One year ago today, BM April, #232,  was loaded onto the truck in Canada with 16 other horses. I had spent the weekend having a nervous breakdown. In part because I was feeling completely inadequate in being able to handle owning a horse (not to mention a pregnant one!) and because I was not having any success in finding her a ride from Ocala to Longwood. The last 2 hours of the trip were seriously tripping me up. You have no idea how close I came to calling the rescue group and telling them NOT to put her on the truck.

Thank God I came to my senses after Scottie refused to coddle me during my pathetic crying bouts. He made me figure it all out – and I did. On this day one year ago we visited Partner Up Ranch for the first time. I’d found Leslie’s website and she replied back that she would love to help me with my unknown PMU mare. Going to her place that first time helped me feel maybe it would all work out. Over the course of the first few months with Cass  a few other trainers came out to meet us. My first instincts were right and Leslie has been a Godsend.

The weekend before BM April loaded on that truck early Monday, I’d written out a list of Pros & Cons.

PRO:

1. Fulfill lifelong dream.

2. Save their lives.

CON:

1. Don’t know what I’m doing.

2. Don’t know the horse.

3. Don’t own property.

4. Big $$$$$$$

5. Possible fraud? (the whole PMU thing)

6. Have limited time.

7. Potential of being kicked out of boarding place if horse is nuts.

8. Avoidance of real life issues.

9. Halt Eva’s training.

10. Time away from husband.

When discussing these pros & cons, Scottie shot down every single con. He was the one with the confidence in my ability to actually be able to do this. And, we did do it!

The truck that housed our girl for 5 days & 3,000 miles.

BM April, the first steps into her new life in Florida.

Our Cassidy April now (it was Christmas!).