Stevie Loverboy and Missy Miller learn new lessons together.

I am finally sitting down to write a long overdue update about Loverboy…I say overdue because we have been so productive and had so many great moments in the last few months that I don’t know where to begin!  Due to a run of sick kids, rain, and wicked cold weather, I actually suffered through a 2 week stretch without a single day in the saddle…needless to say, it was a very big “Mom Moment” when the next time I saddled up, I was able to hop right on Loverboy without even longeing him and he was amazing!

We have also started trying to do regular weekly lessons with Alice with the goal of trying to do a horse show, and not embarrass ourselves, by the end of the year.  Loverboy seems to really enjoy the work and the variety and is responding so well. . .

[View with PicLens]

I might actually be the one impeding our progress at this point. . .(something about “old dogs” and such).  After an outstanding lesson with Alice this past week, I was actually able to repeat some of our success today on my own and it felt so good, I am still beaming!  With some luck and a lot of hard work we might actually get the hang of this whole “equitation” thing. . .

I continue to love every minute of my journey and am so thankful to you and Barry for providing such a wonderful environment for all of us “old dogs”.  Your wisdom and encouragement are endless…

Blessings,
Missy and Stevie Loverboy

loverboy_20090905_01

loverboy_20090905_100

loverboy_20090905_108

loverboy_20090905_11

loverboy_20090905_120

loverboy_20090905_139

loverboy_20090905_154

loverboy_20090905_155

loverboy_20090905_67

loverboy_20090905_72

loverboy_20090905_79

loverboy_20090905_81

loverboy_20090905_93

Thank you again for a great lesson this morning…it was the perfect way to celebrate my 2-year anniversary with Stevie Loverboy.  It seems like yesterday I showed up at Bits & Bytes to see my very first horse for the very first time…praying that even though he didn’t pass his vet check, with enough love and patience, we could have a lifelong partnership.  Well, it has certainly been worth every bit of effort and, good Lord willing, “Loverboy” and I will be together for a very long time.  He is just like the other 3 boys in my life, strong-willed and stubborn…and I wouldn’t have any other way!

The past year I have really seen the trust deepen between us.  It is truly an awesome feeling to know that such a huge, powerful, beautiful animal is so willing to give everything he has to you and only ask for love in return.  The experience of owning an OTTB definitely makes my “Top 10 List of Best Things in My Life” and I encourage everyone to give these amazing athletes a chance to become their partner.  Once you win their hearts, there are no limits.  I look forward to all the things I still have to learn from “Loverboy” and I continue to be thankful every day to you for making this journey possible for me in the first place.  It is one awesome ride and I hope it never ends!

As Always…with a very grateful heart,

Stevie Loverboy had gotten cast in his stall at the race track and he was muscle sore and could not pass the vet check. We knew his history and even though the vet could not promise he would be sound, he did not see any reason why he should not be sound – given the time to heal. Missy took a chance and did chiropractic and therapy to help Loverboy heal. He was a free Bargain Barn horse. She got the bargain of her life! Stevie Loverboy is now learning to jump and he has been on hunter paces and trail rides. We are very proud of this pair!

Relax and your horse will relax

Read more about our training session on getting your horse to relax and lower his head. You will find lots of training tips on the Bits & Bytes Farm Web site.

Stevie Loverboy and Missy are confident jumpers

It is hard to believe it has already been a year since Loverboy came into my life! I can still so clearly remember the first time I laid eyes on him, that sense of pure joy and wonder that I was actually realizing such a long-held dream. I am happy to report that I still feel the very same way! He and I have been through so much together, I feel that we have grown together and earned one another’s trust. I look forward to every moment I spend with him, whether it’s a morning spent free-lunging, riding in the arena, or his most favorite… a walk in the woods. Any time I’m with him, it calms my mind and soothes my soul. I guess you could call him my “four-legged soul mate”.

This Loverboy loves Missys kisses

Once again, I will never be able to thank you enough for all that you have done. In the past year you have been (horse) match-maker, nurse, cheerleader, babysitter (!!), encyclopedia of all things equestrian, teacher, Zen-master, counselor, and most importantly… friends. I know that this past year will be pretty hard to top on the amazing scale, but Loverboy and I are sure going to do our best to make every year better than the last. We look forward to continuing this journey with you and all the amazing people at Bits and Bytes Farm who have come to mean so much to us. I not only gained a horse, but wonderful new friends who share my passion. Everyone has not only embraced me, but my children as well. They have enjoyed this experience almost as much as me! To be able to share this joy and have my kids see me doing something that I truly love, it is beyond rewarding. Thank you for your never-ending love and support. We can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds for us!!