Spelltackular Ten
(AKa: Aztec)
Aztec is a 1987 ApHC Registered gelding.
What a story this guy is. I probably could right a book. :) He was just a yearling when I was surprised at his arrival with my sisters' two Appaloosa's my parents had bought. I had already had my first horse...a poor old founder mare, Holly.
During the time my sisters' horses were purchased, Holly was deemed unsound to ride. But, I still had a horse. :) That's all little girls really want.
Needless to say, I instantly fell in love with Aztec when we went to see the other two Appys. He was a loud colored leopard and as sweet as could be.
I remember sitting on him that day while he lay down and dreaming.
That dream came true when he came off the trailer much to my surprise!
The years that followed were irreplaceable. I broke Aztec myself as a 15 year old. We spent many years showing Open Shows in English
and Western. Eventually showed the Appy circuits. While I showed those, I also showed him in USCTA Eventing, Jumper classes, and Dressage.
We qualified for the World Championship Appaloosa show in Western Pleasure, Trail, H/U, Hunter Over Fences, and Suitability for Dressage.
For 9 years we won many ribbons, championships, trophies and titles. And during that time, I was blessed in my parent’s ability to give me
other lovely horses. Horses I started competing more seriously on in Eventing and Dressage. And during those years, we all came to realize,
Dressage was truly my calling.
For many years I was blessed in having wonderful coaches and horses and family support.
At one farm I took monthly clinics at, I met a Holsteiner foal. A colt named, Lautec. The owner tried to convince me ever month
I came for the clinic that this is the horse to take me where I want to go in Dressage. That much was made clear when Lautrec
took Premium status at the American Holsteiner Horse Association inspection.
As much as I adored Aztec, to further my career, I made a heart breaking business decision.
I sold him.
And bought Lautrec.
The next eight years were spent training and building a strong bond with Lautrec, who is now
our main Sire at MGRH.
But, for 8 years, I tracked Aztec through the ApHC site. I'd track his name to see where he was and if he were still alive.
Every month I'd check the horse newspaper chronicles to see if he were listed.
Eventually, I wrote the current owner a letter. A letter on how he was and how much he'd meant to me. That all I wanted to know was "is he alive."
I didn't get a response.
So, six months later, I sent the same letter.
This time, I did get a response.
I excitedly gave the lady our whole story brokenly trying to hold tears back. After giving her his show record and asking,
"how is he? is he happy?"
She told me she believed in soul mates. She believed in soul mates for people and animals. And she believed Aztec and I were soul mates.
Come get him.
That was probably THE longest 3 hour ride I've EVER had to endure. And even reverted to "how much FARTHER" to Dad while
he drove.
I had a hard time focusing on the "meeting" the people when we got there. I finally blurted out "is that HIM over there?" pointing
to a bit of white on the other side of a chestnut mare, Lady.
After she nodded, I hurried over. Heart pounding. Tears building. Was it really him? Were the pictures she sent me really him?
He'd changed SO much over the years.
I came around Lady and Aztec came in to full view.
"Aztec." and he did that small little whinny horses do when they are happy, excited, or see a treat.
All I could do was hug him. Hug him and inhale. Every horse has their own scent, and I never forgot his.
I cried in to his neck and whispered "I have MISSED you". He bumped at my pockets where he knew there used to be peppermints, and I didn't fail him with
my candy-laden pockets.
Since he's been home, he's been teaching Alyssa and a few other students, some wonderful things.
And he gets a peppermint and a "goodnight" every night. He's definitely enjoyed being in the show arena again, but his
show days aren't too often...just enough to remind him he's NOT old and he DOES still very much have it!
Pics coming soon!