Riding Against The Grain

There’s something sacred about a heart horse. They aren’t just a partner—they’re a constant. A mirror. A memory-maker. For me, that horse is Joey.

Joey has always been game. The kind of horse who shows up with his ears forward, ready to work, ready to give. For years, we jumped 3’ together—he carried me, taught me, and made me braver than I actually was. He’s been my go-to, my solid ground. And now, he’s getting older.

But before we made the decision to scale things back, Joey gave me everything. This horse has won multiple year-end championship titles, including C Circuit Hunter Champion, Aged Adult Hunter Champion—twice, and Novice Adult Hunter Champion. He never just showed up—he dominated. Always with quiet excellence, always with heart.

And through it all, Joey has been the horse—the one who changed everything for me. My heart horse. The kind of partner who doesn’t just take up space in your barn, but in your soul. He’s carved out a place in my life no other horse ever could, and I carry him with me in ways that go far beyond the ribbons or the rounds.

Scaling Back, Without Stepping Away

We’ve made the decision to step Joey down from 3’ courses to the 2’3–2’6 range. Not because he can’t do more—but because he shouldn’t have to. His body has done the hard work. He’s earned softer landings, fewer tight turns, and more days where the ask is light.

This shift doesn’t mean he’s any less capable in spirit. It means I’m meeting him where he is—out of respect, not limitation.

When “Less” is Actually More

There’s a strange pride in this choice. Because knowing when to pull back isn’t giving up—it’s loving harder.

It’s listening to the warm-up that takes a few extra minutes. It’s watching how he recovers the next day. It’s acknowledging that he’d never say no on his own, so I have to say it for him.

And even at 2’3, he still pins. He still lights up when he sees the trailer. He still struts like he owns the ring. That fire hasn’t gone anywhere. We’re just fanning the flame in a gentler way.

Letting Legacy Lead the Way

Joey has nothing left to prove. His name is already etched in the results. He’s brought home the ribbons. The champion coolers. The points. The moments that made me proud beyond words.

And if all he ever does from here on out is help a younger rider build confidence, hack around in the sunshine, or trot a few low fences with joy in his eyes—that’s more than enough.

He’s done the big things. Now, he gets to enjoy the little ones. And I get to enjoy every single ride we have left—without pushing for more, just grateful for enough.

Because the most powerful part of partnership is not what they do for us, but how we show up for them when the time comes to give back.

This is me, showing up for Joey—the horse who holds a forever place in my heart.