June horses: Santana

When I think of the horses who have most shaped my riding life, Santana's name is near the top of the list.

He is the kind of horse my younger self actively avoided. I'd have said he was too quiet, too boring, a good horse for a beginner but not for me.

Boy, was I wrong.

I loved riding Santana. After a lifetime of problem horses, he showed me how nice it was to ride without problems. No matter what the universe threw at us, I could always count on him to keep his cool. He stood patiently for all my photos, he packed my kids down the trail, he carried me when I was weighed down with anxiety and grief.

Even though I have Olive, I still miss seeing the world through Santana's sensible ears.

Fortunately, I don't have to miss him. I see Santana nearly every day.

He's older, whiter and even slower, but just as awesome as ever.

So awesome, in fact, he's the only horse at the barn with free range privileges.

It makes me so happy to see him quietly work his way around the property, cleaning up all the hay that ends up on the wrong side of the fence. 

No matter how busy I am, I always take a moment to stand with him. I thank him for taking care of me for so many years, for teaching me to appreciate the quiet horses.