Princesa Mae

Every so often, a special animal enters your life and touches your heart in a profound way. For me, that animal was my beloved mare, Princesa. Although small in stature, she was larger than life in personality! Princesa wasn’t an easy horse; she had been returned to her breeder at least twice, and she’d sent five trainers running. A formidable mare, she demanded partnership—not obedience.

Bred to be a show horse, Princesa was undeniably beautiful, but the confines of a show ring didn’t suit her spirit. Time and again, she resisted those who tried to own, force, or control her, and eventually, she ended up alone in a back pasture, labeled “dangerous.”

Then, one day, I met her. I was immediately drawn to her fiery spirit and beauty. Initially, her owner was hesitant to let me work with her, but eventually, I got permission. I’d love to say it was a fairytale bond from the start, but that wasn’t the case. Princesa was everything they described—defiant, stubborn, and a true challenge. Despite my patience and time, she tried every trick to shake me, from landing me in a bush to rubbing me against the arena fence.

Yet, I saw her intelligence and knew she had more to give. I asked if I could ride her outside the arena, sensing that the confined space brought her frustration. That was the turning point. Together, we began exploring the world beyond the ring, and our bond grew stronger with every ride. At a time when I needed her most, she needed me to free her from rigid constraints. Our connection became so deep that I could almost feel her thoughts, as if we shared an unspoken understanding.

Princesa was a beautiful, intelligent, and truly special mare. The 15 years I had with her were not nearly enough. She’s now buried here, at her forever home, but her memory lives on in my heart. Until we meet again at the rainbow bridge, know that I love you, and I am forever grateful for all you taught me.

~May the horse be with you.