He said it naturally and without giving any thought to the import of his words. KC has been riding with me for five months and has absolutely thrown his life into our program. If he could, he would spend every minute either working horses, fixing fence, toting feed, or riding. That is why it was so good to hear him say "We have.." instead of "Steve has..."
One of the purposes of this blog is to encourage conventional riding facilities to develop riding and training programs that draw young people into riding with the fervor that our's does. One of the most important keys to that program is for the riders, and their families to feel that they have partial ownership of what we do. The feeling of ownership results in dedication and that dedication is what holds a program together in times of crisis.
KC is not the only example. Some Little riders work incessantly on work projects at the horse lot. They are joined by adults who develop programs and social events for the riders,constantly prime me with ideas for the program, bring furniture and books to the Little House, deliver feed and hay, participate in not only the fun part of the program but in the drudge work also.
So many of my riders and their families seem to always be asking themselves, "What can I do to help our program?" "Our Program"--that is what holds us together.
He will be there promptly in the morning.... or as promptly as his ride can get him there :) MSIH has changed his world for the better. Thank you for creating such a wonderful program and for being such a fabulous example to the riders and their families.
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