The Cooper

Oversized Measuring 34”x42”

(Raspberry Base,White,Black, Grapejuice,Fuchsia,Bright Orchid,Hot Pink,Bright Coral,Peach)

Meet Cooper

Emily, from Pinnacle, NC, shares a special bond with her horse, Cooper. They’ve been together for four years, and their story is one of resilience and rediscovery.

In 2018, Emily lost her mom to breast cancer. At 19, she felt lost, and then her beloved horse Ned passed away. Trying to build a life outside the barn, she moved in with her fiancé but couldn’t stay away from horses. Her trainer encouraged her to keep riding, though the absence of Ned was always felt.

Eventually, with support, Emily took a chance on Cooper. Known for being hot-headed and anxious, Cooper was challenging. Emily struggled to bond with him and wanted to sell him, but her trainer urged her to trust the process.

Two years later, on the brink of giving up, Emily had a breakthrough. She allowed herself to grieve Ned and open her heart to Cooper. After an emotional ride, she apologized to Cooper, who laid his head in her lap, mirroring Ned’s gesture on his last day. This marked a turning point in their relationship.

The next show brought success, and Emily began to appreciate Cooper for who he was. He became her heart horse, rekindling her love for the reining world. Now, they share a deep bond, riding bareback, bridleless, and trying new things together. Cooper’s whinny when he hears Emily's voice is a testament to their connection. Last year, they achieved two top 5 year-end awards and graduated out of NRHA Green.

Emily believes her story with Cooper should be shared to inspire others. It’s a tale of love and triumph after loss, showing that pain doesn't last forever. Cooper has brought more light into Emily’s life than she ever imagined, reminding her why she fell in love with horses.