All the Things I’m Grateful For…

Hey EA! Today I’m participating in the #ImGratefulFor22 challenge! I’m thankful for a lot of things, so narrowing down to just a few was hard, but here are the five things I am the most grateful for.

My Family

To start off with, my family is one of the things I am the most grateful for. My parents haul me to and from every horse show, lesson, clinic, and have ed me unconditionally the whole time. My extended family, like my aunts, uncles, and grandparents, have traveled so far just to watch me ride and do what I love. All of them have made my ion possible, and have given me reasons to keep going even when I was about to quit. They have given me more love and more than just one girl should have, this is why all of them are on this list of things I’m grateful for.

My Best Friends

There are only a couple people that come to mind when I hear the term “best friend.” Naomi. I am so lucky to have all of these ladies in my life, they are all just so positive and are always there if I need someone to talk to. I’ve known Fio since I was 7 years old, and she has been with me every step of the way. I’ve known Princess since I was 8, and she has always done the best job at checking in on me and asking how I am. Naomi I met earlier this year, but she has already become one of my besties. She is just awesome to talk to and we always have the best conversations. These are reasons why I consider these girls my best friends, and why I have put all three of them on this list.

My Riding Instructors

Without Tom and Lisa, I would have no clue what I was I doing in the saddle. Tom has been with me ever since I started riding, he taught me everything about how to ride, from heels down to hands quiet. He was there for my first lope and my first gallop, he has been with me every step of the way, he really doesn’t even feel like an instructor anymore, he feels like family. Lisa, my gaming instructor, has taught me everything I need to know about gaming. She taught me how to be clean and smooth around a barrel and how to weave in and out of poles. She showed me how to be fast without being sloppy, and my times and runs have been so much better than they used to be. Both Tom and Lisa have taught me so much, and both have made me better rider. I truly am thankful for them, which is why they are on this list.

4-H

4-H is one of the best things to happen to me. I get to show with my horse and be around awesome people. I’ve had so many great experiences in the program, it’s my escape from the rest of the world where I just have my horse, my family and friends. It’s my social outlet, since I do school online, and because of 4-H, I have made so many new friends who are just the coolest people. I’ve been in the program for almost 4 years now, and I am so excited to show next year. 4-H gave me my first step in the show ring, which has lead to countless more steps in different show rings. 4-H kick started my love for showing, and that’s why it’s on this list of things I am thankful for.

My Horses

Last but most definitely not least, are my horses, Sissy, Nicky and Flicka. These horses have pulled me through thick and thin, and have saved me countless times. Sissy was my first pony, she taught me so much and I am so glad that she is a part of my life. She is sweetest, kindest, and cutest pony you will ever meet. Nicky is my rescue horse, and I say that with pride. He may be retired because of his issues, but he still brings happiness to everyone near him. He is the weirdest and funniest gelding you’ll ever meet, but that’s what makes him so lovable. Then we have Flicka, the greatest horse I have ever rode. Flicka is the one thing I am most thankful for, she’s helped me through so much, and I owe her everything. When my nana ed away last December, Flicka was the thing that kept me going. Flicka was the one thing that kept me from depression, and the one thing that could make me smile. Flicka is the best thing to happen to my life so far, and I can’t thank God enough for bringing her into my life. Flicka is the one thing that I am the most thankful for, we make each other whole, and I am so lucky that I get to call her “my horse.”