Danielle and Lydia

Yesterday was a very special day for Danielle, and it was a pretty good day for Lydia too. Yesterday Danielle gave Bird Women her first independent ride. She has done the work on this filly nearly all by herself. She took her in hand through all of the obstacles that we created in pasture number one until Bird Women gained enough confidence to take a rider. I lead her with Danielle aboard for a bit. Then, at Danielle's request. I tied off the buck rein and she rode her effortlessly around the pasture. The pony was as relaxed as could be. She had come to completely trust Danielle because Danielle had taken the time to earn her trust.
Last night she took on a very serious tone as we sat in the Little House. Reflecting back over the day she said with the utmost seriousness, "I am proud of myself, Steve, and I am proud of Bird Women." I was prouder than she was.
It is great to see a kid proud of something they have done instead of something they have purchased.
Lydia did great too. She is one step away from giving Owl Prophet his first independent ride. Lydia, like Danielle, has developed a remarkable ability to relax a scared horse and make it feel comfortable. She has contagious confidence. She is going to do more with that little stallion than she even realizes, like ride him for a hundred miles over a weekend in a few months.
The picture taken above is about three years old. Danielle and Lydia flank me in the picture. Danielle is the one wearing rib protectors. Lydia is at my immediate left hand.
Riders like this will trick a man into thinking that he is a good teacher.