I had heard the rumblings but ignored them. I watched the changes and refused to see them. I didn't want to push. I wanted her to make her own choices and I'm ecstatic with what she's decided. I think I might pop with pride.
My daughter is ready for competition riding. She will have her first show in October.
HOORAY! YES! AWESOME! THAT'S MY BABY GIRL!
I can't wait. We've got a "practice" in a couple of weeks. Oh LORD I have so much to get ready: her new jodhpurs, a dress helmet, coat, a new crop. Maybe I'll lend her mine. Oh wait...better not. BOOTS we need boots!
I wish I could type this fast enough so you could feel my joy, my excitement, my terror.
Oh I want her to win. I want her to be safe. I want her to have as much fun doing it as I am watching. I want to show you all how beautiful she is on that horse.
When she began, she was riding Western. She changed to English shortly after lessons began. I can honestly say, she was built for it. When she sits atop Zoe, she simply transforms. She is straight as an arrow, tall and proud. Her two point stance is graceful. She melts right into the horse. Her posting is clipped and clean. Zoe, although a little stubborn on bad days, has come to respect Maddie. They are quite a team. It makes me well up just to write about it. I am amazed at how she's changed. She is so at home in the barn. She'd be there every minute if she could. When she washes the horses down, she reminds me of Dr. Doolittle. She talks to them, calms them and grooms them lovingly; her friends.
My heart is already pounding. I've begun to dream about it. I just know I'll forget the camera or be so choked up I won't be able to take a single shot. Her instructor had mentioned it a couple of months ago and then as luck would have it, Maddie was bucked. I thought she'd quit or worse, be afraid. But she didn't and wasn't. I was. Then barn owner mentioned it. I was skeptical; still afraid. But not Maddie. She waited until we got home and we talked about it. It was really what she wanted. She held my hand and told me it was good.
I couldn't agree more.
So now you can count it down with me. It's an incredible feeling. The anticipation is killing me...alREADY.
Thanks for coming. We'll chat more soon.
