A Windstorm (Willow)

Willow

Willow in front, Pixie in back

Willow came to us June 2012. After Jess hurt his shoulder in May we decided we would find another trail horse and let him retire. The funny thing about how Willow came to us was that we had seen her for the past two years at the barns we boarded at. She was a broad mare at my first barn and a fellow boarder bought her from the BO (Barn owner) there. Then we moved barns and this other boarder did too. So Willow was kept next to my horses for almost a year. I had talked to her and see her ridden but never thought I would one day buy her. Again she really didn't fit what we were looking for in a horse. We had decided this time around we would get a draft cross. My partner wanted something bigger than average. Willow is tall at 16h, but she is a Tennessee Walker so she is far from big boned. But then my fellow boarder offered to let me ride her Walkers to see what it was like to ride a gaited horse...I fell in love with the gait. How could you not, no posting required! Then next she was amazing and told me we could ride her during our search for another horse and while Jess was recovering. She said she never rode her and she wanted her to get used. So for the next month we had free access to her. And of course that was the beginning of the end. At the end of the month we offered to buy her and she said yes.

Willow was our first registered horse. She was born in April 2001. Making her the same age as Pixie. It was perfect now both our trail horses were the same age and fitness level. Willow competed in the big Celebration TWH show in Tennessee as a yearling and 2 year old. She won multiple blue ribbons as a young filly both in hand and under saddle. Of course none of that matters really and she is no longer going to show or breed. But its always fun to think of her winning :)

Willow has been a perfect trail horse this year. She has gained confidence and taken care of us. We look forward to many more great trail rides with her.