From Wild to Willing: The Story of Sophie and Bubs

Gillette, Wyoming

Sophie and Bubs riding in a park in Gillette, WY (in the middle of winter !)

In the heart of Gillette, Wyoming, amidst the rustic charm and the whispering winds, a story unfolded that spoke volumes about patience, understanding, and the incredible bond between a girl and her horse. This is the story of Sophie, a spirited teenager with a passion for horses, and Bubs, a 15-year-old Quarter Horse gelding with a tumultuous past.

Bubs wasn't your average horse. A chocolate palomino with dapples, he stood at 15.3 hands, a majestic creature with no papers to his name. His history was marred by aggression and mistrust, injuring multiple people in the past through biting, kicking, and dragging. He was a horse that no one dared to ride or even approach for groundwork. His behavior had become so unpredictable that taking him out of his stall was considered a risk.

Below images represent what Bubs thought of the idea of connecting with Sophie at the beginning of their journey..

Sophie, then just 13, had recently moved to Stagecoach Stables facility with her first horse, a Quarter Horse mare. It was then that she met Bubs. Despite his reputation, Sophie saw something in Bubs that others didn't. She approached his owner with a proposal to help, driven by a mix of empathy for the horse and a belief in her abilities. Her journey with Bubs began with cleaning his stall and slowly earning his trust through daily interactions.

The initial steps were small but significant. Sophie reintroduced Bubs to the halter and began leading him inside the run, teaching him to stand tied outside with hay. March marked their first venture into the arena, a space Bubs hadn't seen in years, with Sophie and another helper guiding him with lead ropes. This was a new beginning for Bubs, who was overwhelmed by the freedom of a larger space.

Sophie's patience and dedication slowly started to turn the tide. She worked tirelessly on groundwork, focusing on building trust and establishing a bond. The day came when she decided to put a saddle on Bubs. It was a testament to their progress, albeit a small step, it was a leap in trust. Bubs, once considered dangerous and unpredictable, was starting to show signs of understanding and willingness.

Sophie's efforts weren't without challenges. Bubs displayed a stubborn streak, particularly when asked to leave the gate or during attempts at a low-brow canter, resulting in crow hopping and bucking. Yet, these hurdles didn't deter Sophie. She saw beyond Bubs' aggressive exterior to the intelligent, capable horse within, desperate for a job and someone to trust.

Their breakthrough came almost a year later. Sophie had been working with Bubs consistently, transitioning from groundwork to riding with a Western saddle. It was a journey of small victories and setbacks, but ultimately, it led to them achieving a walk, trot, and canter without the temper tantrums that once defined Bubs' behavior.

Sophie introduced Bubs to jumping, a discipline far removed from his initial training. The first jump over cross rails was clumsy, but it opened a new chapter for Bubs. He was willing, and with time, he started to understand what was asked of him. This marked the beginning of a new phase, where Bubs not only accepted his new role but thrived in it.

The transformation wasn't just physical. Sophie and Bubs developed a deep bond, a trust that became evident in every step they took together. This connection was the foundation of their success, allowing them to venture into new experiences with confidence. Sophie's patience, understanding, and unwavering belief in Bubs' potential had turned a once-dangerous horse into a willing partner.

Sophie's path with Bubs was not without its uncertainties. The future of their partnership was always in question, given Bubs' ownership and their arrangement as merely a care/training lease. However, Sophie's dedication to Bubs went beyond the confines of their initial agreement. She delved into the realm of jumping, discovering Bubs' hidden talent and joy in the sport. Their connection deepened with each hurdle overcome, solidifying a bond that was both profound and transformative.

The turning point in their story came unexpectedly when Sophie received a photo from her mom, showing paperwork that officially made Bubs hers. This gesture from Bubs' owner was a recognition of Sophie's hard work and the incredible transformation she had achieved with Bubs. It was a moment of validation and joy for Sophie, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their journey together.

Sophie is the epitome of a hardworking and self-sufficient young equestrian. She owns her truck and trailer and has been independently traveling and training her horse since she got her first permit. Unlike many teenagers her age, Sophie does not expect things to be handed to her. She embraces the full spectrum of horse care, understanding that true horsemanship extends beyond riding to include knowledge of and connection with the horse. In the sometimes harsh winters, Sophie's dedication to doing all the barn work herself is a testament to her commitment and resilience. It is an unusual sight in today's world, where the essence of horsemanship is often overshadowed by expectations of convenience and ease.

Under the guidance of Aleksandra Lenczewski, owner of Horse Play LLC, Sophie and Bubs have been in consistent training, preparing for the show season in jumping classes in 2024. Their story is a powerful testament to the impact of hard work, patience, and understanding. Sophie and Bubs' journey from a tumultuous beginning to a partnership defined by trust and achievement serves as an inspiration. It highlights the importance of not just riding but also horse care knowledge and the deep connection that forms the foundation of true horsemanship.

Sophie's journey with Bubs is a powerful reminder of the impact of empathy, patience, and perseverance. It's a story that speaks to the heart of every equestrian, highlighting the transformative power of trust and understanding. As Sophie and Bubs continue to explore new horizons, their story remains a testament to the incredible bond that can form between a girl and her horse, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and understanding.