12/08/2023
Sometimes a photo can sum up a world of struggle and emotion and (eventual) triumph.
CSH Bayou St John
In 2016 we got By directly off of his last race and had pretty high hopes almost immediately. He was NOT interested in down time and took to jumping like a fish to water. Brave, forward but so beautifully rideable.
After a few small set backs (feet, small pasture injury... Allergic to the Midwest...) we jumped straight into Novic eventing.
I cried like a baby around his very first event because he was so perfect. Novice at the Ky Horse Park and he just ate it up.
I felt like we had a real horse for the future.
Then... He got unhappy. Then really unhappy. Then dangerously unhappy.
We treated ulcers, we did hocks we vetted and vetted and vetted.
Finally EPM. It explained a lot and I honestly thought that we were finished. Even after 3 YEARS of treatment and rehab he still absolutely HATED cross country and was a difficult horse to ride even in show jumping.
I think I gave up on him at least 10 times but he always brought me back. There is just something about this entitled, arrogant brat of a horse thats like a bad boyfriend. You just haaave to give him another chance 😆.
Then about a year ago something changed. His confidence started coming back. Showjumping was actually fun again! He started to be interested in jumping xc with his best friends Chala and Fergie.... Maybe one more try?
That's where Mallory and Paradox Farm came into the picture.
I asked Mallory if she wanted to give By a try for me. I had watched her riding over the past few years and thought they would be a good match. Maybe an outside rider would be the final puzzle piece to bring him back.
And HOLY COW was it!! Mallory was exactly the rider he needed to remind him that the did love to gallop and jump once. She gave him back his joy and I'm so unendingly greatful for her willingness to take on this picky opinionated boy and for seeing in him what we saw.
We finished the season with 3 successful events at starter and he never doubted himself once. I've been afraid to post but this time... This time I think we have it.
Can't wait for 2024
