I've always been, and probably always will be, the horse girl. I was five years old when I started taking riding lesson, and most people grow out of it by the time they graduate high school, but luckily I'm not one of those people (sorry mom and dad). I credit horses for everything. For making me who I am, for teaching me what I know, for helping me grow up, for everything. You see, the best lessons I've ever had aren't the ones where I spent an hour being yelled at for being hard headed, but the ones where I've been able to take away something much bigger than remembering to sit up straight and how to hold my hands.
I've always been fortunate to have the best coaching. I was started correctly, brought up the levels correctly, and now am having the start of my upper-level career guided correctly. I owe my coaches many thank yous, but here are just a few:
1. Thanks for keeping me grounded
Like most kids, when I had a few shows in a row go well I started to get cocky. My coaches have always been the first to remind me that I am indeed human and at some point will screw up. I thank them for this because it runs into life outside the barn. They taught me that yes, things could be going great, but when they aren't, that's perfectly okay. Staying humble is key in any situation.
2. Thanks for teaching me compassion
Not only is being compassionate important in taking care of horses, but also in taking care of people. Growing up, I've constantly been reminded that I need to put my horse first and listen to what they're trying to tell me. This applies to people too. I've learned from this that it's important to see the good in people and listen to their story because here is always more going on than you are initially led to believe.
3. Thanks for being my support
I've had horrible days with horses. There have been days with hurt horses, I've been hospitalized by horses, eliminated at shows, fallen off, the list goes on, but my coaches have always patted me on the back and reminded me that I would live to see another day. Every time one of them did this they made me a stronger person.
There are so many others I need to say, but the most important one is thank you for putting up with me. I can be difficult, sassy, hard headed, and a pain, but you see through it all to make sure I become the best rider I can be.
