Sally is a busy, fun-loving type of mom. She is a restless traveler; constantly seeking new and exciting experiences for her and her family. I met Sally and her two beautiful girls at the barn in February 2021. Regardless of the pandemic shutting everyone’s hopes down, they were determined to start horseback riding lessons. I knew it right then that they are a unique family. So, I asked Sally to share her story of hope, perseverance, and fun.
This family is always up for an adventure. When we began our covid-induced homeschool journey in the Spring of 2020, I was devoted to the idea that we would fill our days not only reading about explorers, the cosmos, and exciting animals tucked deep in exotic locations, but that we would also venture out in the middle of the workweek to embark on our own path of discovery. I had-and have-no idea for how long my kids would be interested in spending their days learning from their kooky, disorganized mom, so I was determined to make the most of the time we had.
In addition to buying a second-hand electric piano and sturdy hiking boots, my daughters declared that they absolutely needed to learn everything one could know about one of nature’s most magnificent creatures, the horse. I knew this would come one day. They enjoyed a few casual pony-camps a few summers back, but we just didn’t have time for more. Since the girls are very involved in the year-round swim team in our area, our old-normal of full-time school & full-time swimming schedule didn’t allow for any additional activities. Once our days opened up, I knew it wouldn’t be long.
Our family breeds and races trotters on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. While we haven’t been as involved as we would like thanks to the rising cost of international flights, we did have a chance to stand right on the rail and watch one of our horses take the title as the German Trotter Derby Champion, by a nose, in a very exciting race in 2019. The girls were hooked.
I had been giving the “Yes, I will find the right barn for us around here” time-buying response when they asked about riding lessons for quite some time. Honestly, I just felt overwhelmed by the options. This is horse country, after all!Then we found Nova Barn Mom! Based on her suggestion, I made an appointment with a local barn. It was love at first visit.
We are so grateful for this special time each week. Something magical happens when the girls arrive at the barn. Somehow, the types of chores that would elicit groans and procrastination at home, are exciting at a horse barn. Growing into a “Barn Girl” combines everything we want for our children: confidence, balance, empathy, discipline, focus, play, work, and reward. As they become more confident in the saddle, they become more confident in the pool, around town, and with friends. Heck, if they can manage to convince a pony mare to trot when she would really rather graze in the paddock, they can encourage anyone to do anything!
Learning to ride is so wonderful because a horse gives immediate feedback to a student. Hands not forward? A trot becomes a walk. Is your riding position correct? Then enjoy the thrill of a great ride. How often do we get to experience this type of connection with another creature?
The girls can’t get enough. I am just glad to be along for the ride.
