We are celebrating Plus Size Riders as our July Featured Riders of the Month on YourDressage!
Here, a Region 2 adult amateur shares the story of her heart horse, a mare she purchased as an unbroke four-year-old (or so she thought!) and their first trip down centerline together!
By Aubrey Perrone
I had leased horses for many years. When I started to gain too much weight though, I was told that I could no longer ride my lease horse. From there, I was on the hunt for an off-site lease or project horse, while also wanting a draft cross. Never in my dreams did I think this would result in purchasing my own horse.
I was minding my own business, while at work, and a member came in. I was assisting this member and they noticed my pictures of my prior lease horse, which inevitably began a conversation about horses. Over the course of this chat, the member mentioned they had two draft cross mares for sale. The next weekend, I made an appointment to go see both.
After having my current trainer watch the horses walk and trot, I was given the thumbs up and bought an unbroke 4-year-old mare. The next weekend, after Thanksgiving, my trainer helped me bring her home. On November 25, 2018, I officially brought home my first horse. Originally named Paula, she was renamed Luna before getting on the trailer. Come to find out, after a teeth inspection, she was actually six.
Luna came from an older gentleman, who had gotten a Belgian mare after his friend passed away. He had lent out this mare, to another friend, to pull some logs and the mare came back pregnant. Luna was the resulting foal, and she had lived in a pasture for her first six years of life, before I purchased her.
Within the first two weeks, we began the backing process and were able to get on her. I didn’t realize Luna was my heart horse, until about four months into our partnership. Since 2018 we have moved to a few different barns and trainers, until January 2021, when I met Alyssa Rosenthal. I have gained so much from her, but also have seen, firsthand, her defense of me when someone was fat shaming me on social media.
I have met so many wonderful people while boarding in Baroda, Michigan, and include them in my support system, “414 for life”, as well as my new barn family at Transition Equestrian Center. Lastly, I can’t forget my mother Beth, and my great aunt. They have been my support system since getting Luna.
To this point, my greatest accomplishment would be last year. I got to attend my first USDF-recognized show, at Waterloo, with my trainer. We qualified for the Great American/USDF Regional Championships that same year, at Training Level.
Our first time coming down centerline at Waterloo, riding a First Level test, I was trying to stay calm and remember my test. I remember thinking to myself “I made it, finally.” Adrenaline pumping and full of excitement, I focused on remembering everything my trainer told me.
Luna has pushed me to be a better rider. We are learning together, but also just having a good time. Never did I think Luna would be the horse I would learn Third Level with. This year, I realized my heart horse and I really can earn my USDF Bronze Medal.
Thick calves or heavy weight, do not let it stop you. Don’t let people knock you down. Find a good support system that has your back and keep on achieving!
