Sheer Ego

I first visited FLTAP during a Pony Club field trip and was thoroughly impressed with the facility and mission.  It had always been in the back of my head that if I ever needed another horse I would adopt an OTTB, that’s what my first mare Gator Maid was, back in 1974.  Tragedy occurred last summer and I lost my homebred boy, Windy, he was Gator’s grandson.

My daughter Brittnie encouraged me to visit FLTAP, just to see what’s there, right.  I didn’t want to replace Windy but needed a new reason to go out to the barn.  We looked at several horses in the barn, free lunged some and Brittnie rode a few.  I signed papers on the very first horse I laid eyes on that day, first stall on the left – Sheer Ego.  

How does one come to that decision so quickly you wonder, was it the right choice?  Of course I looked at conformation, symmetry and balance, but for me it’s a lot about a gut feeling.  Sheer Ego, Abby as we call her at home, was sweet and enjoyed being brushed, she had no objections to being hugged.  Just what I wanted, the rest would come in time.

Abby was only a 3 year old with a very short race career, this has definitely worked to our favor.  Brittnie worked with Abby on the flat and they made a debut at the Genesee Valley Breeder’s Show – in hand classes and walk/trot/canter.  Abby handled it beautifully, not that I plan on showing much but just to see the accomplishment in a short period of time was worth it.  

The remainder of the fall was spent trail riding and going to hunter paces. I think getting used to creepy, scary woods was the biggest challenge, out of her element.  I’ve always ridden TBs and have always had to ride in the front as the horses didn’t want to be anywhere else in the group.  I finally have a filly who doesn’t mind riding in the middle or back of a group trail riding.  Don’t get me wrong, she still loves a good gallop but is happy enough to settle down in behind some big quarter horse butt if need be.  We spent a weekend at Highland Forest trail riding, this means Abby was tied in a corral when not being ridden.  Another first for me, my horse stayed tied the entire time, no broken ropes or halters!  We never made any big deal over streams or logs, when trail riding they obviously pop up and Abby just learned by following.  At this point we are able to go out on our own safely and have an enjoyable time.  

At home Abby has the company of an older mare and a pony, she rules the roost but no one else cares so it all works out.  My weimaraner, Ruby, is always with me and thankfully Abby is fine with that.  Ruby gets away taking short cuts under Abby’s belly in the barn aisle and stealing carrots out of her bucket. but also keeps us company when out riding.  

What’s next?  We’ll probably keep on trail riding and work on some jumping at home just because it’s fun, and that’s enough for me right now.  I still really enjoy brushing and hugging my filly as much as I did when I first brought her home.  I still miss Windy but Abby is helping fill the void and making her own imprint on my heart.

Debbie Chidsey