Since my unexpected dismount from Bee, I have received a steady stream of advice.

Some of it has been practical. Some of it has been emotional. Some of it has come from very personal experiences people have generously shared with me. I have been told to sell her and buy a quiet pleasure horse. I have also been told to keep her but lease her out for income on barrels while I find a different mount to ride and everything in between.

I have truly appreciated every perspective.

When you are questioning, physically and mentally, it helps to hear how others have navigated similar moments. Horse people understand that these decisions are rarely simple. They involve safety, confidence, finances, pride, and heart.

After a lot of prayer and discernment, I have made a decision.

Bee is staying. For now.

And we are investing in training. For her and for me.

Beginning April 1, Bee will head to trainer Sarah Salter’s home for at least a month of focused work. This is not a punishment for her or a surrender from me. It is an intentional step forward.

Sarah is exceptional at what she does, not just training horses but also training people. She brings real-world experience that spans everything from colt starting to rodeo and multiple riding disciplines. Her days are full. She homeschools her children, prioritizes her own mental and physical health, and makes a living helping horses and riders grow together.

What stands out most to me is her communication style. She is thoughtful, direct, and intentionally vulnerable in how she teaches. She also shares my faith, which gives me an added sense of trust and peace as we step into this next phase.

Can Bee develop the skills to enjoy both pleasure riding and barrels on occasion? Possibly. We are not approaching this with overconfidence, but Bee has already shown a willingness to learn from both Sarah and me.

She continues to prove she is teachable. She is curious. She seems to enjoy learning and working through new challenges. Those are qualities worth investing in.

Even if we ultimately determine she is not the right long-term partner for me, this experience will make her a better horse for the next person. That matters too. Horses deserve preparation for success, not reactions based on fear.

I also believe that even at my age, I am still teachable.

That may be one of the biggest lessons in all of this. Horsemanship is not a destination. It is a lifelong practice of humility, learning, and trying again. Been riding for three years? Ya, you’re still a novice rider. Been riding for ten years, ya, there’s still more to learn.

For now, I have been riding Bee in the round pen and arena only. Controlled spaces feel like the right choice while confidence and consistency are rebuilt. Safety for both of us is the priority.

I am confident we will be back on the trail soon, with better communication and better manners on both ends of the reins.

We have also continued working through Bee’s cinchiness.

She is finishing her GastroGard regimen this week. While she is still somewhat cinchy, the reaction is noticeably less intense, which feels encouraging. Progress with horses is rarely overnight, and this feels like a step in the right direction.

In addition to medication, I asked Dr. Caitlyn Dobecka to evaluate Bee from a chiropractic perspective. Overall, Bee was in good shape, which was reassuring. However, Dr. Dobecka did not like the shorter stride Bee was taking with her hind legs and traced that restriction to her hips and pelvis. After an adjustment, she gave me a specific stretch to do daily before and after riding that involves pulling steady pressure on her tail.

I have been faithfully doing the stretch, and Bee seems to genuinely enjoy the tail work. Who doesn’t appreciate a good back rub? We will revisit Dr. Dobecka in April to assess progress and determine next steps.

Between ulcer treatment, bodywork, and focused training ahead, we are trying to address the whole horse, not just one symptom at a time.

Of course, Bee has still made time for the important things in life. Our favorite neighbor Kitty stopped by again this week, which meant spa treatments and carrot tributes resumed immediately. Bee is also debuting new fly boots, because spring in Texas has already delivered the first wave of flies. If early signs are any indication, it may be a doozy of a fly season.

Now let’s talk about the practical reality.

Training means double board for a season. It is an investment in growth, but it is still an investment. The silver lining is that I will receive lessons from Sarah as part of this process, which feels like a gift inside the expense. I need a different saddle too and they are expensive!

So here is where you come in.

If you have ever supported Wise Market, shared a post, told a friend about our custom sports balls, or trusted me with a special order, you have already been part of this journey. If you feel inclined to help Bee and me take this next step, the simplest way is to keep spreading the word.

Share our posts.
Tell a friend.
Post a photo of something we created for you and what it meant.

Small businesses grow one relationship at a time. And right now, that growth is helping fund better horsemanship and safer miles ahead.

Bee and I are choosing the next right step.

We are hopeful. We are learning. And we are not done yet.

Until next time,
Christina & Bee 🐝💛