My first horse was a $250 old Quarter Horse mare from an auction. I grew up loving the cheap, funky project horses-the ones that weren’t necessarily bred to do anything impressive, but you’d look at them and think, I wonder what I could make of you. And honestly, I think I’ll always have a soft spot for those horses.
But I also grew up with this ridiculous, burning love for the sport. I wanted to see how far I could go. And I remember watching the girls on the big, beautiful horses that had the breeding, movement, training and ability to take them to levels I could only dream about. I wanted to know what it felt like to sit on that kind of horse someday.
The hard part about loving horses is that passion doesn’t make them affordable. You can want something with your whole heart, work hard and be willing to learn, and still have financial limitations on what opportunities are available to you. My family couldn’t just go buy me the horse that could take me where I dreamed of going, so I learned to love figuring out the ones I could afford.
And I wouldn’t change that part of my story. I love my little off-track Thoroughbred more than anything. I would never get rid of her for some bigger, fancier horse. This isn’t about replacing the horses who got me here. They’ve given me more than a price tag could ever measure.
But that little girl with the glowing eyes is still in me. She still wants to know how far she could go if, for once, the horse underneath her had the ability to take her there.
So I’ve decided I want to find out.
I couldn’t afford the big fancy horse when I was a little girl. Maybe I can become the adult who buys her one.
And I think I’m going to take you guys along while I try.
Growing up with budget-friendly horses taught me so much more than just riding skills—it instilled a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for every horse’s unique potential. Auction horses and off-track Thoroughbreds may not come with fancy pedigrees or high price tags, but they have a certain charm that makes training and bonding with them truly rewarding. I’ve learned that patience, consistency, and creativity can transform even the most unlikely horse into a trusted partner. This journey also opened my eyes to the realities many horse lovers face: the gap between desire and financial means. Passion alone isn’t always enough, so finding affordable opportunities and learning from every experience become essential. Trying to fulfill a childhood dream of owning a top-tier sport horse pushes me to balance practicality with ambition. As I take steps to find and train a fancy horse, I’m sharing my story to inspire others who dream big but have to work with what’s within reach. It’s not about replacing past beloved horses—it’s about growing and challenging myself while honoring the journey. For anyone out there feeling stuck because of finances: remember, some of the most memorable experiences come from the horses you didn’t expect, and with perseverance, the dream horse can become a reality. I’m excited to bring you along this ride, learning and growing together.