Sunchaser (Chase)

Chase is my four year old left brain introvert partner.  My family had always responded to my pleas for my own horse with "when you can pay for it yourself", so when I got a job, first thing I did was cash that in.  And so came Chase, a four month old stud colt.

I've always described Chase as the 'most reckless decision I have ever made that I will never regret'.  And that's because it's completely true.  We are complete opposites by nature, and we clashed a lot, even after he was gelded.  I do not recommend anyone starting out to take the road I did.  There are so many ways it could go wrong.  I just wanted it badly enough and had the right people to guide me.

On the other hand, because we were both green, and complete opposites, it set me up for an incredible learning experience.  The kind that constantly frustrates you to the point of tears, scares you, angers you, and then finally, teaches you an incredible amount of patience, and changes your attitude completely.  

Chase has become my best friend, my teacher, and my dream come true.  Though the road to where we are now was rocky, it was worth it.  

I still really don't recommend anyone taking the route I did on purpose, though.  Even if I had the right guidance and it worked out for me, starting your first horse from scratch is not a safe route to go.  If I hadn't been as patient as I had been, solidifying the bond between us on the ground completely first, things would have gone severely wrong when I got on his back for the first time, especially as an inexperienced rider.  As it was, I had been interning at a Parelli-based facility that just so happened to have Farrah Green living there at the time, and she supervised and helped with the first few rides and with solidifying our relationship.

       

Since then Chase and I have taken lessons from Fran Latane and Bryna Helle, and gone to a John and Kathy Baar clinic, and played almost daily when my asthma and allergies allow it.  Chase has become my forever partner and friend.