This year at the barn has been a busy one, and a learning experience! The first Friday of December 2017 we were fortunate to host our Third Annual Rider’s Banquet at Camp Cherokee. One of our riders agreed to write and share a story of one of her experiences with horses. I hope that by sharing this story, everyone that reads it will realize the importance of “perseverance!” The following was written and shared by Abbie Bailes:
My name is Abbie Bailes. I am a rider at Crooked Creek Farm and photographer for the Pony Perfect 4-H Club. I also have three horses and a donkey. My experiences as both a rider and horse owner have taught me perseverance.
One example of when I’ve needed to persevere has been during my time training Trixie, my miniature pony. In the beginning, Trixie was really mean and sassy. She wanted nothing to do with me or anyone else!
I never thought I could ever ride her because every time I would put my foot in the stirrup she would buck until I would either get off or fall off. Then, me, some of my friends, and some of my family started to work with her every day. We practiced putting the saddle on her, leading her around, and worked with her on standing still beside the mounting block. When Trixie showed progress I decided to get on her. Once I was on her, she didn’t buck or even try to bite the person leading her. So, I kept working with her and now she is a pony you can walk, trot, canter, and even jump. She has turned out to be such a good pony, because we worked with her every day and didn’t give up. Trixie is a great example of how perseverance pays off.
As a rider, I have also had to persevere many other situations. I have been in horse shows where the horse I was riding was acting up or I was having a bad day as a rider. But I stuck with it and the day turned around and offered some positive experiences. If I had decided to give up and quit after the horse shows that were a struggle, then I never would have experienced the successful shows that followed. There have also been many tough riding lessons when both Bonnie and myself were learning something new. These lessons were extra hard if Bonnie was being sassy that day. However, it was such a great feeling when we, together, mastered what was being taught!
And, lastly, as any rider knows, riding, literally, has its ups and downs. I have had my share of downs. I have fallen off multiple times, but was always encouraged to get back on. I am so glad I have persevered and got back on. It has certainly helped to make me a better rider and to continue in a sport I love.
I am thankful for the lessons I have learned as I am sure I will need and use perseverance my entire life.