Hey kid, before we start this horseback riding lesson from the horse's point of view, you should know you'll be learning more than just how to ride a pony. So saddle up because I got news for you, hay is not just for horses.
1. Be Stubborn
You can try all you want to get me to walk through that puddle, I promise you, I won't do it! That's the thing about ponies, we're a stubborn bunch. I hope you learn that it's okay to be stubborn too, to be uncompromising when you're really passionate about something.
2. Good Things Come in Small Packages
Look at me! I'm one of the shortest ponies in the pasture, but that doesn't mean I'm not as good as the other ponies. Just remember the story about the little pony that could! I hope you learn it's not your size that matters, rather who you are as a person.
3. Winning Isn't Everything
Listen, kid, we're gonna go to a lot of horse shows, and we won't win them all. We'll train our hardest so we can do our best. And win or lose, I'll be proud of us because we tried our hardest! I hope you learn that bringing home a ribbon doesn't mean anything if you didn't work for it.
4. Face Your Fears
I know horse back riding can be scary, but you'll never accomplish anything if you're afraid of a little pony like me! The world is a lot scarier than me, but I know you'll kick its butt! Even ponies, like me, get scared too sometimes!
5. When you fall down, always get back up
No matter how hard you try, I'll keep throwing you off. We ponies know how hard it is for you to stay in that saddle! Life's like that too kid, it'll knock you down, but you gotta get back up. Remember if a pony throws you off, you gotta get right back on!
6. Real Love
Nothing can break our bond as pony and rider, kid. You're my person, my kid, and I'll always put you first. I know when you're having a bad day and you know when I'm not feeling 100%. I hope you learn to look for friendships and other relationships like this throughout your life.
Well kid, I taught you all I know about ponies and life. I'm sorry I have to leave you for the pastures now, but you're ready to take on the world without me. I hope your life is full of green grass and fresh apples.
These are the very real life lessons my pony, Cherry, taught me. She is resting comfortably now in greener pastures with all the apples and carrots she can eat.
