A story of Hanz the Thoroughbred and his young adult, amateur owner event rider based in Raleigh, NC

“Believe in yourself, listen to your gut, and do what you love to do”

Dylan Lauren

I wanted to write a blog for everyone who is interested in following Hanz and his journey through his life and times as an event horse. I am so inspired by this horse that I wanted to share how his development would come along and what we might do in the future! I hope that you enjoy reading this and watching how me and Hanz progress as a team, but mostly how Hanz is doing of course!

The best place to start is always at the beginning—where anything begins, and where this obsession I would later call “Equestrianism” took root. I was on the hunt for my very first horse to call my own. Though I had been riding and working with horses for about eight or nine years, my passion for them was lifelong. Growing up behind a horse farm in Raleigh, NC, my love for horses began when I was young. I often hiked and played in the woods with friends, discovering the horses grazing by the fence line. I would bring them apples as treats, marveling at how beautiful and stoic they were. They would curiously approach the fence to investigate the commotion, especially when they noticed that apples would be involved.

My love for horses and riding was undeniable. I didn’t take my first horseback riding lessons until high school, inspired by my then-girlfriend, who rode Dressage at a high level. My initial lessons were basic, but as soon as I sat in the saddle, I was hooked. Time passed—I attended school in Boston, MA, lived in Nashville, TN, and eventually moved back to Raleigh to continue my studies. Throughout it all, I kept my passion for horses alive and well within me.

I joined the IHSA team at Elon University in Elon, NC, but my obsession and passion for riding didn’t truly accelerate until I discovered my favorite discipline: Eventing. Eventing combines all three disciplines into one mega-discipline, blending Dressage, Jumping, and Cross Country riding into a “Triathlon” for horses. After several years of this, I was ready. It was time to do the “thing”—buy my very own horse. Enter stage right: “Hanz.” This blog is our story.

My horse shopping journey taught me a great deal about how tricky it is to find the right horse (horse people who have been doing this your whole life, you know what I’m talking about). You’re battling a slew of difficulties, such as dealing with sketchy owners (not all—some are amazing people), horses with concealed medical problems, legal issues, and more. I had set up an appointment to try a horse I had heard about that was already performing fantastically in the Eventing arena. My aunt actually found his ad and sent it to me on Facebook. All she had to do was tag me in his post. I watched his ad videos quickly, and something about his movements struck me deeply—I had a hunch. Little did I know that my aunt was already trying to set up an appointment for me to try him out. The Universe was trying so hard. All I had to do was listen.

It was a scorching hot July day when I finally got to try him. None of my partners in crime could come with me, so I was on my own. I pulled up to a beautiful farm and barn in the Berryville/Middleburg area of northern Virginia. When I say it was horse country, I mean it was HORSE COUNTRY. If you ever get the chance to drive through it, do it. Its a beautiful drive.

As I arrived, I stepped out of my blue Honda Fit and quickly put on my riding boots. “Okay, don’t get your hopes up, just be open, relax, and have fun,” I told myself. That’s what riding is all about in the end: having fun and loving the horses. I met the trainer and the seller’s agent, and I was so relieved to find that they were absolutely wonderful and professional horse people.

We got Hanz from the pasture, and I was instantly struck by not only how healthy he seemed but also by how calm and willing he was to be approached. He was so willing, calm, aware, but thoughtful and awake. I was already excited. We tacked him up and got right to riding. When I say it was hot out, I mean it was HOT. We quickly made our way to the arena and got to riding. His trainer rode him first, a practical custom when buying a horse, and I rode him second.

Instantly, a feeling and awareness came over me. I asked for a light trot. “This is your horse. This horse is for you, Ross,” I thought as I felt for the contact in the reins and sank into a rhythm. It was like the universe was speaking through this horse, this moment, and this experience. I always believed that the horse will pick you. All I had to do was listen and tune in.

The ride turned out to be one of the most inspiring rides I’ve had in a long time. I was able to ride creatively. I felt awakened to something new in my riding that I hadn’t understood before. I could almost sense a new feeling of understanding what I needed to do. It was a sense of clarity. If you’re interested, I posted a small clip of our ride in the ring. I hope you enjoy it!

I was able to try Hanz a second time on a cross-country course on another day after my very first trial ride. I gathered all my intel and quickly reported back to my horse friends and fellow horse people. “Please watch these videos and let me know what you think!” I urged everyone. Many people researched, gave me advice, and analyzed the videos. Everyone I talked to loved the way he was going. I quickly reached out to the seller’s agent, and we made plans for a PPE (Pre-Purchase Exam).

For those who don’t know, a PPE is an exam conducted by a certified, professional third-party veterinarian to assess a horse’s health and soundness for the intended activities. It’s a very important and critical component of buying a horse. Hanz’s PPE came back with outstanding results, with some minor road bumps that were totally acceptable (more on those another time!), and it was time. I talked with the seller’s agent, and we worked out a deal. The previous owner was incredibly nice and cooperative during the process. We arranged a fabulous deal that benefited everyone involved. I was ready, and on July 16th, 2024, I signed the purchase agreement for my very first horse. The Universe was working its magic wonderfully.

Hanz was finally shipped to the Raleigh, NC area on July 22nd, 2024. He arrived on a two-horse straight load trailer and instantly recognized me. He was a little anxious and curious, which made him more alert and vigilant about his surroundings. This is normal for a horse, especially a younger one. Horses do not process change like people. They are much more sensitive and vigilant about changes in their environment because they are prey animals. Their entire survival depends on their ability to respond to changes in their surroundings to avoid potential threats. Humans are different because we are inherently predators. We generalize and categorize our surroundings to process new information quickly and efficiently.

It’s very important that when a new horse arrives in a new environment, you make the transition as smooth as possible for them. My trainer’s rules at the barn I’m currently at require that a new horse be kept in a round pen temporarily to help them adjust and ensure no potential infectious disease could spread. Don’t worry, he has ample access to water, hay, and toys 24/7, and this situation is temporary. As he adjusted to his new temporary living situation that day, I made sure to watch him closely and ensure he was happy. All interactions with him were slow, deliberate, soft, and methodical.

My first week with Hanz was absolutely amazing. Every day after work, I visited him in the round pen to ensure he was comfortable and happy. On his first night at the barn, I stayed with him until about 10:30 pm to make sure he seemed relatively okay and content. While he paced frequently, he did not seem overly wound up or upset, just slightly unsure of his surroundings. I stayed in the round pen with him to reassure him that someone was there for him.

Over the next few days, Hanz began to settle in at his own pace. He started eating his hay after about a day and quickly finished his grain morning and night. I made several trips to the tack store at Dover Saddlery in Raleigh, NC, at Brier Creek to ensure I had everything he needed. I bought him a nice blue rope halter that I thought would go well with his light bay coat (because we all know that’s “essential,” haha!). Between Tuesday and Saturday, I worked slowly with Hanz to build a relationship based on trust and mutual respect. I believe a horse should be a willing teammate and friend, not a servant to be used as a scapegoat for your personal whims and issues. I spent a small amount of time each day grooming him and showing him that I hoped to be someone he could trust.

Hanz is the sweetest horse I have met. He loves attention and is absolutely willing to please. I quickly learned that he is not a fan of hind fly boots. After one day of him trying to kick them off, I quickly removed them. This is one of the things I love about horses: there is always something to learn and change is the only consistency. Just because something makes sense to us as people doesn’t mean it is best for the horse.

On Thursday and Friday, I haltered Hanz with my new rope halter and began basic groundwork exercises. Some people might ask why I’m not riding him immediately. There are two reasons: I want to make sure Hanz is adjusted, and I am currently waiting for a great saddle fitter to come fit my horse with a saddle. They can take forever to get back to you with dates and availability, so I am doing everything I can with him now. I worked with Hanz over ground poles, basic back-supporting exercises such as stomach lifts, butt tuck stretches, carrot stretches, backing up (a great exercise for their hind end and backs), and turn on the forehand.

Hanz is incredibly smart and responsive. He understood what I was asking of him right away. All I had to do was find the right intention and visualize what I wanted him to do. He understood. A line of communication can be created even when you don’t speak the same verbal language. All it takes is the ability to listen and understand. Listen to understand.

When we only have so many hours in the day, I’ll remember that life is short, and I’ll cherish the decision to buy the horse. At the end of the day, what do we carry with us through the endless ride of ups and downs? It’s our passions, our love for life, and the people and animal friends in it. So far, this journey with Hanz is going incredibly well, and I am extremely excited to see what we can achieve together.

Our first week has been fantastic, and I look forward to discovering even more about Hanz in the coming days and weeks. But am I even counting? I hope not, because this isn’t something to measure in minutes or days, but in the depth and breadth of a life well spent. This is a life. You’re either in or you’re not. The door is always open—all one has to do is listen and walk through. So far, I’m glad I did.

Please leave a comment below if you like what you read and have any friendly suggestions on things that I could do with Hanz, or if you’re just a fan of thoroughbreds in general!

July 28th, 2024