Sydney

“They have shaped me, molded me, and made me a better version of myself that I don’t think I would have ever become had it not been for them.”

“I have been blessed with amazing horses who have taught me many life lessons. Things like responsibility, commitment, critical thinking, and positive communication. They have taught me that perseverance is key if you want to get anywhere in life. There are those horses who have made me work harder and harder to get a lead change or counter canter. They gave me the determination and perseverance to get it done and prove myself in my riding ability. Horses have taught me that patience is something you need to apply to your entire life, not just one specific thing. There will always be that horse to teach you to wait with your body and wait for the perfect distance otherwise they will chip. Like I said, patience. But most importantly, horses have taught me that it is okay to fail and that it is okay to change your path. They have taught me that I don’t have to win to be great. I need to work hard and have a positive attitude. I need to fix my mistakes and learn from them if I want to get better. I don’t have to win a ribbon to know that I had a good ride. I am forever grateful to not only my horse but also all the other horses I surrounded myself with since the age of 7. They have shaped me, molded me, and made me a better version of myself that I don’t think I would have ever become had it not been for them. I know that every time I set foot in that barn aisle, I am at home. Those horses, whether they are just horses I work or my very own, teach me valuable life lessons and are there for me when I need them most. Yes, these animals have taught me but they also saved me. I never thought I would become ‘great’ or ‘do great things’ with my life. However, when I got on for my very first horseback-riding lesson, I knew that these animals would allow me the opportunity to do those great things. They allowed me to become a role model for the up-and-coming riders and lesson kids that cross my path. They showed me a reason to get a college degree. Most importantly, they showed me a life worth living. I don’t need all the money in the world; I don’t need anything fancy in my life. As long as I have a horse I will be happy. I am forever blessed by these four-legged creatures and no matter where I go in life; I know that if I have a horse, I will be just fine.” —Sydney