Second hand gold, or on this case yellow-mino, is as good as new.
Dixie came to the barn for another woman to consider buying. She had been passed around, having 4 owners already. Dixie was an accomplished Western Pleasure horse at the age of 5, and had already had a foal. Though Dixie was reliable and sweet, the woman ended up with a different horse, while Dixie stayed a for week longer at the barn. I first met and rode her Halloween morning, and on November 1st my mother told me she was mine. Being only 12 at the time, I was still fresh into my Parelli journey. They say your first horse is your sacrificial lamb of learning. Yet, Dixie has handled all my fumbles with patience and quiet dignity.
At 16 I took Dixie to my first course on Parelli Campus, a 4 week Fast Track. I was the youngest and least experienced person there, but we had a fantastic time together and both built new skills. Afterwards I continued to take clinics and lessons on Dixie, dabbling in Dressage and training Hunter/Jumper. She may not make Grand Prix, but Dixie loves to jump! She’s also mastered a handful of tricks.
Years down the road, it became clear that I would need a horse with more fire in their feet. Dixie is talented and willing, but didn’t quite have the desire and drive that Dallas had. And for the timeline and goals I’d set for myself, it wouldn’t be fair to push her.
Though Dixie has more days off now, I still play on the ground and ride her frequently. She loves playing at Liberty and getting belly rubs. Her favorite tricks are giving kisses, standing on the pedestal, and backing by the tail.