The man in the photograph is Buck Brannaman, horseman extraordinaire. The SPS has dreamed of riding in one of his clinics but was afraid to do so. This was the year she was finally going to do it...she was going to take Friend and ride. When Friend passed away the SPS lost her heart for going. She also found out the next week that the clinic was full, the organizer forgot about sending her the information. The SPS was relieved, she wouldn't have to face riding in the clinic and facing her fears. Well it seems that Friend or fate believed she should fulfill her dream of going...the clinic organizer told the SPS that she could ride in her spot. At first the SPS was hesitant to take the opportunity, then something changed her mind. I changed her mind. I showed her I could waltz with her at liberty, I showed her that I could understand her and she could understand me-we just needed to work together. I made it clear I wanted the honor of carrying her at this clinic. So we are going.
I hope that Buck can handle having my royal self strutting around the arena. I am going to have a grand time showing the other horses how to take care of their riders. I also know that in her heart the SPS will be carrying Friend, it is my privilege to carry him too-he was an amazing horse.
Tue ne cede malis sed contra audentior ito (Yield not to misfortunes, but advance all the more boldly against them)