24 hours left of summer... Then what?

As summer draws to a close I find myself thinking about both the summer and my years at Elon.  With only one year left I'm soon going to be forced to think about what I want to do with my life.  How am I supposed to know what to do?  In terms of my horsey-life I know I may never have it as good as I do right now.  I have the best possible team of people around me - Grayson, Jim Bob, and Doc.  I have an amazing mare that I get to call my very own who has made me incredibly proud as she has matured into a wonderfully safe and sane partner, ready to tackle the world.  I took the pony I've had in training on and off for a year and a half to her first horse show where she got a ribbon in a big class and redefined what anyone thought was possible for her.  I received another gelding in on training to be a hunter prospect who is proving to be a sane, happy-go-lucky and willing partner despite the fact that he doesn't yet know anything.  I also get to move back to Honduras in October and teach photography with my close friend Meagan.

How could it improve?  Well, I'm not sure it could.  Despite the fact that I still work several jobs, am going to be riding 4 horses a day, and be a full time student, I'm happy.  I know I won't ever be able to live without horses in my life, and the more time I spend in North Carolina the more I know that this is where I want to be long term.  I know I may have to leave for a few years after I graduate, but NC is where I want to be.   The people are nicer, the weather is better (despite a hurricane and earthquake in the past week), and life is slower.  

If someone had told me 4 years ago that this is where I would be right now I would have laughed.  I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunities to meet the people I've met, prove myself to those around me, travel to some of the most incredible places in the world, and love every minute of it.

Here are some pictures of the newest addition, Grady.

All my children -

When you’re at the top, remember what if felt like at the bottom. When you’re at the bottom, remember what it felt like at the top.

Good doesn’t last forever. Neither does bad.

Fortune and love befriend the bold.

UNKNOWN

A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it.

JEAN DE LA FONTAINE

The mares and professional photos

 

Show mares

I know I know, its been forever since I've posted.  I have this habit of throwing myself completely into the moment, and lately that has meant 100% focus on the horses.  Both mares are for sale and they are both at their first horse show this weekend.  The yellow pony schooled this afternoon and will likely show tomorrow.  Aston flatted today and will school tomorrow, possibly showing on Sunday.  The main goal of the weekend is mileage.  Being at the show is a success in and of itself.  We have come a long way, and I'm so proud of what she has become.  I'm a happy girl.  

Remember when I first got the pony?

 

And then when I found out how talented she is?

And how calm, confident and wonderful she has become?

And here she is totally relaxed at the show this weekend.

I have learned so much from this little mare, and I really hope that she finds her very own kid.  She absolutely deserves it.  She's come so far!