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ASHA Thank You Letter to My Saddlebred: CH Moonlight Memories

Photo: Katie Cunningham Hass

My Evie (aka Queenie, The Queen, Big Mama, Evelyn and/or Boss Lady), 

Photo: Doug Shiflet

It was 2013 at the Lexington Junior League Horse Show. I literally remember it clear as day. My dad said that Mary wanted to look at a horse of Virgil Helm’s going into the Junior Mare class. I was sitting up in the grandstands waiting for you to enter the ring. They sounded the call for the class and there you were – bright as day, ears never dropping. I could see the line of trainers forming at the out gate. My heart dropped. I thought to myself, “there’s no way we’re going to be able to get this horse – everyone wants her!” I was so, so disappointed. I knew you were going to be so unbelievably special from the moment I laid my eyes on you. Little did I know, my dad had already told Mary that she needed to get that horse! So comes the famous story of Mary ruining her new, white Toms shoes running through the famous Red Mile dirt in order to try and buy a very, very special horse – my sweet Evie. 

First ride together!

It is now seven, nearly eight, years later; and I still feel the same as I did that day in 2013 each and every time that I see you – absolutely honored. Honored to be your person, your peppermint provider, your neck scratcher, your jockey, your biggest and most loyal fan. I’ve had the privilege to ride some pretty amazing horses, but there is something very special about our relationship. You and I grew up together. The first year I showed you, in 2014, you were only 5 years old and I was 16 (turning 17). You’d only been shown by two people – Virgil and Mary. Then there we were, just babies, jumping headfirst into the 14-17 five-gaited division. I like to think that I held your hand, but really, I think you held mine. You’ve always been the more confident and assured one in the relationship. That’s what makes you special. Whenever I doubted my place at the party, you grabbed me by the arm and said, “come on, girl! We’re going in!” You’ve always made me feel like I belong. 

Photo: Doug Shiflet

From devastating losses to mind-blowing wins, your confidence in yourself and in me has never wavered. As long as I have a peppermint in the end, you love me just the same. To me, you are more than just a partner or a teammate – you are, from the bottom of my heart, my very favorite soul in the world. You are my go-to shoulder to cry on when everything seems a bit too much. Whether it’s a break-up, a loss, a fight or just a tough day, you know just what to say without having to say anything at all. You’ve made me a more confident rider, human and partner. There is truly no feeling in the world that is comparable to the feeling of racking you around a crowded arena. It’s like the sea parts for you. From the first class to our last, I hope I make you proud. I am beyond honored to be your person. 

It’s you and me, girl. From now until forever. 

All my love, 

McGee

Photo: Katie Cunningham Hass