I normally wait until Christmas to make my anniversary post about GG, but I think this year it’s okay to make that post a bit earlier than usual.
Nearly a month ago I took GG to his (and my) very first obstacle trail class. Being a blind horse, I expected to run into a few problems - however, after schooling on the course a mere 20 minutes, he’d already picked up the concept and ran it flawlessly. We pulled third place, which I was thrilled with. Then, it turns out we also got a Horsemanship Award for guiding a blind horse around an obstacle course.
On Christmas Day, it will have been 5 years since I first laid eyes on GG. At the time, he was a run down ranch horse no one wanted with a bolting problem, bought from auction for the pocket change price of $225. He didn’t know how to trot well under saddle, and had no idea what leads were.
Now, he’s the steadiest, most reliable horse I have ever sat on. He’s taught many of my friends and family how to ride - some even took their first rides on him. He taught @mule-madness how to post the trot and control the canter on a horse that had some enthusiasm, @think-like-a-thoroughbred how to sit the canter and how to ask for a leg yield, and he gave my younger cousin, @outclouding, the confidence to trot in a wide open field. And there no counting how much he’s taught me over the years.
He’s a favorite of everyone who meets him, from his his farrier, to his vet, to even his chiropractor. He’s the pride and joy of my grandmother, who regularly spoils him with treats.
GG has been through a lot in his life. He’s overcome his rough life as a ranch horse, suffering corneal scarring over both eyes, and even being run through a barbed wire fence on one terrifying occasion. Yet he still remains perky and ready to work, always looking for some kind of job. He’s lead trail rides, ponied young horses who tried to bite and cause mischief, and has shown in Dressage and won.
GG is truly a horse I can call “inspirational,” and I am so, so blessed to have him in my life. To five years, buddy, and to many more. Truly, the best blind horse ever.
