We met in June 2018 when I was nervously getting back to riding. Rose aka Balmullo's Uproar was part of a lesson program as well as a therapist herself. She belonged to both standard riding and therapeutic riding programs offered at the barn. I looked forward to seeing her curious head pop out of her stall window, and although all of the lesson horses were lovely, I spent the long drives out to the barn hoping I'd be paired with Rose
Our relationship developed in a transformational way, and not because she was always agreeable or loved to ride. She did not. It was her "nos" that were so valuable. That journey deserves its own post. She has taught me so much about trust, connection, and genuine collaboration. She has taught me about willingly being present, without force, without expectation.
For now, fast forward to June 21, 2022, when Rose officially became part of the family.
We had just lost two dogs back to back to cancer. Ana's loss, in March, was after a lengthy journey full of anticipatory grief and wrestling and bargaining with the inevitable while trying to live a prescription of "maximum fun," when surgery and chemo failed. Losing Archer in May, coming on the heels of Ana's loss, was a whiplash. He was gone within days of becoming ill. Rose joining our family on the longest day of the year underscores the light she brought with her. Partnering with her meant agreeing to trust in good things. Despite the heaviness of grief we were feeling, it was an easy yes. She is a force, and I am grateful for her nudge forward.