Tomorrow is my dad's birthday, and I wanted to do more than just write him a card. A few months ago, my dad sold his horse that had been living on our property and hung up his cowboy boots. Since then, I have gotten Chyloh, a horse of my own. Instead of merely writing a thank-you note for all he has taught me about horseback riding, I want to write a story for him. I'm sharing it here on my blog so I can keep it forever. on my blog so I can have forever.

The story of Karen and Chyloh

There once was a beautiful paint horse named Chyloh. A horse that needed a good home. Karen knew that a friend was needed for her daughter's horse, Harley, and Chyloh seemed like a great fit. It hadn’t been since Karen was a teenager that she had a horse of her own.

It all began many years ago with Karen’s dad, Chris. He introduced her to horses when she was just six years old. Chris is one of the kindest and most patient man, always encouraging, and full of joy whenever he is around horses. He is also incredibly brave and has had so much fun with horses. Whether he was riding English, team penning, or even playing polo, he did it all with a fearless spirit and a genuine love for the ride. As a girl, Karen was not like this. She really only felt safe when riding with him, his quiet confidence steadying her fears. But even then, she never truly felt brave enough to ride on her own.

Many years later, when Chyloh came into her life, Karen had no idea just how much this horse would teach her. Chyloh was spirited, unsure, and a little guarded, and Karen was a bit unsure of Chyloh being hers. But day by day, Chyloh began to trust her, and Karen, in turn, began to trust herself. She was learning to slow down, to listen, and to show up—not with control, but with presence.

Every time Karen saddled up Chyloh, she could hear her dad’s voice in the back of her mind: “Be patient.” And in those quiet moments with Chyloh, she was learning just that—how to be still, how to lead with calm, and how to be brave, just like her dad always had.

Now, as Karen spends her days learning to ride—truly ride—on Chyloh, slowly but surely. Each step forward is a lesson in patience, courage, and connection. She’s learning not just how to ride a horse, but how to trust herself and be brave. Just like her dad had taught her to swim in open waters when they were training for a triathlon. She smiles when she thinks back to him telling her she was slaying her dragon as she started to panic in the ocean—how he was right there to comfort her and keep her going. Karen is grateful. Grateful she can take lessons on Chyloh, for the journey they’re on together, and what she has learned from her dad. His steady guidance and gentle strength built the foundation she’s standing on today.

And in those quiet moments, Karen thanks God for her dad—for the love he’s given, the lessons he’s taught, and the lifelong gift of knowing what it means to live with patience, courage, and to try new things. Or has he always says” Look sharp, feel sharp, be sharp.”