Young horses give us a sense of renewal, hope and purpose.

Willow, left, and Zen are the apples of my eye.

There’s such a sense of hope and renewal that comes with a new crop of prospects. I’m feeling it myself right now; I think that’s a big part of why I love working with young horses: They could do anything. They could be anything. They’re a blank slate, waiting for us to write their stories upon.

I’ve got two 3-year-olds whose futures are about to start unfolding. I actually like to start my young horses in their 3-year-old year to make sure their joints are closed and their bodies are ready for the physical demands of being ridden. This year, there were also some personal dynamics that put us in the fall of their 3-year-old year before serious work could start, but hey … it’ll work. And I’m excited.

By the time you’re reading this, Willow should be on her way to a very well-respected horseman who will start her for me. I adore that sweet girl, but I also know that she’s quick and catty enough to put me on the ground. (Which thankfully isn’t too far away; she’s short!) So he’ll put a great foundation on her … and maybe even keep her beyond that. We’ll have to see where her talents lie. Either way, it’ll be a wonderful learning experience for me and her both. I’m struggling to keep the exclamation points (!!!!) to a minimum. Suffice to say, I can’t wait to see the next few months unfold.

Zen is the other young-horse project. With the help of AQHA Professional  Horseman Brent Graef, she got her first ride and several thereafter back in February, but I’m just now starting to work her again. When I heard about a colt-starting clinic put on by ranch cowboy and respected horseman Buster McLaury in early October, I thought that would be a great way for us to make some progress. Plus, it gave me a set deadline. (I am a journalist, after all.) I’d have just a couple of weeks to firm up our foundation and see what more progress I could make. I won’t try to rush her into anything for the sake of the impending clinic … but it is an incentive for me to work with her every day and just see where we get.

It’s amazing what a sense of pride I get when I see Zen standing tied, hip cocked, as I fly spray her, toss a saddle pad and saddle across her back, and then step aboard. I know, that sounds incredibly basic … but there was a lot of work put into each of those elements, and I’m so grateful for her sweet disposition and tractable mind. She’s such a joy to work with.

So what will their futures hold? World championships? Wreaths of roses? Dunno. Probably not. Don’t care, really. For me — for us — it’s the journey that matters most. As I work with these young horses, I’m expanding both my mind and theirs. I’m learning tricks that will help with other horses down the road. I’m meeting new mentors. And I’m helping them become equine good citizens, well-rounded ponies that I’ll be proud to own. (Not that I’m not proud already …)

And truth be told, I’m eyeballing the yearling out in the pasture, who’s oblivious to the dreams pinned to his chestnut coat. Already, I’m wishing that it was time to start him, too. There’s a lot of years of hope still out there.

Happy riding!
Holly Clanahan
Editor, America’s Horse magazine

Don’t miss the fun, educational and heart-warming stories in the print version of America’s Horse! It goes to all members of the American Quarter Horse Association, and it’ll also keep you in the loop on Association news. We want you to belong!

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