Moana Echo—what a special horse, and what a story to have him return to the farm where he was born!
I wasn’t looking for another stallion. I had just shown Flower of Alliance at Grand Prix and was still riding the excitement of that experience when Lori Shoemake, the trainer at Spring Hollow Morgans, reached out. Echo came into the conversation, and as it happened, I had a place for him. Before long, he was on his way home to Montana.
Five months later, I lost Alliance in a traumatic experience. Echo became a mainstay in my life during a time I never could have anticipated. His homecoming took on a meaning far beyond what I imagined when I welcomed him back.
That brings me to his new barn name: Choate.
Jeff Choate was the head coach of the Montana State football team, and every time I heard him speak, I wanted to put on football pads, line up, and take hits for his team! He was so inspiring that I would sit on the edge of my seat, waiting to hear what he had to say next.
Now Moana Echo is “Choate” around the barn, and once again, I’m sitting on the edge of my seat—this time waiting to see what he does next in our program.
From being born here to finding his way home, Echo’s story is still unfolding. What an amazing experience I get to be part of!