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ASHA Thank You Letter to My Half Saddlebred: Candor

Dear Chuck,

The day I saw your ad, with your huge eyes and bright ears, high step, bold blaze and long stockings, you intrigued me. And when Shelley, Owen and I quickly planned our last-minute trip to see you, and everything fell into place so fast, I had “that feeling” that we might be onto something with you. 

I’ve been blessed to have some wonderful horses in my life, but I never had pursued my dream to have a parade horse. Life got in the way, and I consoled myself by repeating to myself how silly it was, and all the reasons it was so. But at some point I decided I wasn’t getting any younger, and the dream didn’t leave me, and it was now or never. When I first saw you in your stall, a gentle giant with fire in his soul, I was hooked – I had “that feeling,” and at my age I’ve learned to trust it – even before I put a leg over your strong, broad back. While we looked at many lovely horses, I played it much cooler than I felt. When we got in the car to drive back home, Shelley asked what I thought, and – at last on our own – I squealed like an 8-year-old, “Oh my God he’s The One!” Thank goodness Shelley and Owen agreed, wholeheartedly! 

From day one, Chuck, you were into it. We hung various pieces of parade equipment on you, to get you used to things. You responded as if to say, “C’mon guys, lay it on me, I was born for this!!” You just stepped higher, and rolled your eye back to make sure you were center stage – where you are sure you belong!! 

I love your energy and exuberance, even when it makes for some – ah – exciting times in the warm-up arena. We learned just how powerful you are the first time we showed you parade, and just how good you feel – I always feel so blessed that you’re kind, and you allow me to help you channel that energy into a sparkling performance in the show arena. I am eternally thankful for our bond, and that you give your all, every time, asking only for tongue-scratches, soft kisses and treats in return. 

Chuckie, you are the realization of my dreams. You make me a wide-eyed, joyful little girl again, a rhinestone cowgirl, proudly riding your lofty step as I look through your happy ears. I love how you know the sound of my car, my footsteps, my voice, and you look for me when I come to the barn, to the show. Thank you for just being your loving, exciting, quirky self. Thank you for your partnership, your friendship, your trust – you have done more healing and good than you’ll ever know!! 

Love, 

Your devoted person, 

Joan

Joan Todd is an amateur and long time American Saddlebred lover, breeder, and owner from Ohio. Candor( Half-5816G) is a thirteen year-old registered Half-Saddlebred and Dutch Harness Horse gelding that made her lifelong dream of having a parade horse possible. He is out of an American Saddlebred mare The Country Rose and by DHH Stallion Sandor, bred by Kari Lundin. In addition to Candor, Joan enjoys showing her five-gaited pleasure gelding Gamecock, her trail horses and retirees!