10/12/2025
This is a very different race recap than normal….
Due to circumstances outside the control of anyone here, there, or anywhere on earth Rebel, Zack, and I found ourselves flying solo on short notice. We could have packed up and gone home, but decided to stay and venture into the unknown. What we discovered about Rebel, ourselves, our trainer, and everyone around us is greater than any placing, time, or prize.
I “ran” my very first race. I found coaching and encouragement from many people, some I have never spoken to before. The Balanced Dragon with Tara Massman took time away from her work to come coach me and came back before the run to offer as much encouragement as possible. My loving husband basically turned into my own personal motivational speaker. He believes in me like I believe in Spanx to make me look 6 sizes smaller, which is a whole lotta believing. That being said… I’ve not had a single barrel lesson. I’ve never ran a pattern…not even a lope through. I’ve ridden Rebel a dozen or so times to warm her up or just a quick “funsies” ride but never anything of any substance. Let’s just say I found that I can be brave even when I think I can’t. It was ugly, the speed of a turtle, we took out a can, and it looked like a game of hurry up and wait as I pleaded with Rebel to just lope through but she was ready to RUN. 😂😂😂 I suppose most people first runs aren’t their best either, but hey it can only get better from here!
We asked Tyler Maintz if he would jump ride her for me on Saturday because Rebel wanted to run and I wanted to let her. He was so kind and said yes. I was so worried we’d be an inconvenience to him but he was so great to Rebel and to us! I am absolutely beyond words appreciative of his willingness to step up. They did manage to snag an Adult 3D check!
I learned to appreciate Rebel more than I already did, a prior to this weekend I was already convinced she is a unicorn in disguise. She rolled with absolutely every ounce of the chaos and changes without missing a beat. What she took in stride at just four years old and never being jockeyed by anyone but Haley is nothing short of amazing. She got me and all my never have before and terrified home safe while not in her usual bridle, not with a saddle or a pad she’s ever had on, and nothing resembling her normal routine. Then turned around the next day and got another new rider, albeit a fantastic one, another new saddle, and went on with her bad self with yet another new routine. She 100% earns being called honest, safe, and consistent especially at only 4.
Rebel and I owe a whole lot to Tucker Performance Horses. Haley has been an incredible coach and trainer. She poured into Rebel and accomplished so much that can’t be measured by buckles and LTE(shes got those too but this isnt about that). This whole weekend was a testament to her talent and ability to make incredible horses. The people that rallied behind us were there for her and because of her because she has touched so many lives be it horse or human. I got to witness the love and respect this area has for her and that doesnt come for no reason.
In general, we all can get bogged down with stereotypes, drama, and not so great things, but at the end of it all there is so so much good in this industry. There’s so many people who care and will do anything to help. I got to see that and feel that this weekend. I am so grateful for this little silly filly, for everything Haley has done for us, for being surrounded by awesome riders, for Tyler being willing to help us, for the coaching and cheers and support, and far far more.
*Rebel also discovered Coke this weekend and obviously she’s a fan*
