Breakthrough

It's really fun where there is a camper who makes major accomplishments or shall I use the pun and say huge strides in their riding. We all celebrate! I like to brag when they have a breakthrough because it feels wonderful to watch them smile as they ride, thoroughly enjoying their progress.

This is Lia. She's been a camper at Sprucelands for three years. She has helped off and on as a clinic helper. Her progress was steady until she hit a plateau and also dealt with a stressful school year. Nothing like a stressful school year to take the zip out of your zap.

Before camp I talked with Lia. I wanted her to find a way to put fun back in her riding. She needed a break from that stress, and she needed to feel satisfaction in her connection with horses. Somehow riding had become work - like schoolwork - and that stiffens a rider.

The horse isn't happy with a rider who is stiff. Everything becomes mechanical. Going through the motions just doesn't cut it with horses. They love the rapport, sensitivity and praise that comes from a happy, satisfied rider.

Well, I admire Lia. She kept at it. She did not give up, and she grew taller. Amazing what longer legs will do for a rider.

Lia rode Boomer for the first time yesterday and the smile on her face was something out of a movie, I'm sure. She rode like a queen and Boomer gave her a ride to match. He did everything she asked, and I think he smiled too.

To manage Boomer one needs to know what they are doing. All the way around this was a compliment to Lia's riding abilities and horsemanship. The instructors wanted to see how she would handle Boomer. Handle him she did...with expertise. Together they walked, trotted, cantered, even jumped, and Lia smiled from ear to ear.

Mom and dad, you can be proud. Lia is growing up. She connected with hard life lessons this past school year, but Lia is discovering how to please Lia and that is a lesson for happiness and success.