On March 13, 2015, I lost my best friend and dream come true, Jesse. I had bought him with the money I had saved since I was a little girl and all I wanted in the entire world was a horse of my own. We were together for 17 years, taking care of each other along the way (except for an occasional dump due to a spook!).
We were up for trying many different riding disciplines like jumping, showing in equitation, dressage, western showmanship and our favorites, Polocrosse and Hunter Paces. We even got to try barrel racing at the barn and it was a blast. We were such partners and so in sync that he could tell which way I needed him to turn and would begin to move in that direction without me asking. I have so many ribbons that we won at all the different events that we tried. For me, I can’t think of a better form of mental/soul/physical therapy than riding.
The first time we played polocrosse together, it was a tournament and we had no idea what we were doing. We were both very competitive and we were immediately hooked. He even won an award for Best New Horse. People were amazed by what a natural he was at it. I loved to spend the weekends away at the tournaments with him, camping alongside his pen, listening to him munching hay from my tent, waking early to feed and watching him eat his breakfast.
At the Paces, I always tried to be in the moment and realize how lucky I was to be able to ride, have such a great horse and live in such a beautiful area. I knew it would not last forever so tried to appreciate every second but I want more!
He was also very special because he took care of riders that he knew were not experienced. I loved sharing him with kids or anyone who loved horses and wanted to learn how to ride.
I had the great pleasure of meeting so many great people through Jesse and riding. Many of these have become close friends that I can count on for a laugh, ride, dinner out, a trip to Montana or being there through tough vet appointments and tears.
My weekends and time off from work were planned around when I'd be going up to the barn. Thank you to Kev for being so supportive and understanding over the years since he knew how much I loved spending time with Jesse. He’d ask what time I'd be home but knew to add a few hours onto the ETA.
It was great just being up at the barn even if we were not riding. We were lucky to find such a great place as Keziahlain and have a great bunch of friends there that would help each other out with everything. And thanks to Kelly for taking such great care of Jesse, especially towards the end.
Well, I am still trying to figure out how to say goodbye forever. Jesse was a tough little guy with a feisty spirit and fought bravely until the end at the ripe age of 27. All I can say is thank you, Jesse, for a great ride. I love you and miss you with all of my heart and soul. Tally Ho, Jesse!
Diane
Jesse 
