WOW!! That is the only word that instantly comes to mind when I think about Goldie and I’s time at the Thoroughbred Makeover this year. It was easily one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, but with a great time comes a year’s worth of emotions. Goldie and I competed in Show Hunters on Wednesday and Show Jumpers on Thursday. 

When we arrived on Monday, I went back and forth with myself on whether or not I should hack him around. I was so nervous because Goldie’s only arch-nemesis is in fact the stall. He does not like being in a stall unless he has a “peep” hole and can peek through with one eye. I was so relieved when we walked into Barn 9 to see that he was able to hang his head out and be as nosy as possible. As soon as he walked into his stall he took a big deep breath and went straight to eating. I instantly knew from there everything was going to be great. 

Courtesy of Morgan Hayden

On Tuesday, we had our ticketed schooling round, and by far that was the most fun I have had, getting to ride around in both the Hunter and Jumper rings taking in the sights and sounds with no care in the world. Goldie travelled around like he has been in those rings every day of his life. Then, when we took to our turn in the Hunter ring on Wednesday it just felt like a dream. He coasted from jump to jump in such a wonderful and consistent stride without question or hesitation. He even showed a little spunk after landing the last fence in our second round when everyone clapped. He knew he was there to just have fun. 

By Thursday, Goldie was certainly in the zone. He has always had this way of knowing when we are at Jumper shows. His whole attitude changes and his wellbeing is one that just says “I am ready,” whereas the day before he was chill and sleeping between each round. When he sees the Jumper ring he is wide awake and anxiously waiting his turn because that is where he excels and feels like he is home. We went into the Jumper ring, did our flat pattern and coasted around the large arena with the bright and exciting jumps better than I could have ever asked any 5-year-old to do. The best parts of our rounds were he had a few rails. Some may think that is crazy to say that the rails were the best part, but in all reality in those moments Goldie really showed his athleticism, his intelligence, and his instant adjustability at the very next fence. He never gets upset about knocking a rail, but rather we learn and improve right away together. 

Reflecting back on my time preparing for the Makeover it is crazy for me to admit I questioned the whole time whether or not we were ready. I would get myself so upset in thinking about was I riding enough, was I exposing him to enough, and was I really preparing both of us for what we were entering into come October. But after the week came to an end, I could have never imaged it to look and feel as amazing as it did. I truly believe that with each horse we learn something new about our training ability, but this year was truly all about Goldie showing me with each ride just the rider I can be and just how bright our future together will be. 

Now that the Makeover is done, Goldie and I will take our partnership back just a few steps to refine our footwork, our partnership, and just really take in everything at a slower pace to be able to move strides further and much stronger. This year’s Makeover will forever be my favorite and truly am thankful for the experience, the wonderful friends made, and those who make it possible every year!