Lessons through Riding Horses – Written by Jackie S.

The best part of my life has been riding horses. I was afraid of anything with four legs, but when I was nine years old my dad convinced me to ride.

I had three horses, the first was 35 years old. Most people were amazed at his age. I had one good year with him before he passed away. He taught me the importance of being close and how to let go.

I went on to a purebred Quarter Horse named Shelaco. When I asked the original owner what his name meant, they shared it was derived from a Native American name. He was 28 and lived for five amazing years. The thing that I liked most about him was he knew when I was on his back and when I wasn’t. When I wasn’t it turned drastic.

I remember a time my grandparents came over. My grandfather was riding and smacked Shelaco with a crop. The horse almost went over a fence. My grandfather’s shoulder was never the same. I don’t know many 70-something-year-olds that would have tried that!

My third horse was named Kermit. I fell off of him 16 times in one year! Through that, I learned the art of falling off. It took a while though as he was a retired racing horse. The racing never left his blood – that was until he was in a ring with gates or a voice came over the loudspeakers at a fairground.

My mom rode all three of the horses. With Kermit, she had to ride him for at least an hour before he would calm down enough for me to ride. I applaud my mom for getting up on Kermit countless times so that I could have a good ride. He would test her all the way but knew when I was on his back I was in charge and he better not try anything.

As you can see, horseback riding for me opened up a whole new world. I could be independent yet still rely on help to get on and off the horse. I won many ribbons and trophies with all of these horses.

The best part about riding the horses was I was able to be in “regular” classes – those classes that had individuals without disabilities. I found out that I could compete and win. It may not have been the top prize, but it was recognition based on what I did in the ring.

I remember when I placed sixth in one competition. My friends forgot I was out there and I competed against each of them. To be honest, they were all nice rides. I have many great memories!
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About The Author:
Jackie resides at Echoing Hills’ Community Living of Central Ohio and participates at Echoing Connections of Central Ohio. She inspires other through her determination and ability to be kind to everyone. Jackie enjoys writing and hopes to write an autobiography one day.