There are moments in time, where you realize just how
thankful you are for the chance to be there.
For me, one of those moments was the first Saturday of November, when I
was at my daughter’s horse show. While
my son was actually running at the State Cross Country championships (he
qualified as a Freshman!), I couldn’t be at both places, and my Saturday was
spent at Sundance Horse Farm.
Estelle has been riding horses, and Jack specifically, for 6
years now, and it is truly amazing to watch them work together. When she first started, she could literally
walk underneath him and barely duck. And
I had to work through a lifelong fear of horses, as well as learn about
horses. I had a LOT to learn.
In those early years, I can recall being at the office and
having a patient asking me “what kind of horse” Estelle had.
I answered, “A brown one.”
When I later told Estelle this story, she corrected me. “He’s not Brown. He’s Bay.
The color is Bay.”
As I said, I had a lot to learn.
Fast forward to last Saturday, and I am truly amazed at how
far she has come, and how much confidence and knowledge she has gained. A wise man once told me that, “there’s
something about a horse that is really good for a little girl” and he is
totally correct. I am in awe of Estelle
and Jack and last weekend took it to an entirely different level.
Estelle entered 5 classes.
She ended up winning Blue Ribbons in 3 of them, and a Red Ribbon in
another. And here’s a fun story about
that 2nd Place Ribbon:
That was the “Parent Lead” competition. In this class, a parent actually rides the
horse, and the student leads them around.
I was not aware of this entry, but gladly joined in and enjoyed my time
on Jack…right up until I was informed that I’d need to answer a question about
Jack. As the judge approached, my
shoulders slumped, but I smiled at Estelle, who was looking up at me eagerly.
The judge had been instructed to “keep the questions
relatively easy”, and when the judge looked up at me and ask her question…I
couldn’t help but smile.
“What color is your horse?”
I smiled and enthusiastically answered, “Bay!”
Later on, Estelle earned a 1st Place Blue Ribbon
in the “Medal Equitation over 2’6” Fences”, which was absolutely incredible
to watch. She had to memorize a ‘course’
through the arena, jumping over fences in a specific order. I am so thankful to have been there to
witness that. I’m so thankful I was
there!
Later that afternoon, Estelle said, “I’m really proud of
myself.”
Me too, Estelle.
Is there anything more a parent can ask for than that?
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