by Maureen Bordelon

Created on: December 11, 2008   Last Updated: December 13, 2008

How do you explain the very moment in time when you find that one horse that deeply affects your life? You just know the very second your eyes meet. There's a depth of emotion and connection rarely experienced. I'm so very fortunate to have found that special horse. The introduction to my mare was less than favorable to say the least. I still can't explain why I bought her, but we share a bond to this day that can never be broken.

My quest for a dressage mount took months. As a last desperate measure, I took my friend and coach, Kathy, to look at a young mare right off the race track.

"Don't buy that one, she won't be competitive. She has a bad attitude toward life and it'll be an uphill battle to train her," whispered Kathy.

The reedy sorrel mare in question stood before us, ears pinned, nose pinched, with a hind leg cocked and ready to kick. She was breathtakingly beautiful but exhibited distaste for humans with her body. However, her eyes told a different story. To me, those eyes wanted deeply to trust if only given a chance.

A quick glance at Kathy, then a long look to her owner, I said, "I'll take her."

"Could you excuse us a minute, we'll be right back," Kathy said as she tugged my arm.

We walked ten feet away out of earshot of the owner before she unleashed her opinion, eyes rolling.

"Have you lost your mind? I know you're on a budget, but that mare is going to hurt you. She's only three and that bad attitude is only going to get worse with time."

I couldn't help how I felt. The mare's soft liquid eyes showed a contrast between her body language and what was going on upstairs in her brain. The road would be a tough one, but I was up for the challenge. If I could gain her trust, then all would be easy.

"Kathy, the deal is done. I'm taking her. Did you see how soft her eyes were?" I asked.

"Oh for crying out loud, you think they all have soft eyes. I'm not going to change your mind, am I?"

I shook my head and replied, "Nope, not a chance."

Kathy shrugged her shoulders, "Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you. Cut the lady her check and I'll load the mare."

The check written, registration papers in hand, I walked toward the two horse slant-load trailer we'd brought with high hopes. Rounding the corner of the trailer, I was dismayed at what I saw.

The mare was rearing, steadfastly refusing to load in the trailer. She kicked out, snaked her head to bite, trotted circles, anything to avoid the task at hand. Kathy was no novice; having trained and shown horses all her life,

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