Well, it’s been awhile since I’ve chatted with everyone after the Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover (SEMM) in Fort Worth.  What a rush!  After returning from that event we had a lot of things to do to play “catch-up” back home as you might imagine after having been gone for nearly 10 days. 

The event was fantastic and we had so much fun participating in it.  Both Viggo and Sparrow performed extremely well and Lauren and I were both very proud of them throughout the weekend.  A little too much “cow-work” in this competition kept us out of the finals but we are extremely satisfied knowing how well trained these horses are after only 5 months in training and how thrilled their owners are with their progress.

Sparrow is now in Pittsburgh with her owners helping out in their lesson program and Viggo is back at NLH getting some well deserved R&R intermixed with some trail riding.  He will be continuing his training here for awhile. What a ride it’s been and in the end, two families are fulfilling dreams because of two very special mustangs that have entered their lives.

Viggo continues to be a blessing in my life too as I am continuing to train him for Leslie.  The other day my daughter and I went on a trial ride together and I took Viggo.  On the ride, it occurred to me how important horses are in my life-and in Brooke’s life as well.  We share a very special mother-daughter bond, not unlike other horse enthusiasts may have, but one that continues to grow as she gets older.

Now in middle school, so many things are entering her life and we are starting down a new road where time becomes a commodity not only for me, but now for her as well.  More and more she is being pulled in different directions with the many school related activities that are being added to her schedule in addition to her already busy horse activities.  Riding together for us is a chance to reconnect and get away from everything else that impacts our routine.

Alone on the trail we have great conversations, and quiet time too.  It is a time to appreciate all of the God-given beauty around us and to come back to a “place” where each of us can just relax in the moment.  And, for me, I appreciate her growth as an excellent “hand” in horsemanship.  When I see her galloping off full blast in a wide open field and then touch upon the reins to communicate an excellent comeback transition, I realize that she is truly a natural talent.  That makes me proud for sure, but it also makes me realize that she is capable:  capable of handling horses and so much more that she will encounter in the days, weeks, and years to come.

Having gone through life as she is going through it now, I know she will have struggles, she will have conflicts (and some will be with me).  But she will always have her horse too and that is a relief to know.  For there she will find solace; she will find relief from stress and discover ways to come through the challenges she will face.  On the back of a horse, she will always rediscover herself time and time again.  And, for that…I am grateful to the horse.