La Valse

"You were tougher than all the boys. In fact, you still are today. You didn't come by it on your own though. That old horse helped make you who you are. He taught you about fearlesness, determination and even gritt. He is the best friend you will ever have..." - author unknown

Age: 1988
Breed: Hanoverian
Sire: Lucid
Color: Chestnut
Gender: Gelding
Height: 16.1hh

La Valse came to me as an advanced level schoolmaster in 2002… and so the battle began. To say the least, La Valse was immensely difficult, stubborn and mean.  A constant mental and physical challenge. He forced me to learn, something I didn’t appreciate in the beginning. He wasn’t just a pretty boy brought in to win me ribbons and do everything I asked. He had a job, plain and simple: he was my teacher, and he made darn sure I would never forget it.

After two years of effort, an epiphanic moment in the middle of a competition ring in 2004 changed everything. After that, well it certainly wasn’t a bed of roses, but things seemed much easier. We had reached the threshold, and had learned to appreciate each other’s strengths and to help each other through our weaknesses. We continued that trend from the FEI Junior Ring into the FEI Young Rider and Advanced Levels.

Though it seems like we did nothing but work, Valsie and I were only able to complete 3 full seasons of showing. We missed out on National Championships and NAYRC due to untimely and unfortunate injuries.

I cannot explain how important this horse has been to me. Even now, as a 22 year old, there are days when he still feels he has to tell me “what’s what”. I wouldn’t have him any other way. He was the greatest influence on me and the best teacher I will ever have.

Valsie is currently enjoying a very quiet and happy retirement here at Stonecreek Farm. If there is anyone who deserves it, it’s him.