Making time...

There comes a time when you need to make some changes and make time for the things and people that matter most.  Ever since high school, I really can't remember a time when I was riding (other than right after having my boys) that I didn't have an outside horse in to train.  I've been blessed in working with some awesome people who provided me some amazing horses over the years to work with.  I'm so grateful for those that believed in me enough to entrust me with their horses.  This has been my life.  I love training horses and putting that solid foundation on them so that they can go on and excel with their owners and have a successful career long after they leave our barn.   Knowing that this summer was going to be busy with our two boys and getting back into the groove, I kept my outside horses to a minimum.  After sending my last outside horse home this last weekend, I was humbled as I read through my waiting list of horses to ride and of the continued support and belief people have in me and my program. This made my decision to not take in any more outside horses even harder to make.

I think back on some of the horses I've had the great privilege to throw my saddle on.  All of them I learned something on that helped mold me into the trainer and rider that I am today.   The experience and knowledge that I gained has been invaluable through these horses.  All the hard work, wear and tear on my body,  riding in the wind/rain/snow/heat/cold weather are all worth it as I hear about horses that have came through my barn go on to make nice barrel horses for their owners.  Some have brought home purple ribbons at the fair, are saddle winners, hitting the pro circuit, making the high school finals, whatever avenue they are in, it makes my heart happy to hear the updates from their owners.  

I realize though that my family is growing up too fast and all the time that I can spend with them now, I need to cherish it while it's there because it will be gone in the blink of an eye.  Not only our boys, but our own horse program is young and ready to go on with too. Our first colts are three and are in need of being first in line to be saddled instead of saddling that outside horse first.  The time has come for me to put my whole heart and soul into our own family and our horse program.  I'm excited to be able to spend this time on something that we've worked so hard for and seeing the results.  I'm excited to be able to spend more time with my boys, doing more things with them and not being rushed to do this and do that.  I'm thankful for my hard working husband for all he does so that it allows me to take this step back.

Now is the time...Now is the time, to make time for what matters most.  I'm not going to say that I'm done training for the public, but for now, my saddle is going on those O-O branded horses.  I'm happy, I'm hopeful, and I'm ready for this change.