Rider Insider: Finding a Perfect Match

How did you know your horse—or the horse you ride—was a perfect match for you?

January 22, 2013

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There's nothing quite like seeing a horse and rider working in perfect harmony. The only thing better is actually being the rider in that equation. When you have perfected the art of interspecies communication with your equine partner, it's as if you and your horse just click.

Some horse-and-rider teams that come to mind when we think of perfect matches include reining superstars Stacy Westfall and Whizzard's Baby Doll, show jumping champions Eric Lamaze and Hickstead and revolutionary dressage duo Edward Gal and Totilas. Of course, each of these riders had to put in a lot of time and hard work with their equine partners to reach the level of harmony that they ultimately achieved. That elusive "click" doesn't come easily.

Have you met your perfect equine match, and if so, how did you know? Was it an instant connection from the beginning, or did you have to work to achieve a breakthrough? If you haven't experienced this first-hand, have you witnessed another rider reach that level of unity with his or her horse? Click "Submit a Comment" below to share your story. Some of the responses may be selected for a future issue of Horse Illustrated.

Throughout 2013, Noble Equine will be sponsoring the Rider Insider column in Horse Illustrated with a prize for the selected featured response. If you'd like to be considered for a prize, make sure to include your contact info in the email field of the contact form (emails will not be publicly displayed.)

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Rider Insider: Finding a Perfect Match

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Bailey    Apache Junction, AZ 6/5/2013 11:54:36 AM I have met my perfect match. I love him dearly. The guy who owns him doesn't want to sell him sadly. But my dad is trying to work something out so that I can keep him. I just got a 20 in barrels! YAY! Now work on getting to 18 and 19s ;D Emily    River John, NS 5/16/2013 2:05:51 PM I have met and have rode my perfect matching horse many times. The only trouble is that it is my best friend that owns him. She lets me ride Prince quite a bit, and she sees the rare connection of harmony we have when we jump the fences. As soon as he is up for sale in the near future, he will be mine so I can finally own my very own dream horse. Carol    Sylvania, OH 5/9/2013 5:51:52 AM I am an older rider, coming back to my love of all things equine after raising a family. My childhood horse was the horse of my dreams. She died at 32. Last year, I bought Vegas and it's the best thing I've done for myself in a long, long time. The minute I walk in the barn with those earthy smells and wonderful sounds I feel a sense of peace and comfort. It is my place of Zen. When Vegas hears my voice, his head pops up and his answering nicker warms my heart. No matter what we do together, no matter what we are working on, we are a team and I am his leader. I listen to him and he listens to me. Vegas is patient, kind, and trusting. He is funny and loving. I am so very lucky that I've had not one, but two, dream horses in my lifetime. I cannot imagine my life without him. Laura    Caledonia, MS 5/4/2013 12:04:00 AM I think I have met my perfect match but the worst part about it is that I no longer have access to this horse and it breaks my heart. But it was an instant connection from the beginning for that horse. I also had an instant connection with another horse but he's not really my perfect match. I love him all the same though. (My perfect match was a handsome chestnut Quarter Horse gelding, by the way.)