Every girl has a horse story. I am no different. This is a chapter from mine.

Along came Spring of 2012, and another open show. I was gearing up for this show, after winding down from last year’s show. I told you about that show in Part 3 of this horse story.

I entered the Dressage class again, not because I wanted to, but because it was available. We didn’t place or anything, but I can say I did it. What I was drooling to do was enter a jumping class the next day.

So, that night, after the Dressage ring was torn down and jumps put up, I got some quick jumping lessons. It was dark when we finished. My big decision was would I canter or trot the jumps? I had to decide before I entered the ring, because whichever I chose to do, I had to be consistent throughout the class.

So there I was, at the gate, watching others go before me. There were 8 jumps, cross-poles, 18 inches high. I had to memorize the pattern, or be disqualified. My childhood lessons came back in a flash. I visualized the lessons from the night before. Head up, don’t look down, canter, trot, CANTER! My heart was pounding. My barn buddies cheered for me. I went for it. Cricket cleared each jump, both of us with less than perfect posture, but no poles were down and we finished with a big smile! WE DID IT! We didn’t place, but that wasn’t my goal. I was over forty and I hadn’t died. THAT was my goal. Bucket list CHECK.

Coincidentally, I received an offer to purchase her that weekend. Not because of her show prowess, but because of her bloodlines. The girl who wanted her had owned Cricket’s mama and she had recently passed. She wanted Cricket, her offspring, so she could breed her. So a month later, I said goodbye to my bucket list chicky Cricket. I had only owned her for a year, and I knew I could buy another horse. But I wanted that young girl to carry on her dream, so I let her go. She is spoiled and well cared for, so farewell, Cricket. You made my childhood dreams come true! CHECK!

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