If you read the comment by Farmrust on the blog Pony dreams, Sharon is right. Simple words written 7 years ago by Eliza, our youngest daughter, changed our lives. But without Jen, Sharon's then 16 year old daughter, none of this would have happened either.

Many of you reading this probably know the story. And for those who don't, here's a real short version...It was Jen who won Adelantado in the Horse of the America's Registry raffle drawing. She gifted him to Eliza after learning about a little girl in Vermont who donated her birthday money to the HOA registry. Jen was determined that Eliza would win the colt somehow. She even sold raffle tickets to her friends at school in Eliza's name. Back in Vermont, we knew nothing about this. We didn't know much about Colonial Spanish horses at that time, nor did we know \ the Jackson family from Missouri. Or how our lives were about to change.

So now, fast forward 7 years and not only is Adelantado with us, but a whole diverse group which total 15 Colonial Spanish horses. The Center has been established, we've travelled thousands of miles promoting the breed, and on and on and on. visit our website to see the on and on and on!!!

We had the opportunity to meet the Jackson family at their home in 2008, on our way out to New Mexico. It was a reunion of sorts, as we had continued to correspond with Jen and her family after Adelantado arrived in Vermont.
The story still gives me goosebumps when I share it. And yes, sometimes my eyes still well up with tears. There is a whole other element to the story on the night Sharon called us, but I'll save that for another time.

Eliza is 14 now, her pony will be nine years old April 22. Jen is probably 23. And I feel like the last 7 years has been a whirlwind. On those days when I'm overwhelmed with the horses and all that is infront of us, I look at Adelantado and jokingly tell him this is all his fault! He smiles back at me and continues to eat his hay!