The Goldilocks Horse

By Sophia Paliotto; Photos by Ella Chedester Photography and Chelsea Roberge

My name is Sophia Paliotto, and I am 14 years old. I started riding horses when I was five, and at first, all I wanted to do was barrel racing. 

My trainer’s main discipline, though, was dressage. I thought that was so boring – all I wanted to do was go fast! After bouncing around on a few lesson horses, I began taking lessons on a stunning, jet-black horse named Malila, whose training was in dressage. I was very protective of her, and I absolutely adored her. 

Fast forward to seven years of riding Malila in 4-H and local schooling shows, and I decided to follow my new dreams of competing at higher levels of dressage and start competing at recognized shows. 

Ever since I was little, I wanted to have my own horse. It seemed as if everyone had their own horses, but that I was never going to get a horse of my very own. My search must have been the longest horse hunt ever. I was actively looking for the perfect horse for about four years. At this point, the horse had to be an all-around horse; I wanted to do English, western, horse camp, trail riding, drill team, dressage, and musical freestyles. 

My horsey 4-H friends and my family were sending me horse ads often; DreamHorse.com was a favorite site. But my pros and cons list was so long: I only wanted a mare, and she had to be flashy with sweet eyes… the list went on and on. 

We searched and searched, and tried SO many horses. They were too short, too old, broken, or way too expensive! After about four years of trying to find another horse that I loved just as much as Malila, I was discouraged and thought I’d never find a horse that could compete with her. 

Finally, this spring, a friend of my dad’s friend told us that they had seen a Paint/Draft cross in Montana. It wasn’t love at first sight because he was a gelding, and a Paint, which was not what I wanted. But I went to look at him anyway, because you never know which one might be the one. Once we got there, my trainer got on him first, and she did not want to get off because he was so amazing. When I got on, my jaw dropped – I loved everything about him. He had great movement, and he was gentle, kind, soft-hearted, patient, quiet, respectful, and honest in the sense that he told you what he was feeling. 

I was screaming on the inside because I loved him, but he seemed too good to be true. Over the time I spent looking at horses, I have learned that getting your hopes up too much is awfully disappointing when things don’t work out. I had gotten my hopes up on many horses, only to be disappointed. So, I was trying hard not to get excited. 

On the drive home, we talked about the pros and cons, and how I was feeling. Honestly, while I was there, I just enjoyed his presence and wasn’t really thinking about anything else. Afterward, I talked to a lot of people and got their opinions. We still had to do the vet check… but thankfully, he was cleared! I had to make the choice now: was I going to get him or not? 

It was an easy decision because he was just amazing. Then came all of the “what ifs.” We had waited so long for the perfect horse; was this really him? After a week of working out all the details of purchasing a horse, my mom and trainer went to pick him up! It was the longest week of my life! 

I had a hard time focusing at school that day. The horse hunt saga was finally over, and my friends who had helped me with the search were waiting at the barn to meet the gelding that had won over my heart. Everyone was so excited to meet Delta and help get him settled in. The funny thing was that he’s a gelding and a Paint, both being traits on my cons list. In the seven months that we’ve been together, we have formed a strong bond. I am still screaming on the inside that I found such an amazing horse – Delta is a dream come true! 

This spring, we started training together, and working to build a bond. We have been working on his movement and my riding skills, trying to figure out his abilities, and just working on the art of dressage. 

My first schooling show with Delta was, honestly, not the best. In our Training Level Test One, we were disqualified because we left the arena. We were still learning all of each other’s buttons and what makes him whoa or go – I guess that’s why they call them “schooling” shows.  

My trainer, Ms. Elli, said that if you are serious about leveling up and focusing on just dressage, you need to ride five days a week. Now, with a goal of going to the Great American/USDF Regional Dressage Championships, I started training with my trainer and her trainer. I attended workshops and clinics to work on our skills, and spent time learning about posture, collection, and forwardness. I had a fun summer competing and improving my individual scores, show after show. We were able to earn the necessary qualifying scores to get an invite to Regionals. 

Delta and I competed in the Region 6 Championships this fall, And it was SO much fun. We had a blast, and learned a lot. We went on this journey with my best friend, Shelby, and we were both able to compete, meet new friends, and have so much fun together. 

The host facility, DevonWood Equestrian Centre, was so gorgeous and had eight competition arenas! Delta loved the heated bath stalls so much. I was so sad when we had to go home, but it had been an eventful five days. I got the amazing opportunity to compete in front of Olympic judges, and watch upper-level horse and rider pairs performing – I might have even watched some future Olympians! 

As for Malila, I still love and trust her with my life. It has been really hard to let go and move on from my partnership with her; however, I still get to see her every day. Plus, I have Delta, my best friend, and such an incredible creature that God created and put in my life. It was hard for me to see it at the time, but now I realize that what I’ve been working on, as a rider, I am now finally able to apply what has been taught to me.  

This was no happy accident – I feel like Delta has been the horse for me all along, and I just needed a lesson in patience and timing. I have now earned my Training Level Performance Certificate, and was awarded the USDF Youth Rider Recognition Pin for my leadership and volunteerism in 4-H. Next year’s goal is to compete at First Level.

I would like to thank my family, friends, trainers, God, and my sponsor. They have been so amazing, and I am so thankful for them. I am looking forward to another exciting year with Delta.