her jaw opened wide, and she gave him a proper kiss on the mouth in appreciation.

“Who’s a good girl guarding Mommy?”

Imogen grimaced. Baby talk. Really? It should be annoying but damn if it wasn’t adorable. She was guilty of the same. Good looking and a big softie. Ugh, just her luck swearing off men for the foreseeable future.

He walked into the house, straight back to the kitchen, and opened the freezer.

She sighed. Apparently, he was familiar with her aunt’s home. Good for Aunt Josephine pulling this one. Here she thought she was a lonely old mountain woman, but instead she was playing kissy face and acting like a cougar.

He cleared his throat again, surprising her at his proximity. When did he come back into the room? Maybe he was the cougar; he was damn quiet on his feet. She peeked her left eye open in response. It was all she had to give at this moment.

Gabe handed her a bag of peas and a few Ibuprofens. “For your head. We should probably get you to the hospital and have that checked out. What the hell happened anyway?”

Taking the preferred offering, she swallowed the pills dry, and one got stuck in her throat. She sat up quickly, hacking and gagging. She grabbed the glass of water that appeared in front of her and took a sip, finally catching her breath.

Gabe sat on the coffee table in front of her, petting her dog and looking genuinely concerned.

Read more: Back Door Horse - An Excerpt from the Book by Heather Wallace

by Susanna Newsonen

This is an excerpt from Horse Girl reprinted with permission from the author.

I jumped as the alarm went off. I hadn’t been in a deep sleep with all the butterflies in my stomach but the alarm still spooked me. I was on high alert. Frankly, I’d barely slept. I leapt out of bed and looked outside. It was still pitch black. I grabbed my uniform which I’d prepared the evening before and got ready. I forced a cracker with a slice of cheese down me whilst standing by the kitchen sink.

Eating was the last thing I wanted to do but I knew I’d need the energy. I’d need everything I had. I grabbed my readily packed kit and headed into the car. Before getting in, I took some long, deep breaths. Gosh, the nerves were really getting to me. As I drove out of the garage, I checked the clock: 4 a.m. The early bird catches the worm, right? Eww - the thought of that just made me feel even more nauseous. Not good.

Before I knew it, I’d arrived at the stables. It wasn’t a long drive and in today’s focused state, I barely noticed doing it. I entered the barn through the middle entryway and turned left. I pressed the light switch as I passed it to turn on the lights in that half of the barn. I was the first one there. But I wasn’t alone. At the stables, you never were.

As I walked over to Mickey’s stable, I took great joy in hearing nothing but the munching of hay. It’s one of the most meditative sounds in the world. So much peace. So much calm. So much contentment. Even in my distressed state that morning, I was still able to enjoy it.

As I got to Mickey’s stable, I looked over the door to see his two beautiful black ears lower down. He was munching away on his hay that lay on the floor. He turned to look at me, surprised, as if to say, “What are you doing here at this hour?”. I opened his stable door and went in to stroke his neck.

“Hi baby boy. Big day today,” I whispered into his ear. He listened. He nuzzled my hand and we had a quiet moment to ourselves. Moments like these are the ones I live for. Just him and me. Together. Fully present. But I didn’t have much time to indulge myself in that. At least not today. I reached to the other side of the stable door to grab his neatly hung black head collar that matched his beautiful black coat. He stood still as I secured it onto him. How lucky was I to have found him? He was the kindest, gentlest, softest horse I’d ever known. Even at his very young age, he was already like this. Always placing his big kind heart and trust in me. It really humbled me.

One by one, I picked his hoofs up, cleaning them carefully. I used the hook of the hoof pick to meticulously clear the shavings, the poo, and anything else that was stuck in his hoof. I used the brush side to gently brush the frog, the sensitive, inner part of the hoof. All seemed to be in good order. I let out a silent sigh of relief. I opened the stable door and led him out. As we walked towards the grooming bay, we passed his big brother Ollie who was actually a lot smaller in size.

They weren’t brothers by blood but they were both my horses so that is how I saw them. Having sensed my presence, Ollie had his head already over the stable door. I stopped to give him a quick cuddle. Mickey waited next to me patiently. Until he didn’t. He nudged me on my arm as if to say, “Shouldn’t we get ready now?”. I smiled and nodded to myself.

I walked over to the grooming bay, turning him around in it so he faced the hallway and not the wall. Horses, being very claustrophobic, are always calmer when they know there is a way out. Facing him this way is more comfortable for him and safer for me. I attached both sides of his head collar to the long ropes on the sides of the grooming bay. He quickly took a relaxed stance, resting his back leg and slightly lowering his head. How could a four-year-old be this calm and trusting? I grabbed my plaiting kit and stepped onto the steps to get higher up to his mane. I didn’t want my arms being fatigued from plaiting so I needed to be above the mane, not underneath it. Mickey being 173 cm tall at the withers meant I definitely needed to take a few steps up. He looked at me sideways as I rose above him. I talked to him gently whilst rubbing his neck. He seemed to approve and turned his head straight back into his relaxed state. Perfect, I could get to work now.

I separated his mane into 13 equal sections, ensuring the parting between each section was exactly straight. I wrapped each section in a black plaiting band and checked that the sections were all of equivalent size. Nodding approvingly, I started to braid. I braided as up and as tight as possible, but not so tight that it disturbed Mickey. It was a fine line to walk but he was clear in his opinions then and always has been ever since. Once I’d finished the braids, it was time for the trickier part: to roll them into neat, cinnamon bun look-alike plaits.

Again, this was a precise art. The rolling had to be accurate and snug or it would quickly fall apart. At the same time, it couldn’t be so snug that it would pull Mickey’s mane, creating tension in the muscles in his neck. Fortunately, I’d had a lot of practice and some great teachers. Once the roll was complete, I carefully used a thick black cotton thread and a plaiting needle to sew it into its place. It was the more complicated way of plaiting but I’d always found the end result so much more beautiful. So we carried on. After about thirty minutes, the plaits were done. I was happy with how they looked.

I descended down from the steps and gave Mickey a treat. He was a true champ for standing still for so long. I carried on to groom his coat, condition his tail, and oil his hooves. He was now starting to also look like a champ. Ouch, there were the butterflies in my tummy again. Having been so focused on the plaiting, I’d kind of forgotten about them. Oh well. I just had to carry on. We were nearly there.

I popped his smart show rug on and put him back in his stable so he could have his breakfast grains before we left. I checked the horse truck and ensured his tack, my gear, and the first aid kit were all in place. I put up a haynet for him to enjoy during the drive and packed an extra one for the drive back. Once he’d finished eating his grains, my trainer Sarah and her partner David, whose stables we were at, showed their faces. Sarah was coming with us to help us warm up before our test. Honestly, I think she was coming to keep me rather than Mickey in order. David was the designated horse truck driver and he never let us down with his jokes. This was especially good on a day like this.

“Are you ready?” Sarah asked.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I smiled weakly.

I went back into Mickey’s stable to put his travel boots on. He looked at me a little nervously and I handed him another treat in a vote of confidence. He took it gladly. I lead him out of the stable and onto the big horse truck. He walked onto it as if he’d done it a hundred times before. In reality, you could probably count on one hand how many times he’d been in one. But it didn’t faze him. Like always, he trusted me to keep him safe.

It was now about 5.30 a.m. We were on the road and the drive to the competition venue took about an hour. I was scheduled to enter the ring as the first rider of the day at 8 a.m. sharp. We had plenty of time. I don’t know if that was a good or a bad thing. More time for me to panic, to stress, to imagine total fail scenarios. But I did my best not to. Instead, I kept chewing my mint chewing gum which helped against my nervous nausea. In between my chews, I did my best to close my eyes and take deep breaths. Before I knew it, we were already there.

I checked on Mickey before going to check the warm-up and competition arenas. If I was nervous before, I was a nervous wreck now. I tried to walk it off and I kept taking deep breaths. Once I started tacking Mickey up, I felt slightly better. Staying busy always helped me with my nerves. Once I’d finished tacking up, I went to put the final pieces of my gear on. Now, I felt a little faint. I took a moment to sit in the living part of the truck with my head in between my legs. Come on, Susanna. There is no need for you to be this nervous! I nodded my head in agreement with my inner voice and got up.

Read more: "Horse Girl, A Journey Home" an Excerpt from the Book

Monty Roberts changed the world of horse training with his gentle approach. He believes that violence is not the answer. His relationship with Queen Elizabeth impacted the equestrian world. Stay tuned for updates on where to watch this film. Visit Monty Roberts online.