12/18/2025
I hate to say it, but this is truth. It would be hard. I have a filly I am asking 12k for. I HATE, the idea of selling her. But that money would help my family. Not all of us can afford to be sentimental. 10 mill would buy me a nice small ranch for my family, a truck that doesn't need a starter every 3 yrs, I wouldn't have to worry about getting new tires before it snows, or if we will have enough hay for the cows. My kids would each have a room of their own. I would have kitchen lights that don't blink all day and drive me bonkers. And even after all that I'd have 9 mil left. So while her statement is wonderful and I am so happy for her to be that well off. She has worked for it. It is not realistic for the majority, even if we wish it was.
It's seems a lot of people are impressed with Tricia Aldridge refusing to sell Adios Pantaloons for the offered price of 10 million. When asked why she didn't, she smiled and said, "He's my best friend."
And somehow in the wake of that answer, those words became the measuring stick for true horsemanship in the eyes of her fans.
Well, I'm here to explain how that statement splits off from the reality of a lot of blue collar horsemen.
Not to Tricia, you understand. I believe her to be a good business woman and horsewoman and God knows I admire her for her answer! That stud means the world to her, no doubt. They are an incredible team.
But we are not all so lucky to own a horse whose bridle sells for 7500 dollars. Who wins rounds at the NFR and packs gold swimming around in his own personal 'man purse', so to speak. Most of us are just out here in the horse world grinding away, trying to make good deals and nice horses and eating no-name KD for supper.
You know what I'd do with a 10 million dollar horse?
I'd sell him so quick it'd make your head spin. And most of the horsemen and women I know, who I admire greatly for their knowledge, experience and pure love of these equine athletes, would to! Simply because your everyday horse trainer/barrel trainer/slash team roper and c**t starter CAN NOT AFFORD TO OWN ONE THAT GOOD.
It's simple, it's common sense, and it should go without saying.
This horse business is not a land of fairy tale endings for the most part. It is a calling, but it is also a job that we trainers get up and go to everyday, 7 days a week. Most of us have mortgages or truck payments...or both. Often we are selling our good horse because we have to, and keeping the quirky one to compete on for ourselves.
I, like many others, wish I owned an Adios Pantaloons, but know this; if I did, I'd sell him for the first 10 million to come along, best friend or not! If that makes me a horrible horse mom, well at least I'd be a rich, horrible horse mom. (Which by the way, while I'm being truthful, I will confess to despising the term 'horse mom.' 🤷)
Sorry, not sorry.
Have a good day folks. 😊
