Twelve Years Ago – July 27

Kris reminded me by text that we connected twelve years ago today.

Jane and I took our relatively new horses to Oklahoma City for a horse show in July 2013. Jane had purchased Derry from Canada, and she arrived that Spring. Oisin had come here in October 2012 as a green 5 year old.

We were sort of schooling each other, figuring we weren’t jumping all that high. I took Oisin into a low jumper class, and we were eliminated at the second jump. I was pretty sure I had ruined him.

I had seen Kris at the horse shows and had watched him school a student. I liked his style of teaching, so I approached him and asked if he would “catch school” me , since I had stopped out on my new pinto. Also, would he please help Jane, too?

Kris was a good sport as well as a good teacher, and he agreed to take on two middle aged (then) women he didn’t know. I was instructed to stay straight to the jumps. Jane was already doing things right.

Oisin has never stopped since that day! Kris has become much more than a trainer to me. I hope to ride with him again, but regardless, we will always be friends. Twelve years has gone by in a blink. I only have one picture from that auspicious adventure, but great memories.

Be safe, be well, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Slava Ukraini! Peace…