Bridlewood Crossings

09/01/2026

Oh, Harvey.

Look at that face.

This horse is absolutely ridiculous.

He is funny. He has opinions about nearly everything. He is always ready to have a good time; and somehow, he seems to know when everyone around him could use one too.

But underneath all that personality is the sweetest thing about Harvey: He loves well.

He loves his people. He loves attention. He loves being part of whatever is happening at the barn. And he has this way of looking at you with those big, beautiful eyes that makes you wonder if he can see straight into your soul.

Maybe he can.

Harvey has lived a big life, and these days, this Georgia Peach is living his best life right here in Indiana.

Teaching kids. Making friends. Getting into things. Making us laugh.

And being ridiculously, completely, deeply loved.

Everybody needs a Harvey.

08/21/2026

A special thank you to Valerie Helms-Mejia for inviting me to speak at Rotary this morning and giving me the opportunity to share the story of Bridlewood Crossings.

I loved sharing this image of Harvey because, in so many ways, it captures the heart of what we are building.

The former house: What Harvey accomplished.
A World Champion. Ribbons. Awards. A remarkable show career.

The latter house: What Harvey gives.
Confidence. Courage. Connection. A safe place for a child to try something new and discover what is possible.

There was a time when Harvey’s value could have been measured by what he won. Today, I believe some of his greatest work is happening quietly—one child, one lesson, and one experience at a time.

And a very special thank you to Barbara Osborne for entrusting Harvey to me and allowing me the privilege of stewarding his latter days. What an extraordinary gift it is to watch this accomplished horse find a new purpose by giving confidence, courage, and hope to others.

And thank you to everyone at Rotary for the warm welcome, thoughtful conversation, and encouragement. I left grateful; and excited about the connections and possibilities ahead.

07/29/2026

Yesterday, one of our youngest riders (a quiet three-year-old who usually lets his older brother take the lead) climbed aboard Harvey. As we walked around the arena, his mom and I could hear him talking. When we asked what he was doing, he simply smiled and said,

*"I'm singing."*

For the next several strides, I listened to that sweet little voice laugh and sing while Harvey quietly carried him around the arena.

And suddenly I heard my dear friend LuLu's words in my heart.

When Harvey arrived in Indiana, she shared Haggai 2:9 with me:
*"The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house."*

LuLu believed Harvey's later years would be every bit as meaningful as his younger years.

This is the same Harvey who earned the titles of **AQHA Champion** and **two-time PHBA Golden Horse**. His show career was extraordinary.

But yesterday, watching him patiently carry a little boy whose confidence grew with every step, I realized LuLu was right.

His greatest purpose may not be found in championship arenas.

It may be found in quiet circles, little songs, and the confidence of a child discovering joy from the back of a faithful old horse.

Because of the incredible generosity of Barbara Osbourne, Harvey was given another chapter. And because LuLu believed in both Harvey and in me, that chapter became part of Bridlewood Crossings.

One horse. Loved by faithful people through different seasons of life. Still changing lives.

LuLu and Barbara, thank you for giving me hope. I promise Harvey's story isn't over.

07/25/2026

There is something beautiful about watching the love of horses be passed from one generation to the next.

This photo captures more than a riding lesson. It captures a young rider who has been with me for more than two years, now helping a three-year-old boy discover horses. She referred his family to Bridlewood Crossings through his grandparents from church, and now she is helping create the same kind of memories that shaped her own journey.

I don't remember a time when horses weren't part of my life. My dad had me on a horse before I was two years old. Those moments became the foundation of who I am, teaching me courage, responsibility, wonder, and a love that has never left.

That's why Bridlewood Crossings matters so deeply to me. It's about more than riding. It's about passing something timeless from one generation to the next.

To me, horses are eternal. They have a way of reaching our souls, reminding us to slow down, trust, and simply be present. Every child who meets a horse has the opportunity to begin a story that may stay with them for the rest of their life.

Who first introduced you to the thing that still makes your heart come alive today?

07/11/2026

This week, a family found Bridlewood Crossings through our website because they wanted their two-year-old daughter to meet a horse.

They weren't looking for riding lessons. They simply wanted her to experience the wonder of horses.

I watched her pet a gentle horse, lead our sweet donkey, and take her very first ride. My horses seemed to know they were carrying precious cargo, responding with a gentleness that was simply beautiful.

It took me back to when my own dad placed me on a Palomino horse at two years old. That moment shaped a lifetime.

In a world that moves so fast, I wonder if what we need most is a little more wonder.

When was the last time you slowed down long enough to wonder?

May Bridlewood Crossings always be a place where children discover wonder, families reconnect with what matters most, horses are honored for the gifts they give, and every person who walks through the barn feeling welcome.

05/02/2026

Thanks to the YEDA - Youth Equestrian Development Association, Inc and recognition from the American Quarter Horse Association, more riders are stepping into the arena; without owning a horse.

At Bridlewood Crossings, we’re building that path every day.
And we’re growing.

If you’ve been thinking about getting started . . .this is your sign. 🤍
Come ride with us.

From the Youth Equestrian Development Association.

04/27/2026

Grateful for the people and places that support the work of Bridlewood Crossings.

March 15 marked our one-year anniversary at Melonie Furnish farm, Bridlewood Crossings has more than tripled in lesson participation, and launched a YEDA - Youth Equestrian Development Association, Inc team with a rider qualifying for Nationals in Lexington Virginia.

Thank you, Melonie, for the opportunity to build and serve during this time, and for your help in caring for Harvey. I’m especially thankful for the way this experience has strengthened my commitment to community, perseverance, and tranquility for both horses and the people we serve.

Bridlewood Crossings continues to grow as a place where individuals and families can experience confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging through the horse.

04/21/2026

Julia is headed to Nationals.

Out of 132 riders across the nation in the Pearl division, Julia earned her spot at the YEDA - Youth Equestrian Development Association, Inc National Championship, held June 4–7 at the Virginia Horse Center.

But this isn’t just about qualifying.

It’s about the early mornings.
The cold rides.
The moments of doubt she worked through anyway.

Through the State Invitational, Julia didn’t just earn a spot; she built confidence, courage, and the ability to stay steady when it matters most.

At Nationals, riders compete in a catch-riding format—drawing unfamiliar horses and adapting in the moment. It’s one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences in youth equestrian sport.

Julia rides on the Bridlewood Crossings YEDA Team and also trains with Tye Carson and John Carson at Carson Training Center: continuing to build her foundation in horsemanship through both programs.

What makes this even more special is the connection behind the scenes.

Years ago, Tye’s father, Larry Pruitt trained horses owned by Stephanie Huffman-Wilson. Today, that relationship has come full circle; now centered on helping Julia grow, learn, and step into opportunities like Nationals.

It takes a team to build a rider and Julia’s journey reflects the kind of partnership, consistency, and belief that shape something lasting.

03/17/2026

This ribbon tells a much bigger story…

Hours of work.
Cold mornings.
Showing up anyway, when no one else was watching.

It was earned during quiet rides
focused on balance and body position.

It was earned by listening carefully
to feedback from previous shows
and trying again.

It was earned by learning how to steady nerve
and trust the work that had been done.

And yes…

it was earned on those winter mornings
when it was barely 30 degrees
and the arena felt more like a freezer than a classroom.

When that blue ribbon was handed to her,
it wasn’t just a win . . .

it was the moment all that quiet work
came together.

And then there was this moment.

A rider sitting tall in the saddle,
smiling ear to ear,
holding a sign that simply says:

“I Am Courageous.”

Showing horses teaches lessons
that reach far beyond the arena.

Focus.
Perseverance.
Confidence.

Learning how to prepare your mind
and body
to do something hard.

The ribbons are never really the goal.

But every once in a while
a blue ribbon comes along
that reminds you just how much growth
has happened along the way.

And this one felt really special.

Moments like this are why the barn is such a powerful place to learn and grow: where perseverance, confidence, and partnership with the horse come together.

What is something you worked hard for that made the result feel extra special?

03/02/2026

He didn’t ride today. He just groomed.

After brushing his horse, he leaned in, closed his eyes, and smiled like he had found something steady and good.

That’s the part people don’t always see.

Horsemanship builds responsibility, patience, emotional steadiness, and confidence, long before a child ever picks up the reins.

For many homeschool families, the barn becomes more than an activity.

It becomes part of the learning rhythm.

Part of the growth.

Part of the community.

And sometimes… part of the healing.

If you’re creating a hands-on, character-shaping education for your child, there may be room for a horse in the story