This July, we are highlighting “Small But Mighty” breeds on YourDressage!
Riders who choose a pint-sized partner as their dressage mount are eligible for special awards through the Adequan®/USDF All-Breeds Awards program, as there are a number of pony breed organizations that are participating organizations.
By Addison Tyson
This is Stevie, my eight-year-old Quarter Horse mare and my best friend. We met when she was a three-year-old at my Grandma’s farm, and it was truly love at first sight. I loved how kind she was; she was so quiet and so calm, the real-life Barbie pony for a 9-year-old girl.
I believe that our greatest accomplishment is how far we have both come in our training. Not any number of ribbons or scores, though we have earned a few. As a team, we have come a long way through countless rides, lessons, and hours together.
Stevie was almost five when we got her, and she had previously been a trail horse, so not only was she adjusting to a new home and rider, but also a new discipline. I was almost 11 when she came to us, and still had a very long way to go in my riding. It wasn’t always a straight path; there were a few bumps and lots of learning for both of us along the way, but we came out with an even stronger bond and lots of love.
Our main goals for the coming seasons are to solidify our half-passes, establish clean flying changes, and to be schooling Third Level. We hope to achieve this through consistent training, competition, and strengthening our partnership.
Our partnership means the world to me. She is my favorite part of the day. Whether or not the ride was “perfect,” there is always growth and something to learn. I think I have learned more with her than from anyone or anything else. About patience, letting go of my perfectionism, forgiveness, and simply what it feels like to always have someone that’s happy to be with you, and how to give that back to her.
As a rider, I feel like she has taught me to ride all over again. It really took on a new meaning with her, and I think that’s because I had to look at things from her point of view to train her. She is one of the most special parts of my life.
Stevie is a very unique horse for many reasons, but one of the most surprising things about her is that she has done liberty and knows many tricks, and will follow you if you let her. She also knows how to smile and kiss. She is very brave and very curious. She loves polework, hacks, and her favorite movement is definitely stretchy trot.
Our partnership is so special to me, and I could not have gotten a better partner, teacher, and friend. I am incredibly proud of her, and I hope this can inspire others who may have a similar journey. There were definitely times that it was not easy, but that just makes me take more pride and love in her and our journey overall.
