When we grow up, no matter where we are and what we see, it's usually all we know. It's 'normal'. Our first shot at seeing that people really are different is often college, depending on where you end up. Those first roommate experiences can be doozies. Let's hope you got lucky! But, we all come from different walks of life. We all carry different values when we walk out the doors of our first start at life.
Meet Jane. Jane began her life as a well-bred Kentucky race filly. Born in 2010, she was sold as a yearling for $37,000. That's a pretty hefty price for a one-year old filly to measure up to! It's a good thing horses aren't humans- I'd be shaking in my racing plates! She made her way to Texas. By the time we picked her up in June of 2014, she had 16 starts and made $24,000. Another good reason horses aren't human- how do you not feel good enough walking out of that? (Side note- The most expensive sale that day was for $310,000 to a horse who in 11 starts only won $49,000! Crazy sport!)
Moving out of the racing world is like going off to college. You have to cross your fingers for decent amenities, friendly roommates, and a decent place to find good grub. But, not everybody can afford to get to college, not everybody is cut out for college, not everybody has parents that value education.
Jane got a new start. She got a shot at learning a new set of tools for a new career! Look at her just learning how to be a horse. You should have seen the first time she really got to play on grass! From there, sometimes life surprises you. Sometimes we think we've got it all figured out. Sometimes life throws a thousand lemons our way. Sometimes life is about being resilient enough to keep trying to find the open door. Jane has proven us wrong in most of our assessments of her. She's proven that it's the belief our own self that is really necessary in any relationship. She's shown us that sometimes we don't realize that we have given up on ourselves until the sun comes back out and we feel the warmth on our skin again and the freckles on our face. She's asked us over and over again, 'how can I trust you if you don't believe in me'. We've learned a lot about relationships from this little girl.
Update! Jane has moved on from our heard. She's all grown up! She's graduated or earned her stripes so to speak. We are so proud of Jane who will be further competing in the eventing world. This little mare showed her competitive spirit and zest for life. Best of luck to our little Jane! We couldn't be happier for her!