“I know in my heart that you are now galloping free in green fields, where the sun always shines, and the grass is always sweet.”
I know every story is already written before it even gets the chance to begin. We can try to change it, reverse it, fix it. . but only the man upstairs can decide exactly how it will begin & end. . What I didn’t know, though, is just how big of a part you’d be in mine.
When we were breaking Juniper under saddle I never thought there would be a time she’d actually make it into the show ring. There wasn’t a day that went by the entire winter that I wouldn’t show up and almost get thrown by her – every. single. day. & it was at least once every other day I’d come in complaining about how stubborn she was and how “this all better be worth it one of these days” well, boy was it ever. ❤️
She started out as stubborn, ornery, and quite honestly, a big pain in the butt. & I think, as I look back, that’s what made us so perfect for each other. Because little did she know – I was the exact same. ???? It was always a fun story to tell to the people that would come up in such awe of what an amazing horse Juniper was at the shows, as most of the time she was toting around some of our kids and lots of times taking care of our littlest kiddos. Big, little, young, old, inexperienced, or experienced, it was always “you can get Juniper she’ll take care of you” you never had to worry about her, she’d always take care of whatever was asked of her, and she’d always look her best while doing it.
Juniper was truly the easiest, most dependable, sweet natured horse you could ever ask for. No matter when you wanted to go or where you wanted to head she’d always be right there waiting for you at her door. She was always my first pick to put on the trailer and the one I’d always choose at any and every opportunity. She made so many things possible for Bruce, the kids, other amateurs, and I. She brought us more blue ribbon rides, trophies, and high point awards than I could even begin to count. . Along with helping so many others reach their goals and have some of their biggest moments. To say she was always one of the barn favorites would be a big understatement. . She was always referred to as everyone’s best girl. & it wasn’t just because of the success & titles she received, it was the way she could warm your heart and make you smile, and be all you needed on the days you didn’t know you needed anything.
Thank you to the Vaughn family for the opportunity to love Juniper from the beginning of her life to the end and to all that came in between, as those were the most amazing years we could’ve ever asked for. & to our sweet Juniper, for all the special moments you made possible, the amazing memories you shared with us, and a love I will forever cherish. You’ll always be at the top of my list for the most special horse I ever had the opportunity to train. You were the most unforgettable, irreplaceable, big piece of all our hearts and will forever missed. We’ll never forget you, my sweetest girl.
“The sorrow I have from losing you does not overshadow the joy I have from being able to love you” – Laura Richert