We are celebrating the Adaptable Arabian as our September Breed of the Month on YourDressage!
Did you know that dressage riders who partner with a member of this ancient breed are eligible for special awards through the Adequan®/USDF All-Breeds Awards program, as the Arabian Horse Association is a participating organization?
Here, a rider from Region 1 introduces us to her Arabian, Flame, and shares their excitement for a new journey in dressage.
By Harper Cadotte
The Arabian breed is one of versatility, intelligence, and passion, making them ideal dance partners in the art of dressage. This is encapsulated by my Arabian, Fames Afire AC++/, lovingly known as Flame. Flame embodies the spirit of the Arabian horse and the fire that can come with it. Throughout my journey, one thing has always remained the same: our partnership. He is the reason I am able to achieve my dreams in and out of the arena, something I will never be able to repay him for.
I never truly sought after Flame; he just came to be mine. In fact, he was the exact opposite of what I was looking for in a horse. I was hoping for a half-Arabian, a “been there, done that” schoolmaster type, well-versed in dressage. My ideal was a bay, while my least favorite color was chestnut. Despite this, I ended up purchasing a purebred Arabian of blazing orange chestnut color, who was an accomplished halter and sport horse in-hand, but with minimal dressage training and, to put it lightly, some expressive behaviors under saddle. Despite all of it, for some reason I couldn’t explain at the time, he was the horse I chose—but in many ways, he chose me.
Flame is the first horse I have had the privilege of calling my own, purchasing him last year when he was thirteen and I was fifteen. In the beginning, we faced many challenges. A part of me assumed that once he became my horse and I started building a relationship with him, the rest would just fall into place. In reality, that was far from the truth. We faced a multitude of struggles, and he exemplified all my weaknesses – not only as a rider but as a person. There were many tough rides where I ended up with more than just my pride hurt. There were even times when I questioned selling him outright and finding a less challenging horse. In the end, I saw the horse he was, beyond all his difficult behaviors, and I made a promise to myself that I would become the partner he needed. He taught me what horsemanship truly was and how much more went into building such a deep bond. We began to click and simply enjoy each other’s company. From hours on the trail to liberty work, we just started having fun.
Once we found a partnership within each other, we both discovered our love for dressage. It no longer felt like an argument, but a dance, teaching me so much more than I ever thought possible. At the start of last year, we were at Introductory Level, unable to communicate and constantly fighting. Now, after earning numerous Arabian championships in Training Level and First Level dressage, we are preparing for entry into Second Level. I hope to continue our special journey through dressage and eventually achieve my USDF Bronze Medal on my fiery boy. Flame has shown me that, despite the odds, two teenagers can excel in dressage – as long as you have that Arabian fire on your side. From our first leg yield to our first flying change, Flame and I have learned it all together. In the end, the many challenges we faced throughout our journey only strengthened our partnership. I am honored to have the privilege of such a talented, spirited, and passionate horse as my partner. Regardless of our achievements in the show ring, having that special connection is our greatest accomplishment.
Flame is a very fitting name for my boy – he is full of fire and spirit. That fire is something we have always shared in common with our unwavering determination. For a time, that fieriness was something I feared, but now it is something I love about us both. It has led to our success as a pair and in life. Without my partnership with Flame, I would not be the rider or horsewoman I am today. He has inspired me never to stop dreaming or learning. Not only that, but he has given me the tools to share the beauty of dressage with other special horses and to be the best partner possible for each individual. Because of him, I have learned countless life skills and lessons, from persevering through tough times to embracing the journey and all its complications.
Before Flame, I used to be so afraid of failure that I wouldn’t even begin to try. Now, I chase my dreams, no matter how ambitious, because I know that failing in the pursuit is far more admirable than never trying at all. Together, with the added spirit of the Arabian, anything is possible.
