I am really not sure how I feel about the concept of Fate or sayings like "everything happens for a reason."  The thought that I have no control over my own destiny is a bit disconcerting.  But I have to admit that sometimes, when I look back at past events from my present outlook, I have to admit that it really does seem like things - in particular apparently negative things - happen for a reason!

the best solid filly ever

Ava - 1 month old

Ava was one of those things.  Strong, big and powerful, she is still easily the best baby I have ever had.  She had the type of universal athleticism that even non-horse people could see.  She had a breathtaking face that made simple foal photos into artwork.  She had an uphill topline, even as a weanling, that made it easy for her to lift her shoulder and drive deep with her hind leg, resulting in a gloriously perfect stride.  What she did not have was spots.  My carefully crafted cross of my beloved Parlay with Kharma's only full brother Rio had given me exactly what I thought I would get in every way save one.  Without spots, Ava would not be eligible for the longe line and in hand trail classes all year at the APHA shows, which was my number one goal.

So Ava had to be sold.  What happened next far overcame her lack of spots.  She was purchased by the best family possible...one that loved her just as she was and had no interest in the amount of white she had...a family that thinks they are lucky to have her and praise her beauty, brains, trainability, and athletic ability everyday.

And then this family became my family too.  Bound not only by our mutual love for and ownership of Parlay's family (Ava-now called Chessie, Kadence and Kasino), we have also forged a strong friendship based on mutual interests and similar backgrounds.  They treat Kasino and Kadence just as they treat Ava.  We are all constantly updating each other on our babies' statuses and most current learning.  It's never a competition, but a genuine mutual love and desire to see the whole family do well and please each other.

With spots and a bit of good luck, I am sure that Ava and I would have been successful in APHA competition, perhaps even winning a big prize or doing other things that would have led to a big time show career for her.  I may have been tickled to death with our success, completely ignorant and clueless of the people living just 80 miles north with whom I had so much in common.  It is truly hard to say what may or may not have happened, except that I am fairly sure there would have been no reason for these folks to come into my life if Ava had had just two inches of white somewhere.

and now I have it all

Kasino is Ava's full brother.  I am hoping he can help me with some of those goals I have been waiting on.  Even though I have had to wait an extra long time, it was worth it.  I now have it all...one perfect, spotted colt and two solid friendships.

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