For any of you that may not know my last years Thoroughbred Makeover horse, Fullback aka Stellar, has a wonderful new home with Lindy and Adam Gutman. This was definitely one of the hardest decisions for me to make however I know in my heart it was also one of the best ones and a simple voicemail this weekend was yet another reminder of that.
I was driving to the airport this weekend for a quick trip to South Carolina to be apart of one of my best friends bachelorette party when I felt my phone vibrating and saw that Lindy was calling. Naturally my mind went into "oh no whats wrong" mode because she normally just sends a text saying how good he was or on the rare occasion that he acts his age I will get the "Stellar was a stinker today" text. I was driving and using my phone as my navigation so I let it go to voicemail. As soon as I arrived at the airport I listened to the voicemail assuming something had happened.
Truth be told something did happen and that something had me smiling ear to ear with tears of joy falling down my face as I listened.
"Hey Jordan it's Lindy, I am only calling because texting wouldn't do it justice. I took Stellar on his first real, long trail ride today across the street with a few other horses. He led the whole way crossing every ditch and water obstacle when I asked without any hesitation."
I could hear and feel her excitement through the phone.
To some this may not seem like something I should be so thrilled about. However she and Fullback are still in the "getting to know each other" phase and she will be the first one to admit that buying a 4 year old off the track thoroughbred as her next horse was not what she had in mind. She described Saturday's ride on him as a breakthrough moment in their new partnership and that is something I will forever cherish hearing.
Fullback was in need of a less demanding job than my goals and dreams are made of. Realizing this was not easy. But times like this weekend I am reminded that I made the best decision. That horse brought so much joy to my life the second he popped his head of the stall at Darley the morning I laid eyes on him. Now I am able to watch him bring Lindy the same joy he brought me and that is something I will never regret. He creates a smile that is contagious.
A new chapter in my life has begun with new horse, Coodinate. Coordinate is a 2011 gelding by Hardspun out of True Style. He was gifted to me by Darley to compete at this years Thoroughbred Makeover in October. I can already tell he has a bright future ahead of him and I look forward to updating you all as his training progresses!
