I Didn't Want a Gray Mare.

But I ended up with one.

Don't ask me how, and don't ask me why. Because I don't know.

When I finally decided it was time to get back into the horse world, I began shopping nearly a year before I was ready to buy another horse. I figured that because I looked at 27 horses before I bought my first horse, that I would have to look at tons of horses before I bought another. Wrong.

Never in a million years did I think I would buy the second horse I looked at. But I did.

While scrolling through ad after ad after ad, one caught my eye. "Athletic 10 y/o TB" the ad read, or something like that. I can't really remember because at the time, it didn't seem important. She seemed like she could be a good fit, but again, I didn't want a gray, mare. God must have been working through me during this process because I drove two hours one way to look at a horse that I didn't want.

Let me tell you now, she's way more eye catching in person. This mare was absolutely stunning. I'd never seen a dapple gray that gorgeous. I didn't think they existed. But she did. And I had to have her.

She was incredible. From standing in the cross ties to flat work and jumping, she was perfect. Once I got on, we clicked immediately. I hadn't clicked with a horse like that since my very first horse. The entire ride home, all I could think was, "this is too good to be true. She probably won't pass a vet check." I went back to ride her one more time. I took my trainer and my mom this time, and they both loved her. The next time I went back, I brought a trailer.

At this point, I was past the "too good to be true" thinking and just praying she passed her vet check. She did.

Now it was time to put her on the trailer and head to our new home. My last horse didn't load. She did. And off we went.

This horse has changed my life in so many ways. Once I sold my first horse, I didn't think I would ever be the same. I'm better now. I've learned so much in the pas eight months of owning Elly; I've found myself again and grown into a rider I never thought I would be.

I look back on the previous summer, and all i can think is "Wow. That horse was the best purchase of my life." I say it a lot, and I'll say it again. I'm so glad I decided to buy that gray, mare.