Alcatraz to Taz
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As a little girl, I dreamed of having a horse of my own. A horse who would follow me around, greet me at the gate, and comfort me when I need it most. As a little girl with wide eyes and a big heart, I didn’t realize until now, how naive my outlook was.

 

Now being 21 years old, I ended up with a ten year old, 16hh, bay, off the track thoroughbred, with a lopsided blaze down his face- known as Alcatraz. With a stomach full of butterflies I woke up at 5:00 am on a Sunday to bring this boy to his new home. He took awhile to settle in, but he now has a best friend! They practically share the same blade of grass. 

 

When I first got him, he was underweight and needed a firm reminder of proper ground manners. Our biggest struggle was on the ground and I knew that only through consistency would our bond grow. He was my top priority, but unfortunately, I was some odd small human who meant nothing to him. In a mindset of sunshine and excitement, I forgot that rain is what makes the flowers grow.

 

I did everything I could for him to be comfortable, I spoiled him rotten, and I wanted to make sure he knew I was in it for the long run. Day after day I would visit him to ride, graze, bath, or just to hangout in the paddock. Our bond didn’t come easy and it has a long way to go, but I can start see the flowers grow.

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Now three months into the lease, our relationship is starting to blossom. While we are still figuring each other out, I couldn’t be more happy with my little goof. Alcatraz the horse who would push me around is now a gentle eyed boy I called Taz.

 

My dream is now fulfilled through having a partnership with a horse that does greet me at the gate, but also makes me work for progress. Our story is never ending and I am excited to document our journey! 

 

Photo Credits: Andrew Ouzounis