Mateo

Almost exactly a year ago this week, we sold Mateo to a family that we didn't know, but trusted what Gail & Troy told us about them - that they were passionate horse lovers and had two young teenage girls that had fallen in love with Mateo. Nicole decided to go see Mateo and visit with the family while they were showing at Canadian Nationals this week. She almost backed out of the trip on Saturday, but after we talked it through, she decided to go ahead. I prayed non-stop while they were gone that this would be a healing time for her and not painful, as I knew how scared she was of how she would react in seeing him for the first time. Last year when we sold him, he left directly from Nationals to go home with his new family, so she was never able to tell him goodbye, which I now think was a blessing, because this visit wasn't a goodbye either.

Nicole bonded instantly with the Alves family, especially Natalie, the 13 year old young lady who shows Mateo. They shared about how when Natalie found Mateo for sale last year at the show, and her dad was considering the purchase, she ran around the barns and took down all the "for sale" signs that Troy had put up! She wanted him desperately. She arranged a meeting with Troy all by herself (she's 13!) to ride Mateo and her dad happened to walk by and saw her riding this gray horse!! She knew that he was the one. They hung out with Cole, Cary & Aus and told funny stories of the last year of showing and riding. It was more like a reunion than anything else. Mateo is healthy and happy and completely adored. He is the shining star in their region and just tonight, won National Champion in showmanship! These are the best Arabian horses in the US and Canada, and some of the most difficult horses to ride and show. Natalie's mother praised Nicole over and over in how well she trained Mateo and that they are enjoying the fruits of Nicole's hard work. It was very gratifying for Nicole to see him doing so well. I think she is beginning to appreciate how gifted and skilled she is, not only as an equitation champion (of a 3 state area), but also as a trainer.

Cary took some pictures of their time with Mateo and I had watery eyes as I looked through them and saw the joy in Nicole's face. Cary said that Mateo instantly recognized her and responded to her. I am so glad that she decided to go and that it was a great experience. The Alves' have already been calling Cary and Nicole with show results and keeping them updated on the progress of the show. I think it will be a great relationship and a shared passion for a sweet, very spunky, gray horse :).

Mateo is the gray in front, ridden by their trainer, in the practice arena.

Natalie practicing:

Nicole and Mateo and Natalie :)

Playing with the sleep number beds.

Tuckered out

And a short trip down memory lane.....