Positivity is contagious!

The aptly named school horse Proton, aka Positively Charged. 

      I recently started taking lessons again (thanks goodness, says every horse I've ever ridden) and while it took me awhile to take the plunge, a huge part of that was waiting for the right environment. I didn't want to be swirling around in the black hole that is barn drama, running a race I never wanted to be in, surrounded by people who think riding is a rat race and that whoever wins the most blue ribbons MUST be the better horsewoman. I just want to enjoy my horse, and enjoy my time around horses (not that I don't want to compete, but as good ole George Morris said, "If I were in this for the bright lights and blue ribbons, I would have quit a long time ago.") So, when I stumbled across a barn that was welcoming, with a calm and encouraging vibe, I drank that Kool-Aid about as fast as I wrote the check for my first lesson package. It wasn't just the quality, well-managed school horses, or the encouraging and positive instructor: it was a lot more than that. I usually try to get to the barn early before a lesson, whether it is on my own horse or a school horse; there is nothing worse than being rushed around horses."Act like you've got all day, and it will take 15 minutes. Act like you've got 15 minutes and it will take all day." -Ray Hunt 

    While I was assembling my tack and grooming supplies, I ran into a young woman who has been working her tail off with her pony. He's a little hot and a lot sassy, and not the easiest ride in general, it seems. I watched a lesson of hers a few weeks ago, and she was quick to praise him when he was well-behaved, and you could tell she was willing to put in the work to improve their rides and their relationship. She was cleaning her tack in the tack room after a lesson (hers ends right as I need to start getting ready for mine) and we hadn't actually had a chance to talk before. I introduced myself, and we chatted about her pony and her lesson, and she had the most positive praise for that pony. She said they were working hard, and getting better every week, and she's excited for their first horse trial of the year in May. Her positivity and excitement were absolutely contagious! And that's really thanks to the great team at Pearl Equestrian. When the horses are happy and well-cared for in meticulously maintained facilities, and the instruction is both kind and encouraging, you yourself are the only element left to determine whether or not you will be successful. And the parting words of that sweet kid? "I'll see you later! I hope you have a great ride!" And out she went into the world with a friendly wave and a contagious smile. And a great ride was had by Proton and myself. 

" Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things."  -Philippians 4:8