The Horses That Create Us: Pt.2, Princess

July 4th, 2007, I was eating spaghetti for dinner when a stock trailer pulled up to my house holding the most important animal I would ever meet: my first pony. She came with pink eye, a wicked personality, and the name Ida. Previously kicked out of a therapeutic riding program, she was an ideal pasture pet for my mom’s horse, she was somewhat childsafe, and she was free. Being four years old at the time, I made the regretful decision to rename her Butterfly, and then changed it to Princess a short time later.

Outsiders may disagree, but I firmly believe Princess was the best first pony a little girl could have. Princess taught me endless lessons in and out of the tack, and gave me so many opportunities, connections, and wisdom that I will be forever thankful for.

Princess was not perfect. She had atypical, uncomfortable gaits and a bit of an attitude. She was difficult to ride in many aspects and was not the pleasure pony we forced her to be. We never won the shows we entered, we rarely ever placed, but learning to just have fun is what made our partnership so special. There was no competition or pressure, just enjoyment and free will. What she lacked in show, she made up for in tolerance. We spent most of our time bareback, learned how to ride without tack, jumped anything within reason, and galloped to our hearts’ content. I could write books about our adventures, but those stories are to be kept between the two of us for now. Princess truly showed me the fun and freedom of loving a horse.

Princess and I were inseparable for years, I did not want to ride any other horse, and I would not let anyone else ride her. Much to my disappointment, I eventually outgrew Princess and her abilities. After some time, I realized it was selfish to keep such an incredible and knowledgeable pony to myself. I leased her to a little girl who rode with my coach, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Watching them grow and succeed together was so special to me. We taught each other so many things, seeing Princess pass her wisdom to somebody else was rewarding and inspiring. She allowed her new girl to let loose and have fun, teaching her to truly love horses, just as she did with me. With this new part of our journey, Princess showed me a love for giving and growing that I had not yet discovered.

Throughout our time together, Princess took my relationship with strangers and made us family. She created the most special memories I hold with my childhood friends, times we will never forget and always reminisce. Additionally, she was the reason I got into eventing, which has opened so many doors and given me more opportunities than I can count. She also brought me to the family who leased her, who I am very close to and always thankful for. She gave me people that I cannot imagine life without. Our connection with Princess brought us closer together and helped me find friends and family where I would have never known to look.

The end of every life is bittersweet, a time for grief and sadness, but also remembrance and gratitude. The inevitable occurred August 7, 2018 sometime around midnight. Princess had been retired and returned to us and had since acquired a handful of health problems. I had been waiting for this moment for a while, so when it finally happened there was no shock or fear. She seemed content, almost peaceful in that last hour. She made it okay to say goodbye, and for the last time, she provided the comfort I needed to get through a difficult time. She taught me so much and had accompanied me in my darkest moments, I owed it to her to let her go peacefully. Grief is a side effect of profound love, a piece of the most powerful connections. In her last moments, Princess showed me the sacrifices of love and the tranquility of letting go, lessons I will carry for the rest of my life and in every aspect of it.

The importance of Princess in my life is undeniable and indescribable. She gave me everything when she did not owe me anything. A child’s first pony, owned or just strongly loved, is key to their passion and dedication for the sport, lifelong connections, and understanding of the horse and the world around them. First ponies come in all shapes and sizes, but only the luckiest young equestrians are gifted partners like Princess.