It's pouring down rain, very cold and we're waiting for it all to turn to snow. So what did Lily do? Same thing she does every day -- she rode. I wouldn't have ridden if I were in the ribbons with only one more phase of an event to go. Buddy didn't like it either -- he gets really ticked when rain gets in his ears. But he's learning who's boss.
You'd think she was training for the Olympics. (Maybe she is!)
Her 13th birthday is coming up. What does she want? Some painting and maintenance done on the truck and trailer, and re-joining Pony Club. Not one other thing.
She's spent the last four hours cleaning her tack and oiling it. (Which it needed after its soaking.)
I wanted her to be interested in riding. I wanted her to share my love for horses. I had no idea she would be this passionate, but I'm thrilled.
I know of other girls who have lost interest, even though they have horses and riding moms. I can't tell you why they lost interest, and I expect one day Lily will discover boys or something and things will change around here. (That's probably the way it should go -- but the longer she waits, the better). Maybe they were pushed too hard. One had a very difficult horse and got scared. Maybe riding just didn't appeal to them as much as other things. Sort of like it doesn't appeal to my husband.
I can tell you a few things we did right. The first was getting her a safe pony. She had a lot of fun, learned a lot and built her confidence up.
The second was regular riding lessons with good instructors. We've been lucky that she's had good feelings about all of her teachers (and she's had a lot for someone so young).
The third was that when bad things happened, her teachers were able to help her. One is really gifted at restoring confidence and she really turned things around for us a few months ago. I think this teacher's gift is that she has a really forceful personality, and when she says you can do something, you either believe her or are too intimidated not to try. Plus she keeps you busy and keeps you laughing. She's very unconventional so there's always an element of surprise.
The fourth may be that her best friend also loves horses, though she is new to them. I think that's all they talk about.
And the fifth -- we live out here where there's nothing else to do. We don't own any of those electronic games beyond what will run on a P.C. She's not allowed to use IM. And if you only walk outside to get something out of the car, Buddy will be there at the fence. Calling to you.
Who could resist that face?
I was pushed fairly hard as a child riding. I started showing at six on the quarter horse circuit and barrels. Was showing on the A circuit and in the McClays by 12.
I slept, ate and breathed horses till I was 18, when I was injured. Then the boys came...so maybe you have until 18?
Ooh, and when I was a kid, I was ALWAYS riding and jumping things out the car window....my favorite is golf courses!
Posted by: Beth | January 20, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Because you can't not ride! It's obviously in her soul. It is often the best part of my day when I'm riding.
I know my neighbours thought I was nuts when in the rain I'm riding my horse and leading the other for 20k hacks for eventing season, but I wouldn't have it any other way. That and now I'm only showjumping I don't have to do as much fitness work.
Posted by: Beckz | January 21, 2008 at 12:34 AM
My only answer is, Lily is the perfect kid! I mean, cleaning her tack! Outstanding! But give yourself some credit Anne, you make horses fun. She has a great role model in you and you have done all you could to instill enjoyment from your horses.
Posted by: photogchic | January 21, 2008 at 12:50 AM
Works for me. You've done a great job with the right combination of opportunities.
Posted by: Molly | January 21, 2008 at 09:37 AM